Personal Shopper

The foundation of real personal style is to find clothing that flatters your shape, not an idealized form. Get to know your body and its unique measurements.  Develop your eye to choose clothing based on proportions and styles that fit your body type. Your clothing should not cling or be too loose, but skim your silhouette. Clothing should also fit your lifestyle and be appropriate for the situation.

Step 1.  MEASURE YOURSELF

EXPERT TIP:  Place one finger between your skin and the measuring tape to build some slack.

Shoulder to Shoulder:  from the edge of one shoulder to the edge of the other across the back.      

Bust:  around the fullest part of your chest under your arms

Natural waist: around your waist at your navel
Low waist:  around your waist 1-1.5 inches below natural waist
 

High hip: 4-5 inches below your natural waist
Low hip: 8-9 inches below your natural waist.
 

Thigh: around the widest part.

Rise: from natural waist down to the crotch.
Inseam: from inner thigh near crotch down to the ankle bone.
 

Keep these new measurements handy and refer to them when buying clothing and looking at size charts. 

EXPERT TIP:  Many women have trouble determining their correct rise in pants.  Your best bet is to find a pair of pants that fit and look great, measure the rise from the crotch seam to the top waist band.  That may very well be your perfect rise!

Now that you have your measurements, go to STEP 2 to determine your Body Type.