Apples, Pears and Body Image

Let's start with the basics. There is no use talking about wearing beautifully crafted clothing if we do not even know our body shape. We all fit in with a particular somatotype (referring to the underlying physique that is not changed by overeating or training). Imagine placing an teapot cosy on a knife to keep it warm ... would it work? Well, of course it wouldn't. Why? Because the shape is completely different. The wideness of the teapot cosy would not fit the narrowness of the knife. So what somatotype are you? Go on, have a look in the mirror, without your clothes on and decide whether you are an apple, pear or some other shape. When you decide which one you are, love that shape. It is the one you were blessed with, so get used to it. If you have never done so before, learning about your amazing shape will change the way you shop forever.

I am an endomorp. As far back as I can remember, my Mum and sisters have always told me, 'you are a pear shape'. We were a mixed bunch, I guess. Some were apples and some bananas - you know, the crazy type. For the most part, they all said that having a pear shape was desirable, that having a flat stomach was everything and I guess it was back then. The thing is, there were downsides. I had teeny weeny boobs and was prone to put weight on around my bum. I am a tad overweight, right now, but for the most part, I love my body. Generally speaking, we are never happy with what we are blessed with and yet, the woman's body is a work of wonder. It's beautiful.

So, finding clothes that fit our shapes as perfectly as possible is essential. We want to accentuate the right aspects of our figures but in a modest way. We want our fruit-like form to be adorned in soft, feminine, well fitted garments that grab attention. Of course we want to be noticed, otherwise we'd all go out in our jim-jams. But let it be for all of the right reasons. When you walk into a room and everyone gasps, let it be because your outfit fits you like a glove and not that they fail to see one. Over exposure of ones body is for the desperate and not so confident women. I am not my clothes, I am me and these rags that I wear accentuate my beauty.

So what somatotype are you? Have a look below and lets get the basics right. Every shape there has curves in it, even the ectomorph shape. This is why the woman's body is beautiful in every form. There is only smoothness and no rigidity in any of them. Essential to wearing modest clothing is finding the right clothing that fits. Take the hourglass woman for instance. A tight, knee-length pencil skirt will only make her larger hips and buttocks even more pronounced. Our clothes can either compliment our shapes or insult them. It is essential then, to fully understand the right styles of clothing that will work with our shapes. I have listed a few tips below, see what you think.

Ectomorph

Kendall Jenner is a naturally beautiful girl. I have a lot of respect for her and her hard-work ethics. For the most part, I like the way she carries herself. She has been prone to some definite faux pas in the past and some more recently. Her tall lean, athletic figure is amazing and she can carry off most styles.

Do's and Don'ts:

• As your figure is gloriously slender, wearing overly baggy clothing make you look shapeless.

• Wearing stripes that lay across your body gives the appearance of a wider frame.

• When buying trousers or jeans, don't be tempted to buy spray ons, they will make you look too thin. Boot-cut works well as does slim fit.

• Try not to over expose your neck area. You may tend to be slightly bony there so, breaking up the space is more flattering. Try bulky jewellery, which draws the eyes.

• A dress will compliment your figure if you choose the right fit. Keep it slim fitted. Overly baggy will swamp you and too lengthy will make you look like a giraffe.

• Get used to wearing a skirt. Longer length skirts are great. A-line will work. If wearing a gathered skirt, be careful of too much volume.

• Peplam tops add curves to the hip area. As I said before, all somatypes have curves, but perhaps they may not be so pronounced in women that are of the more slender build.

• High heeled boots are a definite yes. Embrace your height and enhance it with a good pair of hoofs.

Mesomorph

Halle Berry has been a fashion icon for as long as I can remember and a fantastic actress that I never tire of. Her sense of dress is modest for the most part. It can be described as confidently classic, with a sensuous edge. She has an amazing figure - Mesomorph.

Do's and Don'ts:

• Being of the same somatype, I would suggest that anything that is overly has to go.

• A-line skirts are a must.

• When buying jeans, remember to balance out your wider hips. Bootleg jeans work well as does slim fit jeans.

• Vertical lines will create the illusion of slimming down curves and lengthening the appearance of your body.

• The beauty of having curvaceous hips is that you can wear dresses that nip in at the waist which tends to be the smallest part of your body.

Endomorph

Thanks to the likes of Ashley Graham, the plus-sized woman has finally been brought up to speed in the world of fashion. Plus models are bigger and more beautiful than they have ever been. Being an endomorph makes it possible to be a healthy person with a great appetite for healthy food.

Scarlet Johansson is also an endomorph and whilst she may be smaller than Ashley, you will still see the curves that make this body type the one to die for. Your voluptuous curves are to be celebrated, but remember too much on show will take away the glow.

Do's and Don'ts

• Wear form fitting clothes that have been cut on the bias. This will allow the skirt or dress to nip in at the waist, hug your hips and fall freely over your thighs.

• Always accentuate your waist. A belt across a shirt or dress will work wonders.

• Think about the colours you are wearing. Using two block colours that are divided at the waist will highlight it, showing off your feminine curves.

• Wrap over dresses and tops in Jersey are your best friend.

• Structured skirts accentuate the top curves whilst giving the illusion of a smaller lower half.

• When buying trousers, go for a more tailored cut.

So whatever body shape you are, remember, stick to the rules, be daring, but above all, keep your modesty and you will shine.