Disclosure: This is a Fashionista Event Opportunity, and is hosted by Still Blonde after all these YEARS and Modly Chic.
So it’s obvious I’m no skinny mini, but that doesn’t stop me from looking cute OR trying. It should’t stop anyone. Thanks to Monroe and Main for being the industry leader in clothing that fits various body types in size 6-24 or S-3X, all shapes and sizes are able to find something beautiful to wear.
First we need to determine what size you are. The following infographics will tell you how to help you determine what shape wear will be best suited for your body. Click on the images to be taken to the Monroe and Main site for more information on how to measure yourself. You’ll be so surprised at how easy it is and how spot on it will be.
Using this handy little tool I was able to measure myself and choose the style item that would fit my shape best.
After measuring myself I determined that my shape is the rectangle. Here’s what the Monroe and Main site says for the Rectangle shape:
Rectangle
For rectangle body shapes, the waist isn’t as naturally defined. In fact, you likely have a rectangle body shape if all three of your measurements are somewhat similar. Garments like belted or A-line dresses that define a waist willgive your body great shape.
Following the recommendations I made the excellent choices. I have tried many different kinds of Shapewear and was so excited to get the Front Corset. Easy to wear and slimming in the tummy area, aka my problem area. And I have to say it was a great choice for the garment I chose.
Make sure to link up to the Monroe and Main Pinterest page for even more inspiration and how to dress your body type.
The Make It Mesh Floral dress is just beautiful. I could not have chosen a more perfect dress. It is an A-line which I normally don’t go with but it had extra mesh panels cascading from the front that were great for camouflaging my tummy area. With the corset on it worked fabulously. I’m normally not one to go sleeveless either. The top was wide enough to cover my shoulders and the tops of my arms which I appreciated. I didn’t feel self conscious in this dress at all. WIN WIN WIN!! I also have to mention my new shoes! I chose the Monroe and Main Side Tab Collar shoe to go with my dress. They are super comfy and easy to wear. I’m not too good at walking in heels, but these are my favorite!
Now for the giveaway!
One of my lucky readers will win: “How to Dress Your Body Type Kit” which will include the Monroe and Main measuring tape and a $185 Monroe and Main shopping spree for shapewear and an outfit.
And another surprise! You can also enter to win the same prize on 24 other blogs!! Your welcome!! Enter below!
I took my measurements and I found out that I have an hourglass shape and I how I wear my clothes to flatter that shape is important.
I learned that i am an oval shape and should wear dresses and belted jackets
I took my measurements and learned I am hourglass although I think I am dangerously close to oval! I never knew how they determined shapes so that was interesting.
I learned that taking good measurements is really the only way to know your shape. Each shape can be accentuated and beautiful with the right clothes.
I learned I’m a rectangle shape and A-line dresses work best for me!
I learned that you should first get measurements of your bust, waistline, and hips.
I took my measurements and learned I am hourglass figure.
I’ve never tried shape wear. But I was tempted with the Military Ball coming up!
I learned the importance of a measuring tape and proper measurements to determine appropriate shape.
I learned that I’m a triangle shape because I have somewhat narrow shoulders. I always thought I was an hourglass because I’m so busty. (PS-I love that dress on you!!)
I had no idea there so many different body types! Also, I the first step in determining body type is to start with your body’s measurements.
What gorgeous pieces!!!
I’m an hourglass shape, and I should wear bold prints and colors to accentuate my shape!
I’m a triangle. Bigger on the bottom, so solid dark pants and skirts are best for me. To draw the eye upward, I should sport bright and/or printed tops.
That is a cute dress. I need to check out Monroe and Main 🙂
I sure your like that fun colorful dress you are wearing. Will have to save up some $ and go shopping on that site… after I get my measurements!
This is such a great article. I think we’ve all been guilty of trying to wear something that just wasn’t right for us. Thanks for the tips.
I learned I am a triangle shape. and that you basically have to measure your hips and waist and your overall “shape” to determine what shape you really are.
thank you!
I learned I am an hourglass! (I kinda already knew that though! LOL)
Great Giveaway, I entered!
I learned the proper way to measure my body and some neat tips on what colors to wear.
I learned that you learn your shape by measuring your bust, waistline, and hips
I learn that I am hourglass figure what too help w ith my body type thanks
I learned the right way to take my measurements, I didn’t know to wrap around the crease in your waist and bring down to your navel.
i learned im a triangle and i should wear wide leg pants
To get your proper measurements and then find where those numbers fall.
What a pretty dress. I learned the proper way to take measurements
As a professional costume designer, I say never measure yourself! As soon as you look down, your body shifts and measurements can be off! Have a friend help you, and use that guide you included. More help is good! 🙂
Oval
For oval body shapes, the waist measurement is larger than the bust and hip numbers. This is a very common body shape – if you have it, add some definition to your body by wearing structured and belted tops or jackets and dresses that help you emphasize a natural waist. Tops that highlight the thin area just below your bust will add instant definition.
What a gorgeous dress! I think it’s very important to dress for your shape, I try to as much as I can!
