The top on the right emphasizes the width of my shoulders and along with the necklace creates a horizontal line which reduces the length of my neck. The A-line skirt skims over my lumpy thighs and stops at a more flattering point just below the knee, making my legs look more in proportion. The slight heel on the sandals and low straps also give the illusion of more length in the legs. The overall effect makes my petite frame appear slimmer and better proportioned.

Getting to Know your Shape

Everyone has their own individual body shape, and styles that look great on your friend, may not flatter you at all, so it is important to understand your own body shape and know what styles work for you. The outfit on the left would better suit someone with a short neck, larger bust, long legs and high round hips.

When working with clients I will generally start with an analysis of the body shape and proportions, looking at the features to disguise and more importantly the features to enhance. I then work with cloth drapes, which are designed to imitate parts of clothing (ie different necklines) so that we can visually explore what works for the client. The next stage is to look at patterns; I have 40 cloth drapes with different patterns in different scales which I drape over the client to see what works with their face and body shape and scale. Finally we look at their style personality to assess what clothing styles they like and what would be appropriate for them considering their age, occupation and lifestyle. Finally I make a style file of personal recommendations to help with shopping and wardrobe planning.

For taster sessions and body image and style parties, I introduce the five basic body shapes. We then analyse each other's shapes, look at body proportions and any areas to correct and finish by identifying each others' best features.

Benefits of Body Image and Style Analysis

As we age our style needs to grow up with us, but that doesn't mean that we can't look contemporary and stylish. The very fashionable styles that we may have got away with in our youth don't always look as good on an older woman. The trick is in understanding what suits your figure and choosing individual garments or accessories to update your look and keep it current.

When your clothes compliment your shape and scale and express your personality, you look well proportioned and give out the correct messages about who you are and what you want from life. When you look your best people respond to you in a more positive way. Body image and style analysis can be a very therapeutic experience, it can help boost your self esteem and confidence, increase your attractiveness and improve your professional image.

For further reading on style and line I would recommend the following books: