Body Shape: The Fundamental Issue Of Your Style

[@MrJohn5278]

Annette here. Very helpful to remember that we are each unique. I'm somewhere between a rectangle and an apple... I think of myself as a "skinny apple". Looking straight on, I'm pretty straight up and down, but sideways, my tummy sticks out and I have to make adjustments when purchasing. Each of us has unique challenges. Thanks for helping us learn, Marie Anne! I'm here for it, and my style journey over the past year has been really fun! Most days I step out if the house feeling great! Learning more all the time!❤

[@LarchmontLady]

We’re just old rectangles 😅

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

That is great Annette - when you know your shape - whether you are a typical shape, a mix or have changed you know how to dress for it if you know your style objectives 👏

[@bruji2001]

Hi! I love it! 🤣 I’m new to the channel and. i’m another ‘’skinny apple/rectangle/old rectangle’’ with my waist and tummy fighting the gravity battle!🙈🤭

[@karolesherlock127]

Hello, Marie-Anne from Seattle, WA, USA. Love your videos and incredibly sage advice. You are a fashion (and life) diva, in a good way. Regarding body shape, I finally understood my shape after learning that an hourglass does not need a large bust to have that classification. I have a small chest but broad shoulders, small waste with hips the same width as my shoulders. That discovery finally helped me understand and dress for my shape.

[@elizabethdumas4147]

Same here. I thought i was a pear because I have a small bust, but shoulders are in line with hips.

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

That is wonderful Karole 👏

[@a.williams9]

This was a wonderful livestream with great answers on this topic, Marie-Anne. I enjoyed it thoroughly and I completely agree that knowing our body shape is fundamental to style it accordingly. I'm also a rectangle bodyshape like you and I prefer this simple basic method rather than Kibbe's which is more elaborated and complicated. You're looking absolutely gorgeous in your red Chanel style jacket. Merci beaucoup for your styling tips and e-course offers ❤

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

🤗😘

[@maxiluo1990]

Thank you, finally I got it. Beauty is about balance/symmetry.

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

🙌 A great Aha moment Maxilou 😘

[@shawnjamehdor7311]

I definitely agree with measuring the shoulders as opposed to the bust. Sometimes when you measure the bust instead, more of the measurement is measuring the back instead of the front, which I think makes a difference in the profile.

[@tannaeros]

Yes! I am the human equivalent of a paint stirring stick- this advice changed my focus on what works in my wardrobe.

[@suzannemerhige9575]

You’re brilliant and address these topics in a serious way -

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

Merci Suzanne 🤗

[@MIOLAZARUS]

I am 175 cm tall and I have been both very heavy and very tiny. Now Im slim and small bust. Im looking to incoorporate more colors into my wardrobe. I used to wear only Black and now I look for color therapy in my clothes. 🥰🌿✨⭐️ Finding ways to wear color in cool ways is my 2024 hobby 💓 I think Im a rectangel too. And Im mostly Yan - boney and not so plump. :) Heeey Coco 🐶❤️ Ps. You look more stunning than ever! 😍❤️

[@Nicky-Music]

Bonjour Marie-Anne. I am facing breast surgery soon. Your wonderful style advice is helping me to keep a positive attitude and look beyond the horizon. Merci bien! 😊

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

I am so sorry to hear that Nicky - I wish you all the very best 🙏

[@Nicky-Music]

@@MarieAnneLecoeur Thank you!

[@emma7203]

best wishes and healthy outcome to you; your positive attitude will make you beautiful inside and out 🥰

[@Nicky-Music]

@@emma7203 Thank you!

[@bertiefox5410]

Hi Marie-Anne, your hairstyle in this video is really lovely. It's very flattering. I had thought that a slightly longer style would flatter you but I think I was wrong.

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

Merci 🤗

[@lynndupree1205]

Wonderful class today, Marie Anne! PS, I love your dressing room! I am dealing with how my body is changing after age 70. My breasts are still quite full, yet my hips are slim. I dress to downplay my breasts and define my waist and hips. Thank you for helping women everywhere and all ages ❤️. I'm in North Carolina.

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

I am glad you enjoyed it Lynn x

[@KarlaBundy]

thank you for your delightful videos! I am at home in my pull-on clothing while I recover from shoulder surgery. You have inspired me to not give up, even when I am in this less than glamorous frame of mind. I also thought you might be amused by the ad which just preceded this video - Birkenstock!

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

I wish you a speedy recovery Karla 🤗 resist the Birkenstocks 😘

[@christinemercier-ossorio8617]

Just saw this and am mid download of your free course - I m so excited with all this you are sharing! I love your French, your humor, and your style! And time will tell but my 73 old body has hope because along with my pretty wide hips I just learned that broad shoulders count since my tiny waist went away after my kids. So thank you for your generosity! A bientot.

