Before we get into any beauty or styling articles I have a lesson on genetic body shape advice and how you can work out what shape you are. One of the main things to remember is that we all need to love your unique size, shape and frame.

We are all different and we need to embrace what we have with love and happiness. I’m a personal stylist but also an advocate of self love and positive mental health when it comes to loving the body your in. This stems from being very insecure when I was younger and having many issues around my body and food. Not knowing how to prepare myself for changes in my body as I grew up. Looking at myself in such a negative way caused me to feel very isolated and lost as a teen. So I turned this on it’s head in my 20s and learnt all I could about styling, beauty, image and positive mental health along with a healthy lifestyle and in turn it became a life long career that I simply love.

I’ve learnt so much about happiness and it all boils down to one thing health. A healthy body equals a healthy mind and goes a long way to helping us realise we can’t change what nature has given us.

Working with other women that are struggling when it comes to their looks is a passion not a job. I meet simply incredible ladies everyday and many don’t see what others see, a stunning and beautiful woman in front of them. Lots of girls can be riddled with self hatred due to a past event, a nasty comment or a childhood memory. And it’s my job to help them get back on track to loving what they see in the mirror every morning. Even if it’s just a confidence boosting set of beautiful nails. Never underestimate the power of a stunning set of gel nails or sculptured nail extensions as they lift the spirit!

But health is the main key to a happy mindset and body and accepting that we all have genetically different shapes. A shape that no matter how much dieting or exercise you do it’s not going to change the shape of your body. You might slim down but the shape will still be there. If your someone that looks in the mirror and have areas you have always hated you might find reading this picks you up and inspires you to feel simply awesome about yourself. Once you know your genetic body shape you will be set free and can then play with style.

Different Body Shapes

My aim is to help you look and feel truly amazing everyday. I style all my clients before photoshoots, for events, or if I’m doing a set of gel nails I always ask my girls what they are loving in their wardrobes right now and what they have coming up that needs a pop of colour. I share my basic rules on a daily basis so I have decided to jot them down to help everyone here at Southampton Business & Lifestyle.

One thing thats apparent is that lots of you find it mind boggling as stores are constantly stocking new items each week. Its so easy to indulge in meaningless fashion choices over true style. Should we keep up with fashion or become really classic, classy and clever dressers. I opt for both being a stylist but that’s because it’s my job and having a fashion blog on my website I need to keep it fresh!

My main rule is ignore the label and try on loads of different sizes to see what fits you. Most highs trees stores have such a huge turn around of stock they don’t have quality control so sizing is all over the place.

Once you determine your body shape its relatively easy to dress for your inner style icon. We all have one lurking within ourselves trust me.

I will give you the basic ideas for each body shape, this will enable you to get a sense of what shape you really are and how you can dress more effectively. But first you need to understand the key principles of your own body shape.

Genetic Body Shape Advice Guide

The apple and the inverted triangle has slimmer arms & legs but puts weight on around the tummy or the back.

Apples and triangles are very similar but one separate rule is shoulders. The apple has smaller rounded so they need a little more structure and the triangle has a more athletic broad look so they need to soften their upper body with dropped raglan sleeves.
Ladies, your rules are to layer your clothing and add long waistcoats left open is a good disguise. This will draw attention to the narrow section down the middle of your torso giving the appearance of being slimmer and creating vertical lines.
Long draping fashion is great for you as it will flatter and create gentle curves.
Opt for darker all over colours as your base layer and add colour with dangly and long accessories.
Avoid choker necklaces as these will only cut across the body and create a shorter torso.
Wear jackets open to create the look of a slim line down the centre.
Roll up the sleeves of the jacket to show off the slim arms.
Add a bangle to draw attention away from the body with your long line necklace or scarf will work a treat.
Long tunic tops worn over dark skinny jeans to show off those impressive legs.
Loose fitting dresses or trapeze dresses like 60s versions are amazing worn with over the knee boots.
Keep it balanced and simple. Fairly simple when you know how.

The Pear has a small chest, curvy hips and have a little more substantial rear. Always gains weight on the thighs and bottom.

