Frazzled Fridays!

Made in His Image:  Body Types

Has it been a week already!  Wow, I know time flies everyday, every year, but this time of years it gets faster by the hour!!  I have no idea if that even made sense! LOL!

Yes, God really did break the mold when he created you!  He made you unique and absolutely beautiful!  He did not make a mistake, he made you in His image and it is good.  I think Christian women have a "head" understanding of this, but in our hearts maybe not.  But we live in a world where society defines beauty completely opposite of God's Word and therefore, we are torn apart emotionally and do not feel good enough. 

The Bible says that you are “wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:14) and that your beauty is perfect (Ez. 16:14).  He is “enthralled by your beauty; honor him for he is your lord.” (Psalm 45:11)

In Shari Braendel's book Good Girls Don't Have to Dress Bad, she says "...beauty is not about the size of your clothes.  We are not a reflection of the number on that tag.  God gave us exactly the body He wants us to have, the exact frame size, and everything else that goes along with that."

Ok, what about our size in relation to health?  I can be a fluffy size 10/12 or a firm size 8/10.   It's about choices; eat better and exercise.  I have been counting calories for the better part of a year AND have been exercising regularly (for the most part *smile*), it works!  We have a responsibility to our Lord to take care of our bodies.  (I Cor. 6:19-20:  Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. NLT)

So now to determine your body type.  When dressing your body type/shape, it's not about hiding parts of your body you don't like.  It's all about balance so you look proportional.   We all fit into at least one of the following body types.  Our body type depends on where we gain weight.   Where do you gain the majority of your weight?  Tummy?, Upper midriff and bust?, Bottom and hip/thigh area?, or evenly gain all over?  It is absolutely possible that some gain weight in multiple areas.  If that's the case you will want to combine the suggestions for those body types.

B - is for belly.  If you gain most of your weight in your belly and have somewhat of a flat rear end, then this is your body type.  

O - is for overly endowed.  If you have a fuller figure, rounded on top, bust and upper midriff then this is your body type.

D - is for derriere.  If you gain most of your weight in your hips, thighs and rear end and are narrow in your waist then this is your body type. 

X - is for those who have balanced shoulders and hips.  Generally you will gain weight all over.  

Here are a few tricks for each body type:

For B types, you want to draw attention away from the middle of your body.  Do this by accessorizing!  Particularly around your neckline.  A slimming trick would be to wear a long scarf draped in front of your body.  Another tip is to create a column by matching your top and pants/skirt (monochromatic dressing) and wear a contrasting color for a jacket.  Do not tuck in your shirt.  Tops and jackets should fall just below your waist or go longer with a duster that falls above your knees.  No pleated pants.

For O body types, your most important piece of clothing is your bra!  A bra that fits properly can take 5-10 pounds off!  Really!   Swing jackets will definitely flatter your figure - nothing too tight around your bust.  Push long sleeves up a little to 3/4 length.  Prints make a full bust appear smaller.  Camisoles should be a staple because so many tops are low cut.  See my previous post regarding cleavage.  You will also want to use the same slimming trick as the b body type by column dressing (top and pants/skirt same color with a contrasting scarf or jacket).  

For D body types, your most important asset will be a tailor or alteration person!  You will need to buy pants that fit your hips and not hug them.  Can I just interject here and say "welcome to my world!"  I have learned the hard way so let me encourage you here... if your pants just fit, buy the next size up.  Yes, up!  If the size on the tag bothers you, cut it out!  Or, have fun ... if it's a size 12, 14 (whatever) cut out the number one! Da-dah!  Remember, dressing is about looking balanced.  A d body type probably has slimmer shoulders, so shirts and jackets with collars are great as well as shoulder pads!  Not linebacker ones, small ones.  I got a small pair from Hancock Fabrics and use velcro tape to keep them situated under my bra strap.  Best tops are scoop or square neck.  Belts are great!  A slimming trick is to wear the same color jacket and pant/skirt with a contrasting top.  A contrasting jacket will draw attention right to your bottom.  Remember, outside pieces.  And absolutely accessorize and draw the eye upward with necklaces, earrings or bangle bracelets.

And for those with an X body type, belts of all kinds are great for you!  You definitely want to draw the eye to your waist.  Column dressing with your inside pieces (top, pant/skirt) is great for you as well.  Wear colorful accessories like a long scarf or necklace to also draw the eye inward and upward.  You also need to be mindful of dressing proportionally.  Fitted top over fuller pants or fuller tops over slimmer bottoms.

I'd love to hear from you!  Do you have questions about your body type?  Other questions regarding image, dressing, hair, makeup?  

Blessings!
Dawn