Having options for every body type is awesome. It’s important to customize your clothing style to your individual body type.
The dress you chose is absolutely stunning and brightly colored, which is perfect for spring. I would be interested in seeing what style is ideal for my body shape.
I learned not to overmatch because it looks better to have some contrast. Your shoes and dress really fit my style and taste. I’m particularly delighted, though to see the front-closing corset, They are so comfortable. This is an awesome giveaway. I love manufacturers who treat customers to a nice surprise now and then.
I learned how to properly measure myself. By the way that dress looks great on you!
I really need to study these infographics. My dressier clothes tend to be so ill-fitting and uncomfortable. I know it’s because I’m not choosing the right outfits for my body shape.
I learned what measurements to take to determine my body type, I discovered I have an hourglass figure.
This is such an informative piece of information. It really does make a difference when someone dresses according to their body shape and size.
This is fantastic information. I have an hour glass figure. I will use these tips when i am buying my summer wardrobe.
I found that I am an oval, and that I can use that body frame knowledge to pick out outfits that will flatter.
The dress you chose was super cute and very flattering. I will have to look into what they recommend for my oval shape.
I had heard of the triangle, and inverted triangle, but had never heard of an oval, so I learned something!
Thank you so much for sharing these tips with us! You look so beautiful in that dress!
I have never thought about specific body types and clothing, this was really cool to read.
I learned I am an oval and that finding your shape it the key to finding flattering clothing
I learned that I am more of a rectangle shape. I also learned that once you know your shape, it’s easy to understand which areas to highlight and which you might want to play down a bit!
There comes a time when ya just have to admit that those clothes from your 20’s just aren’t right anymore. Bummer, right? This was full of great info. And, you look smashing!
I had no idea there were so many different body types/shapes. I believe I am an oval.
I’m a rectangle and I finally figured out how to take measurements!
That dress looks great on you!!! I think it’s definitely best to dress your shape, it’s of course the most flattering!
I learned that I need to take measurements! I’m an oval, never knew that before. Thanks!
I learned that you need to take a bust, waist, and hip measurement. Then follow the chart. I also learned that you can mix patterns as long as you stay in the same color family. Interesting!
I know that my wife knows about not overmatching when dealing with prints. However, I don’t know if she knows about being able to mix prints that are in the same color family as I’ve never seen her wear mixed prints before. I’ll pass this on and maybe she can tweak her wardrobe this Summer.
That dress looks fantastic on you! Thanks for the tips!
I learned that I’m an hourglass shape! I was surprised to hear that! I learned that my waist is the smallest part.
How adorable are you in those glasses and dress? The red lipstick says it all, confident!
I love a good pair of shapewear. It makes me feel so much more confident.
YOu need to take measurements and I am an hourglass.
I learned that you need to measure at your waist, chest and hips to determine your body shape. I learned that I am rectangular shaped.
I found out that I am an oval ,and have been dressing all wrong.thanks so much for sharing.
Knowing your body shape helps. Good way to pick clothing.
What a great dress! Knowing your body shape and what will flatter you the most really does help!
You look amazing! I found out that I’m hour glass but had no idea there were so many body types to begin with.
I learned that I’ve been measuring my waistline incorrectly.
It looks like I am in between an hour glass and an inverted triangle. I would have never thought to measure my waist this way….
I learned that I have an hourglass shape. I also learned about their way of measuring your waist, as I’ve never seen it demonstrated that way.
im an oval body shape and to enhance my look i should wear belted tops and/or jackets to show off my smaller area below my bust…
I learned to take measurements and use their chart to determine my body shape.
I learned that I am a rectangle
I learned there are more body shapes than I realized. I think I’m an hourglass.
I learned how to take proper measurements and that I am pear shaped.
whoops meant hourglass 🙂
I learned about the 5 body shapes and that I’m an Oval.
Best explanation I have ever seen to take your measurements and determine your body shape
I learned how to correctly identify my shape and make better clothing choices!
I learned that it’s important to measure accurately and to know which patterns work best on your body type.
I learned that it’s a good idea to take your measurements every few months because our bodies are always changing, and having up-to-date numbers will enable you to buy great-fitting clothes always.
I learned to highlight my narrow upper body with colorful or printed blouses that draw the eye upward and downplay wider hips with straight-cut or wide-leg pants.
Seems I have been measuring my body wrong all this time and I should invest in a belt.
I’m an hourglass and can dress my shape as such!
I learned that I can wear alot more things then I thought I could. They make clothing for the real women!
I found out I’m an oval and that’s one of the most common shapes
I am definitely an hourglass shape
Women with inverted triangle body shapes will have larger bust measurements than their waist and hip numbers, and visually their bodies will appear more narrow at the hips than the shoulders.
Women with inverted triangle body shapes will have larger bust measurements than their waist and hip numbers, and visually their bodies will appear more narrow at the hips than the shoulders. <<< that's me!
I learned i need to measure myself to find my body type
I learned the proper way to measure my waist. I had no idea about finding the crease and bringing the tape measure down to my belly button.