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

You are very welcome Christine and a Big French Chic Welcome to you 🤗

[@RhondaWhite-uu8wj]

Thank you for your great videos. Your explanation of the body shapes really helps me visualize were I need to add and subtract, so that I create the illusion of an hourglass shape. I'm a petite (5' 4") plus size just turning 60 years. Most of my life I was closer to the hourglass figure like the 50's models, but I have a small thick short waist, broad shoulders/ hips and slightly longer than average arms and legs. At one point my bra size was 32 DDD. Now I have gained weight, but I am working diligently to lose the extra weight! So, if I do not chose my clothing wisely, I can easily look like an apple or "short" rectangle silhouette. Even though we have similar body attributes, my mother is a little shorter with a smaller bust and shoulders, thinner legs and larger tummy area, so she is closer to an apple shape. However, she always looks well put together with her style choices.

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

You are very welcome Rhonda x

[@healthy_midlife]

watched dozens of your videos, and this one is the best, ty

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

Glad you enjoyed it Ashley 😃

[@amydevol8224]

I am a somewhat pear shaped hourglass. Tend to wear things to emphasize my waist. Love belts.

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

Bonjour Amy that is great but is only one of your style objectives as a Pear-licious lady 😃xx

[@amydevol8224]

​@MarieAnneLecoeur , Bonjour Marie Anne, j'aime votre vidéos. J'apprends beaucoup. I'm enjoying the videos tremendously. My first exposure to French chic was in grade school in the mid '60s. My private school didn't have a dress code so the kids all wore jeans except on museum field trips (DC area). My first French teacher, Mlle Renée Briddon, was the first woman I ever saw wearing a pantsuit. She was ALWAYS chic, polished, and put-together. I have generally considered myself an hourglass who gains weight in her hips and thighs. Until middle age, I tended to have a flat toned (& small) waist, strong core, and muscular calves due to decades of dance -- modern dance, ballet, Scottish highland and country dance, "belly" dancing, etc. Style/clothing workarounds have included A-line skirts and dresses, straight-leg and boot-cut jeans, tucked-in blouses and other tops to emphasize waist (usually 10 inches smaller than bust, 12-14 inches smaller than hips). With boots I have usually kept to ankle boots due to calf size. Only recently has one been able to find wide calf knee high boots, especially with small feet (size 6.5W US, 37(?) European).

[@amydevol8224]

This is first time I've checked my shoulders. They appear to be only an inch or two smaller than my hips, ~39" shoulders, ~42" hips. Waist ~31".

[@hectorraymondburgosgonzales]

Miss Marie-Anne great advice darling for the studio and your red jacket is nice too my Beautiful Teacher l love you 😘❤️

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

Merci Hector

[@hectorraymondburgosgonzales]

You're welcome my sweet queen

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

Petite lines usually have slightly narrower shoulders. Both my shoulders and hips are narrow, so I do better with petites. Narrowing the shoulders of a lined blazer is the most expensive single alteration, it runs about $500 where I live (admittedly one of the two or three highest-income and cost areas in the US), almost the cost of a very good blazer. Unfortunately, many fast-fashion brands design for maximum shoulder width and long torsos, making V-necks on my short torso much too low-cut. I like Banana Republic for coats and blazers, they have petites and use breathable rayon linings, I can’t wear polyester. They used more natural fabrics overall, until this season, when they went to PolyesterTown.

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

Marie-Anne’s quantitative definition of what makes an hourglass shape was really helpful for me: waist to hip ratio will be 0.75 or less for an hourglass. This is another way of saying the waist will be at least 25% narrower than the hips (and shoulders). Actual measurements I’ve heard, like 8, 10 or 12 inches difference are not very helpful, neither are qualitative ones like “a lot smaller waist”. I was always a slender hourglass until menopause, but since then my waist:hip ratio increased because of age-related waist thickening, not weight gain. The post-menopausal body simply stores more fat there. Even over a weight range of 70 lbs., it remains exactly the same at 0.80. Not an hourglass, but not a very straight rectangle, either. (My shoulders and hips are the same width, both narrow). I don’t find the bust size helpful for determining basic body shape, it’s mostly controlled by other factors than frame proportions. Mine happens to be naturally larger and fuller, but there are plenty of flat rectangles, too. Bust size and shape must be taken into account when choosing and styling clothes, of course. Most clothes that fit my shoulders are too tight in the bust.

