Don't like to shop (for me) ...

[Anonymous]

I know us ladies are typically (well, speaking for myself!) extremely self-critical, and I'm probably one of the "winners" in this category, because I can be pretty unforgiving. For me it stems from a lifelong self-consciousness of being extremely petite in the bust. People would normally remark, meaning to complement, that I'm so thin. But, it's not really this way. I'm medium boned, and have probably would have a decent hourglass shape (because I have hips, so, I do have some curvyness), if I were more ample up there. And of course, if I gain some weight, it has to right to the hips and not where I could use it (!)

Anyway, all that as background ... So, it's a shame that I've let my insecurities really control how I dress. I'm not hiding or covering up unnaturally, but I just don't think I look good with say a more fitted top. Instead, I'll opt for something probably more loose, with chest pockets, kind of like a strategy to give more "oomph" or illusion in that area, or more to distract from the relative flatness up there. I've tried some boosting bras (e.g., with padding), and it really has to be minimal or otherwise it just feels off (like 2 hard things on my chest). I'm not one for surgery, and knowing me, if I got a lift of any sort, I'd dislike myself because I had to get something done. Plus, it would be an obvious change from what I am now, and that would feel off to me.

Sorry for the rambling. I guess I just wonder if other ladies out there feel like it's a burden/chore to find the right clothes for their shape, perhaps similar to what I'm describing. I can't help to envy those who actually have fun shopping, trying on this or that, and loving their look in the mirror. It takes me so long to find something that I feel is somewhat flattering, and often in the end I leave empty-handed and letdown.

[Anonymous]

(Sorry, long day and I should've been more careful .... meant to type, meaning to "compliment" ... ignore the extra "have" ... if I gain weight, it has to "go" right to the hips...)

[Anonymous]

OP here, just a p.s. to say that I didn't mean to imply that my only self-critique is "up there," with that 'hourglass figure' comment. (It's not like I have a "perfect" shape except for the top, so I'd look stunning. I'm the last one to be conceited.)

In any case, thanks in advance if others write, and/or maybe share tips on how they style themselves.

[Anonymous]

My shape is the inverse of yours, but it really comes down to accepting your natural shape as yours and figuring out what cuts flatter your shape. Sort of like how you need to learn how to accept the natural texture of your hair and stop fighting it. Grass might look greener on the other side, but it is still just grass.

Although I love a lot of things at Anthropologie and Banana Republic, their tops and dresses do nothing for my shape. You, on the other hand, would probably look great in a lot of those clothes. It helps if you start to notice what looks good on others with a similar shape.

And start thinking about all the wonderful things your body can do and less about the exact shape of it.

The writer of Capitol Hill Style claims to have a body type like your (healthy hips, small waist, small chest). You might be inspired by some of our outfit selections.
http://www.caphillstyle.com/

I've run across a style blog that defines different body shapes and gives suggestions for how to flatter those shapes. Unfortunately, I don't recall the name of it. But I think she had something like eight different shapes (X, 8, V, A , H, O and a few more).

[Anonymous]

I'm with you OP. I'm short, with a short-waisted, slightly pear-shaped body, plumpish body. Finding clothes that fit and are flattering is an ordeal. I've always dreaded shopping for clothes and have always been frustrated by the many styles that I simply cannot wear. I also have always had body image issues, dating back to a youth spent practicing an unforgiving, body-conscious discipline for which I was not built. Although, by now, I'm over the worst of it (eating disorders), I still suffer from "one day I think it looks good on me, the next I think it looks hideous" syndrome. So I have a closet full of clothes that I rarely wear and a few items that I feel comfortable with and wear them to their death. Sigh.

[Anonymous]

Hi ladies, OP writing .. thanks for both of your replies. 10:00, I'll check out that link and maybe look into those body shape suggestions. I believe I'm the A shape, because I'm kind of half a pear (ha, sounds funny!) with my smaller upper area ...

PP, I'm like you, with being short-waisted ... so that's always been another challenge coupled with the less ample higher region. I struggled with an eating disorder in my late teens, though thankfully it wasn't long-lived. Still, like you, I remain with the self-critical nature. But, I'm not making things up ... Sometimes (many times!) those cookie cutter sizes/styles just don't fit me right.

[Anonymous]

OP, I might suggest a quicker and easier solution. Why not hire a professional to do a body type analysis and tell you what to look for? It will take the guesswork out of it. Not sure if you read previous threads but someone mentioned www.aici.org as the resource to check out.

[Anonymous]

Hi PP (OP here) ... Hmm, I can see how that would help, but somehow I can't picture myself doing that. To be honest, I'm probably too shy/self-conscious, and I think I can figure some stuff out (though it's a struggle, like 10:30 mentioned, too). Again, it is a good point, though. It's definitely welcome to hear from ladies who maybe have similar "issues," to empathize, and maybe offer some tips.