Understand Your Body Shape

As far back as I can remember, I have had trouble finding ready to wear clothes which both fit and flatter me.
I have proportionally large hips compared to my bust and waist. In clothing terms, skirts and pants have to be larger in size than tops.
My first solution was to make my own clothing, and I would  adjust patterns to fit. I took a course in pattern design, so I could make well fitting clothes. However, when I made up the styles which looked so good on the models, they rarely looked good on me.
I gave up making clothes, and now buy separates. However, it wasn't until I discovered  Trinny and Susannah's What Not to Wear that I began to understand why some styles never looked good on me.
Their book The Body Shape Bible: Forget Your Size Discover Your Shape Transform Yourself gives their no nonsense approach to understanding your own figure. A preview is here, and another analysis is here.
Some of the names are a bit unflattering, but Trinny and Susannah tell it like it is.
Do some research, and see what you come up with for your own body shape. I am a pear. We can't all afford a fashion makeover, but wouldn't it be great if we chose the "right" clothes when shopping?

Style, not Fashion for Real Women

The multibillion dollar fashion industry constantly bombards us with images of super slim models, wearing their latest creations. Very often, even these super slim models look ridiculous displaying the latest designer outfits. Even though a large proportion of women could not afford these "looks", the industry tries to dictate what styles, colors, accessories and make-up we should be wearing.

In the last few years, I have been learning about principles of design and color, which can be used to create individual flattering styles for various figure  types and skin tones. We "real women" cannot all wear the same styles. What will enhance one person's appearance, will detract from some one else's.

Knitters, sewers and crocheters have a huge advantage over those of our sisters who have to buy their clothing  "off the rack". We can choose stlyes which suit us, and construct our garments in the fabrics and yarns of our choice.

The purpose of this blog is to share what I have learned, and invite input from others who have found ways to dress which minimise figure problems, and enhance our good points. In particular, I would like to apply the principles to knitted garments.

Question - If you were a little overweight, which of these sweaters would suit you best, why?