I learned I don’t fit any of the shapes exactly, but it was fun to learn about.
I learned I’m a rectangle shape.
I learned that if you are an hourglass, you are visually border in the shoulders.
I learned I’m a rectangle shape because my measurements are all about the same!
I thought I could just look at the pictures and figure out which shape I am, but I’m going to have to actually measure. That surprises me!
I learned that you need to measure yourself, and do so properly o figure out your body shape.
Apparently I’m a rectangle — how unglamorous sounding! Interesting that I’ve always found empire waisted dresses to be the most flattering on me but they aren’t even mentioned here for rectangles!
I learned there are 5 body shapes and I am an hourglass.
I learned that I should just suck it up and get measured so my clothes will fit! 🙂
I learned that once you know your body type, it’s easy to understand which areas to highlight and which you might want to play down a bit.
I learned the proper way to measure my bust, hips, waist and find how to make my clothes fit better. Thanks
I learned where to measure, and I am a triangle
I learned that the first step is to make sure my measurements are accurate!
I learned that I am probably a rectangle but close to an hourglass. I do believe that garments with belts or a-line dresses do help to define a waist for me.
I’m so excited!
I’m an inverted triangle. Lol. I do really love this dress http://www.monroeandmain.com/Clothing/Dresses/stripe-tease-dress-14.pro?fpi=132370&catCd=WI&prefixCode=WI
I learned how to find my body type, which is a triangle.
I learned that I am an hourglass shape.
my wife has an hour glass body. thankyou, ken
I love your dress! I learned that, while I am still an hourglass shape, the ratio between my waist and hips is ever lessening. One of these days, I will be a rectangle! But when that happens, I will be happy because I’ll know how to dress, thanks to guides like the one at Monroe and Main!
I determined that I’m an hourglass!
I am an oval shape and my wife is an hour glass shape. You look fabulous in that dress.
I learned that i am a rectangle. I didn’t even know there were so many diff body types and shapes.
I learned that I am triangle shaped.
I took my measurements and I’m an oval
I learned that taking good measurements is key.
I learned that I’m a hourglass shape and should wear bold colors and prints to accentuate my assets.
I found that you should keep track of your measurements and do it every 3 months for proper fit.
Hourglass body shapes are defined by a waist that’s smaller than both the bust and hips. You have an hourglass body shape if your bust and hips are visually wider and similar in measurements, and if your waist measurement is smaller than the other two.
Thought I knew my body type, but after measuring and using their directions, I found I am an hourglass! Great info – thanks for sharing!
I learned I am a triangle .
Using their measurements I’m and oval!
I learned that they are 5 body types and you can find out what type you are from measuring the bust, hip, and waistline. I learned that I am hourglass but not quite sure because I am 50 pounds overweight. It is hard to find clothes that fits me nevertheless works well with my body shape. But, I like the simplicity that Monroe and Main have done to finding your body shape.
I learned I’m an hourglass shape. Love your dress. It looks great on you!
I learned how to properly measure my shape and that I’m a rectangle. I should wear belted A Line dresses to emphasize my waist!
I am a rectangle – and I learned that most people don’t measure correctly when they are trying to measure themselves.
I learned that I am an hour glass shape.
I learned wearing a belt can minimize hip size and how it looks.
I learned that once you know what your body type is, its easier and dress and highlight places you want to downplay.
I learned that I’m an hourglass shape! Ha, who knew 😉
I learned the proper way to measure your body. Plus, I learned some interesting things about what to wear for each shape.
I learned that I am an oval out of the 5 body types available and that I should wear clothing that gives me some definition of a natural waistline. Tops that highlight the thin area just below your bust will add instant definition.
I took my measurements and found out I’m an hourglass. Thanks!
“It’s a good idea to take your measurements every few months anyway – our bodies are always changing”
Sad but true
Great tips! I’m an hourglass according to their measurements.
The first 2 steps are: #1 Take your measurements and # 2 Determine your shape.
I learned I have an oval shape and should wear structured or belted jackets and tops.
I learned that there are many different body shapes and that you should wear clothes that flatter your body shape. I am a Inverted Triangle, I believe. and to be honest, I have the hardest time finding clothes that actually look good on me, opposed to me just liking the looks and buying it. I would love to learn more about this. Fashion is not my forte’ .
I have a rectangle shape…need to wear A line dresses
I’m an hourglass…
add some definition to your body by wearing structured and belted tops or jackets and dresses that help you emphasize a natural waist.
I learned that I have an hourglass shape. I never really gave it much thought.
You use 3 measurements to determine your shape.
Love that dress on you. I always skip the shape wear and I really should use it more. I just feel like my body shape is moosh.
I learned that I was very oval.
I love that dress! I’m always struggling how to find the right clothes!
I’m an oval! what a great tool!
Been needing this in my life. Thank you
You determine your body shape by measuring your bust, waist and hips and then identify which shape they correspond to.
I learned I am a rectangle shape. What a great giveaway.
I learned that I have to measure my bust, waist and hips to find out my shape and that it’s an hourglass!