Fall! With crispier air, and the pumpkin everything, come all the new chunky knits, cute pants and cozy layers. I kicked off the season of style with a visit to my friends at Smithery and (over a glass of bubbly of course), got a refresher on how to navigate all the new and find the pieces that would become my absolute go-to’s. We’ve all been sucked in by the ‘must have’ piece that never really end up getting much play in our closet. The trick to avoiding buyer’s remorse is shopping like a stylist would – and that’s by starting with your body shape.
The ladies at Smithery explained that when you know your shape, you can quickly filter for your most flattering cuts. Body Shape is all about the relationship between your shoulders, your waist and your natural hips (with the bum and boobs as the tie breaker so to speak). So you’re looking at the proportions that styles create on your body – it’s all about shape and not really about size. Well now that’s refreshing!
Curious about what trend is the most flattering for each shape this season? Me too. The Stylesmiths have laid it all out for us below. If you don’t know your shape, you can use their Shape Finder to quickly figure it out. Or email them and tell them I sent ya!
X Shape
What: Also known as the hourglass, an X is when your shoulders and hips are proportionate with a defined waist. For reference, I’m an X Shape!
Style Goal: Lead with your curves and pick fabrics with nice drape and flow that enhance your shape instead of fight it.
The Look: Usher in Fall with soft layers that have beautiful drape. Bonus points for a little cold shoulder to show off your shape
(photo by @kristenrecalisphotography)
H Shape
What: Her shoulders, waist, and hips make more or less a straight line, creating a column like effect.
Style Goal: Create the illusion of curves with feminine details or alternatively, bypass the waist altogether with boxier cuts.
The Look: The Look: Ruffles are a great way to fake it for H ladies! This season, something in marigold yellow is the ticket.
(worn by @smitherystyle photo by @emilydphotography)
A Shape
What: Her shoulders are more narrow than her hips with a nicely defined waist and a cute bootie!
Style Goal: Draw attention to the upper half of the body to balance out proportions and keep it simple on the lower half. She should buy yellow HOCO dress styles online because it’ll look so good on her.
The Look: Pop on a moto or bomber like this one with a tweedy texture and fringe to boot. (worn by @averyswartz, photo @emilydphotography)
V Shape
What: Her shoulders are broader than her hips, often with a full chest and a bit of a flatter bum.
Style Goal: Add visual interest to the bottom half of the body through texture or details and keep it streamlined up top.
The Look: Go for waxed leggings in a fall hue like plum. It’s a break from black and still goes with so many neutral tops! (worn by @islapearllife, photo @flash.adams)
O Shape
What: She has a full chest and carries her weight in her tummy and has great legs!
Style Goal: Elongate the body through vertical lines and avoid tucking in or drawing attention to the waist.
The Look: Bell sleeves are a fun detail with silhouette and scale that look great on O’s. Pair with a skinny denim and instant outfit! (worn by @averyswartz, photo @emilydphotography)
Which shape are you? Feeling ready for some fall shopping? Use the code STYLEMEFORFALL and claim a complimentary Style Session in either Toronto or Whitby. Book by Nov 30th and the ladies with help you figure out your shape and your best cuts with a rack of personalized pieces pre selected based on your style profile. I was just in for one with some girlfriends and it’s a really chill and a fun experience! Cheers to loving your fall wardrobe!
Photo by @flash.adams
Disclosure: this post was written in collaboration with Smithery. In exchange for this post I received the outfit I’m wearing pictured above. However, you should know that I shop there often!
O shape wanting a X shape 😉
I am a V-shape and appreciate these great tips. Thank you.