What Is My Body Shape? A Simple, Confidence-Building Way to Understand Yours
Understanding Your Body Shape and How to Dress For It Confidently
If you’ve ever typed “what is my body shape?” into Google and felt more confused than helped, you’re not alone.
Most advice online reduces bodies to rigid categories and endless rules — which often leaves women feeling unsure, self-critical, or overwhelmed.
In this post, I’ll explain what body shape actually means, how to understand yours, and how to use that knowledge to feel more confident in your clothes — not boxed in.
What Does “Body Shape” Actually Mean?
Traditionally, body shapes have been defined using fixed categories like hourglass, pear or apple. While these labels can be a helpful starting point, they don’t always reflect real bodies — and they certainly don’t tell the full story.
Your body shape is really about the overall balance and proportion between your shoulders, waist and hips, and how clothing sits on your body.
You may recognise some of the common body shape terms:
Hourglass
Pear
Apple
Rectangle
Inverted triangle
At The Style Angle, I don’t put you into a box (or a fruit bowl!). Instead, I use body shape as a practical guide, working with you to understand fit, proportion and personal style, so the advice you receive is truly personalised to you and your shape.
The focus is always on what feels comfortable, balanced and confident — not on following rigid rules.
How Do I Work Out My Body Shape?
A simple way to start understanding your body shape is to look at proportion, not size.
Ask yourself:
Are my shoulders wider, narrower or similar to my hips?
Is my waist clearly defined or more subtle?
Where does clothing naturally feel fitted or loose?
It’s very common to feel like you don’t fit neatly into one category — and that’s completely normal. Most women are a blend, which is why personal guidance matters more than charts.
Why Knowing Your Body Shape Can Be Helpful
When body shape is used well, it helps you:
Understand why certain clothes feel “off”
Choose cuts and silhouettes that feel balanced
Stop blaming your body for clothes that don’t work
Shop with more confidence and intention
The goal isn’t to change how you look — it’s to understand how clothes work.
Body Shape Is Not About Hiding Your Body
One of the biggest myths around body shape advice is that it’s about disguising or “fixing” certain areas.
At The Style Angle, body shape guidance focuses on:
Dressing the body you have now
Feeling comfortable and supported
Choosing clothes that move with your life
Building confidence, not restriction
There are no “don’ts” — only what feels right for you.
Why Online Body Shape Quizzes Often Fall Short
Many women come to me after trying online quizzes that:
Feel overly rigid
Ignore real-life comfort
Don’t reflect lifestyle or personality
Create more questions than answers
Body shape advice works best when it’s personal, practical and explained in a way that makes sense for everyday life.
How Body Shape Is Used in Personal Styling
During a personal styling session, body shape is explored gently and realistically.
This includes:
Understanding your proportions
Exploring which shapes feel most natural on you
Learning simple styling tips you can use every day
Combining shape guidance with colour and personal style
This approach gives you clarity — without pressure or labels taking over.
Final Thought: Body Shape Should Bring Clarity, Not Confusion
If learning about body shape has ever left you feeling more critical or restricted, the advice — not your body — is the problem.
Used properly, understanding your body shape can help you feel comfortable, confident and like yourself again in what you wear.
Body Shape FAQs
What is my body shape based on?
Your body shape is based on the relationship between your shoulders, waist and hips — not your weight or clothing size.
Do I have to fit into one body shape?
No. Many women don’t fit perfectly into one category. Body shape is a guide, not a definition.
Can my body shape change over time?
Yes. Body shape can shift due to life stages such as motherhood, menopause, weight changes or lifestyle changes — which is why advice should evolve with you.
Is knowing my body shape enough to dress well?
Body shape is a great starting point, but it works best when combined with colour, lifestyle and personal style.
Can a personal stylist help me understand my body shape?
Yes. A personal stylist can help you understand your proportions in a supportive, practical way — without rigid rules or judgement.
Ready to Understand Your Body Shape in a Way That Actually Makes Sense?
If you’re tired of guessing your body shape or trying to make generic advice work, personalised support can make all the difference.
During a Your Shape & Style session, we’ll explore your body shape and proportions in a practical, confidence-building way — alongside colour and style — so you can understand what works for you and feel comfortable in your clothes again.
There’s no pressure to fit into a box, follow rules, or overhaul your wardrobe. Just clear guidance you can use every day.
Learn more about more about my Personal Styling Services, or if you need som advice on what you need, please book in for one of my FREE 15-Minute Consultations to chat about what services might be best for you.