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

Glad it was helpful Kimberly 🤗

[@prettyflower1937]

Wonderful livestream! My suggestion for your next one is how to transition our fall wardrobe into spring with minimal spending. Can the colors and fabrics look fresh and springlike?

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

I like that idea Pretty Flower 😃

[@MichellSimpleBalance]

Your studio is so beautifull Marie-Anne 💙💙💙💙

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

Merci beaucoup 🤗

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

My waistline isn’t very defined, so my trick is that if I need the shaping of a belt at the waist, I wear a matching-color belt to the dress or outfit. This gives shape without bringing as much attention to my thicker waist as a contrasting color or statement belt does. The self-belts that come with items can be good, too. Also, keep to a standard width (1.25 to 1.5 inch wide) belt, very skinny or wide ones can be very unflattering.

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

👏

[@Stacy-rl9mp]

Happy Valentines Day, Marie-Anne❤ I love your channel! Your advice is so helpful and easy to follow. It’s too bad we were not all taught this while we were growing up. I was just watching your livestream and had to pause it and come back. I wanted to order a course and I no longer see the link or discount code. Did I miss my opportunity?

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

No you haven't Stacy here is the link and code www.marieannelecoeur.com/courses.html (scroll down for the course you wish) the code is bodyshapefor50

[@Stacy-rl9mp]

@@MarieAnneLecoeur thank you, I got it!

[@nanciwarner-carreon7055]

Tuning in late from Texas, USA. 🥰🌺

[@warwickshirewolfpack]

Marie-Anne can you please tell me what is the colour wheel that you had at the start of the video?

[@lindaoregan9599]

I know my body shape, I have always known because my mum told me when I was young. My problem is getting clothes to fit me. I am a pear, size 12 and 5' 7" tall. Why can I get my trousers off without undoing them. ? Nearly all clothes are made for apple shape. Why are trousers made with the waist the same size as the hips. The biggest culprit of this is Marks and Spencer.

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

Have you tried Sumissura Linda - I did a collab with them sometime ago x

[@warwickshirewolfpack]

I know what you mean, I'm a rectangle with not much of a waist and many trousers are too big on the waist for me

[@ceciliabustos9979]

I am from Yonkers, N.Y Love your videos❤

[@cathytucker2009]

Watching now in Sydney Australia. Didn't wake up at 2 am for the live version 😂

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

I hope you enjoyed it Cathy 😃

[@sallystanley4526]

I have a hourglass figure,but I’m short with thick calves . It’s very hard to find slacks that fit in the waist. Watching your videos always helps me.

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

I have a video on larger calves Sally 😃

[@elizabethpetrie2732]

tuning in late from Vancouver

[@sallystanley4526]

Have you made a video about proper fitting bras/ undergarments?

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

Only to the extent that they are necessary Sally - I am not a qualified fitter - but I do know someone who is!

[@junemacauley6813]

Oh, I loooove your look here!❤

[@marthinesgibbins6382]

Merci for your advise !🎉

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

😘

[@jeweledmirrorqueen]

Bonjour I am from New Jersey but was born in Colmar Alsace !!

[@olivemd]

I have a long torso and petit legs. Is this why I felt so uncomfortable in blazers and regular length jackets? I am going to try shorter jackets. Will this help?

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

I have a video for that Olive kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXKtnIyCmNGXrrc 😃

[@olivemd]

@@MarieAnneLecoeur, thank you.

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

Thanks!

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

Merci beaucoup Kimberly that is very kind of you 🤗

[@18751]

I'm petite, I have broad shoulders and a curvy bottom. Buying clothes is always tricky. Tight clothes make me look like a little gladiator. It's worst since now I'm in my late 40s. My body is changing. I'm rounder in the front and lower back.

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

Bonjour 18751 have you tried Sumissura the online tailoring site watch here kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmq4pGN-h5epZ6c

[@18751]

Bonjour! Thank you so much for the link. I've always enjoyed watching your videos. Being in my late 40s, I find it challenging to find inspiration from other women regarding the right clothing choices. That changed when I started watching your videos! Now, your mantra guides my clothing selections - if it's not 'Wow', it's a 'Non'. Keep doing what you're doing. You''re awesome!@@MarieAnneLecoeur

[@posturebalanceandfitness8429]

Thank you! 😊

[@sallystanley4526]

I’m glad you said measure the shoulders, because I have broad shoulders.

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

So many stylists don't Sally - which is probably why so many women aren't dressing correctly for their shape 🙁

[@JacklynEdwards-o2q]

I am inverted triangle always have to have trousers tailored

[@dis2art]

I can hear you from Pennsylvania!

[@carencassidy2359]

Hello Marie-Anne, My measurements are 38-31-38. I am short waisted and am between petite- regular in stature. My height is 5’ 2 1/2”. Am I right in saying I am a rectangle versus an hourglass as my waist measurement is not a quarter less then my hips or bust? I love to wear dresses but have always been unsure as to what style suits me best. My favorite style in dresses are cut on the bias but wonder if it is not suitable for my body shape. Your advice and knowledge is very helpful! Thank you so much!! By the way, your haircut is wonderful and makes you look younger. And red is a great color on you! ❤❤❤❤😊👍🏻

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

Bonjour Caren - take my free course linked in the video (here www.marieannelecoeur.com/shape-up-ecourse.html) you are missing a vital piece of information! Then email me [e-mail] with all this info as well as a full length selfie in relatively tight fitting clothes and let's get your shape sorted 😘

[@carencassidy2359]

That is so wonderful of you! Yes! I will do exactly what you say. Thank you! ❤️

[@Teresa-K]

I’m not sure what shape I am right now because I have a small top and large hips and a belly. It’a combination of a pear shape and an apple shape. I have to try on everything and mail order clothes usually don’t fit. Do you have any ideas for me? Thanks for the video. Love and Kindness, Teresa

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

Take my free course linked in the video Teresa and if you still have problems email me [e-mail] I always respond 😘

[@MelodyHN]

Where can we find that free link if we weren’t on the livestream?

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

Bonjour Melody the free bodyshape course is here www.marieannelecoeur.com/shape-up-ecourse.html 😘

[@kath6720]

There’s an entire movement out there saying that shape doesn’t matter and anyone can wear anything they want. That’s it’s not for others to determine what is looks good on a person or not. Of course I don’t agree with it. I think knowing what suits you enhances your unique features whereas wearing absolutely anything is not necessarily flattering. But this is the world we live in. “No” is no longer acceptable 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

I note that there are a lot of viewers saying wear what you want in reaction to advice - and there are a lot of new channels saying wear what you want which is probably fuelling the idea Kath. There are very few trained stylists on KZbin. Most channels are just 'influencers' so of course they do not know how to dress for shape or size and get past giving advice by saying 'wear what you want'. The problem is when it comes to presenting yourself wearing what you want is not at all good advice 🙏

[@sharonwaters2994]

On holiday in Mexico but from UK Oxfordshire

[@karenokeane6461]

I am naturally a pear shape---if I'm not adhering to a dedicated exercise/clean eating routine. When I'm 'on point' with my fitness regime for an extended period, my lower half whittles down/sculpts itself and I morph into an hourglass ---IF having tiny "A" cup breasts constitutes as part of the hourglass silhouette. LOL At 5ft 3in tall with a pinched waist---even during my 'bottom heavy' periods (lol), have learned long ago how high waist pants and fitted crop tops are usually flattering to me. :)

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

Hourglasses come in all sizes Karen 😃

[@mercrediferie4095]

Hello, merci pour cette vidéo très intéressante que je viens de terminer ! 🎉 Moi je n'aime pas ma silhouette en x ou "hourglass", je trouve que c'est pénible à habiller. Dès que je mets un vêtement un peu ample, je triple de volume (hello bonhomme Michelin que j'avais vu dans une de vos vidéos, je m'étais reconnue 😂😂😂). Je ne sais jamais quelle taille choisir, neuf fois sur dix si je prends un XS je serai "serrée" ou au mieux "moulée" au niveau du buste mais si je prends un S le tout sera ample (et la boucle est bouclée 😂). Je vis avec une ceinture ! Soit le jean est serré aux hanches, soit il baille à la taille. Bref, un petit casse-tête. Non pas que tout cela soit grave dans la vie, non plus ! 😂 mais puisqu'on en parle... 😅😄 Au final je me débrouille quand même, souvent je mets des jupes longues car elles sont féminines,marquent la taille et atténuent sont globalement flatteuses, je trouve ! J'ai lu ou vu que pour les petits formats comme moi cela avait tendance à manger la silhouette et n'était pas une bonne option, mais j'adore. 🤔😋 Cela permet aussi de porter des couleurs et des imprimés tout en laissant le haut plus sombre pour masquer un peu la poitrine trop saillante et les bras qui deviennent un peu "flappy".😆 Mais ce que je fais est peut-être à côté de la plaque ! A tout juste 40 ans je suis en train de tout revoir : je ne suis plus une trentenaire ! Adieu mes Birkenstock et autres chaussures trop bulky ? Adieu mes petits noeuds de gamine dans les cheveux ? Je suis en pleine réflexion ! 🥴😂 En tout cas merci pour vos vidéos, et votre façon d'être globalement comme je vous l'avais déjà dit ! 🦄😸🦋

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

👏

[@susieunderwood4645]

Wonderful video, Marie-Anne! Thank you for the helpful info. I measured and found that my shoulders are actually an inch wider than my hips. I've always thought I was a pear shape with narrow shoulders. I think exercising has added to my shoulders.

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

It may well have toned you up Susie but now you have a whole new understanding of your shape 😃

[@shereeschold2154]

Ocala Florida

[@lynnbass708]

My body shape is huge belly due to surgery, with small bust and slim legs hanging off the belly. I have always been slim until surgery and no longer fit any shape. I can describe

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

Bonjour Lynn - take this FREE course here www.marieannelecoeur.com/shape-up-ecourse.html send me the measurements and a full length selfie in relatively tight fitting clothing. Let's get that bodyshape sorted and then you can go from there 😃

[@lynnbass708]

I measured everything I am a rectangle 40 shoulder 40 bust 40 waist and 40 hips, my issue is my belly which goes from 40 in the morning to 46+ after food. I had 9 inches of my colon removed and surgery cut from low to just above my belly button. I have diverticulosis disease which causes bloating. However I definitely measure as a rectangle so when I get my pension I will be buying your rectangle course. As a young woman I was pear and I am shocked by my measurements now. But exercise will lower weight but not shape. Thank you for your help. Looking forward to seeing the rectangle course and thank you for your help.

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I suppose the formula approach appealed to me more because I’m a scientist, we love to quantify everything into a math equation, if possible.

[@celiabonadies5667]

Also from New Jersey

[@MsBackstager]

Me, 2.

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

How about a New Jersey French Chic Meet Up 😃

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

Cropped, flared-leg trousers/jeans are very much pushed by brands now, but I’ve never seen them look good on anyone, even those 6-foot tall, size 2 models. Brands get desperate to sell, so they keep coming up with weird designs and cheap fabrics. We vote with our wallets, ladies!

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

Exactly right Kimberly - if we don't buy they will have to change 😃

[@MotherMissionary]

Watched all the way to the end for the best oval face bob and still not sure which bob would suit me? Over 60 and feeling lost 😞

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

This was not a video about hairstyles 🤔 maybe I should do one 😃

[@MsBackstager]

????QUESTION???? - Nice trousers. R they black or dark green?

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

They are black Ms B x

[@ksmith-y6n]

Hartland Michigan USA

[@shirleyelliott242]

Fayetteville North Carolina

[@Suzyslly]

Boston Massachusetts

[@elinalahtinen2819]

Hei, I am from Finland:)

[@roxannetoth5026]

Northern California

[@sharoncousins9652]

Yes. NZ

[@cherylanderson1491]

Saskatchewan

[@miatrezza]

Solana Beach California

[@marygracetirthdas6803]

Netherlands

[@michelleharkness7549]

Southeastern Texas: USA 🇺🇸: btw: Greetings 🫂: sincere Thoughts 💭 and as well May Almighty GOD BLess

[@White-o8w]

❤

[@sarahprice1375]

The Cotswolds UK 🇬🇧 ❤

[@carolinemcgovern8059]

Kent

[@laruethornton103]

♥

[@ElsaOpperman]

❤❤❤

[@edibarron8167]

❤❤❤❤❣️

[@shihtzuluvrtwo6386]

Im 5'3" 119 lbs, I consider myself a ladder.......boyish figure.

[@sallystanley4526]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ 😊

[@mercrediferie4095]

💙🩵💚💛🧡🩷💜😸

[@melaniepalker9998]

❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@stephaniegrady8]

[@sharonsmith1783]

Nederlands, short limbs and long back.

[@helengorman2629]

One hour and 15 mins video is too long .... sorry .... live streams are very slow and a bit boring ... please go back to the shorter videos

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

These livestreams are a way of having an extended chat like a coffee morning with my community and especially those French Chic Ladies who in later life are left by themselves with no one to interact with. They are an important part of my sense of giving to the community here. I still do a traditional format video every Sunday and hope to increase that by at least one more per week at some point.

[@kimberleywoo5658]

Thank you for explaining this, you make a great point. In the next 10 plus years, the elderly will consist of mostly single women, whether widowed or never married. We will need long form chats such as these, to ease the loneliness

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

❤❤❤

[@Orientalbackyardgarden]

❤❤❤❤

[@AG-wy8qu]

❤❤

[@marthinesgibbins6382]

❤❤❤

[@MarieAnneLecoeur]

❤️

[@aliciaswan1323]

❤❤❤