The main style tips for the pear shaped woman is to wear floaty long maxi style dresses and loose trousers. Most pear shapes will have a smaller bust so looking slim from head to toe is a doddle for this shape.
You will most probably have a very defined waist. The way to create the perfect shape is to draw attention to your upper body. And to create the illusion that the lower half is in fact all in proportion. You’ll look wonderful and stunning with a few of my style tricks!
Opt for bold colours or vivid prints on the top half and keep the lower half more neutral. You want to play down your slightly larger bottom half.
Most fitted tops will work wonders but keep in mind that you need to create balance. So keep away from darker colours on your top half. Wide necklines are perfect and also strapless tops and dresses.
Make the most of a tiny waist and always add a belt. Even if its over a jacket. Take off the one that comes with the coat and invest in a seasonal capsule eye catching one. Places like Reiss always have such an amazing range.
Look for pretty tops that eventuate the waist. Loose flowing tops are ok but remember to add that stunning belt. Also tops that cover a slightly larger bottom help cover your widest part.
Darker trousers create a more slimming effect. Also loose filling or flowing trousers are perfect. Make sure that they have a grown on waist band and are not too distracting with busy prints. Denim is ok but be warned that skinny jeans might not be the best shape. Flared jeans are better as they will balance out your shape.
Now the main rule here is the length of hem lines. You ideally want to draw the eye to the smallest part of the leg. Avoid short skirts or garments that end around the widest part of the leg.
Avoid like the plague embroidered pockets or any detailing around the widest part of your body. So that cute pair of sequinned embellished jeans you have picked up in Topshop, put them down and walk away! Go and find a stunning sequin fitted top and pair with a floaty maxi skirt. You will thank me so much for persuading you to do so.
Skater dresses are your best friends. The right fit and they will draw the eye towards the smallest part of your frame, your waist.
A-line or tulip shapes are also are good choices. Avoid tight filling anything that stick to your hips.
Lastly add a statement necklace as this will draw the eye towards the smaller part of your body.

The Hourglass has curves in all the right places. You have a defined waist and your proportions are very symmetrical but your legs and bottom can be on the bigger side. Weight goes on the bust and bottom fairly easily.

Your main feature is your waist. So garments should nip in and show off those stunning curves.
Extra emphasis on your bust will make you look bigger so you need to avoid large spaces of block colour. So roll necks are not a great idea. Look for V necks and halter necklines. Along with scoop necks to soften the top half.
Avoid wide necklines like boat necks and squares as these will only make you look top heavy.
Fitted and tailored garments are perfect for you. You are about the only shape in the spectrum that can really pull off a tube dress with ease.
Always add a belt to jackets, dresses, even jumpers. Shorter fitted styles are cute and jackets or tops that finish above your hips will show off that beautiful frame of yours.
Anything that draws the attention to your waist is key.
Hourglass figures look simply amazing in full 50s style skirts as this really creates the illusion of a tiny waist.
Avoid too many embellished tops with ruffles and trimmings as these will only make the top half look way big.
Soft draping fabrics will work wonders with dreamy curves. So always choose softer and more luxurious flowing garments.
Kick flares are a good choice proportion wise. they will balance out the frame if you have slightly wider hips.
Lastly always try to go with vertical stripes rather than horizontal. this will create the illusion of height.

The Rhubarb is straight up and down with hardly any waist but has slim legs and arms. Like myself the weight always goes on the tummy and those dreaded love handles, I call them holiday handles!

Emphasise your legs with skinny jeans and heels. This will draw attention away from your thicker waist.
Create curves by wearing floaty skirts.
Make the most of being slim up top and show off your arms or wear a smock top.
Add a long necklace for a feature.
Only wear belts when wearing wider garments on the bottom or you will draw the attention to a lager waist in comparison to the rest of the body.
Jewellery is a free area you can wear whatever you like. Just don’t overdo it. Think like Chanel… Take of the last accessory to create the perfect done/undone look
Aways wear darker colours around the mid section to create the look of a smaller waist.
Keep well away from fitted white tops. This will only make you look bigger than you actually are.
Never wear overly clingy as this will only make you look too skinny
Don’t wear too low V neck if you have a very small bust as this will make the top half look thiner.
Layer clothing as this will create curves
Skinny jeans with loose tops and heels are perfect

One dress that never really goes out of style is the wrap dress as they are a wardrobe staple and flatter 99% of women. They hug you in the right places and also hang beautifully over the areas most of us have concerns with. My top tip is to get in that changing room and try them on!

I’m wearing a stunning dress from Warehouse in theses images. It’s a firm favourite this season for me and always makes me feel so comfortable. I adore the asymmetrical shape this dress has. Teamed with my favourite Modalu bag and Russel & Bromley over the knee boots. This outfit it looks perfectly balanced with the black trimming and waist bow.

Naturally I themed my makeup and wore a pop of coral lipstick to pull the look so effortlessly together. Makeup plays such a huge part of any look you wear.

If you need any help with nails, HD brows, personal styling, photoshoots, family portraits (as I always pay attention to making mummy look her best) beauty and makeup advice please don’t hesitate in contacting me for more information. I’m a text, email or call away.

Love Sarah x

For more information on my services visit my website or follow me on Instagram.

Genetic body shape advice

Genetic Body Shape Advice Guide