Understanding Body Shape & How To Dress Yours - Over 50 Styling Tips

[@CraftsBayou]

This has to be the most intelligent and easy-to-understand video on dressing the body we have that I’ve ever watched.

[@Mariafsadler]

Thank you so much 😊

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I agree, Maria! One neck, one head, two arms and two legs is the perfect body shape!

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

At 170 lbs. I was overweight and had a “unhealthy” hip ratio. At 90 l lbs. I was a “underweight”, but had the exact same “unhealthy” waist:hip ratio. It’s defined by the way our skeletal frames are built, which is the same at any weight. I’m never going to be an hourglass shape, I’m so short-waisted (short upper torso) that there literally isn’t any vertical space for a definite waist narrowing/indentation, my ribs are sitting right on my hip bones. Then, in middle age, the body starts shifting fat from the other areas of the body to the middle, there’s nothing anyone can do about it. All we can do is maintain a healthy diet and weight, and exercise regularly. Then, love our healthy bodies, they work hard for us, and style them in a way that looks best to us, with clothes and accessories that give us pleasure to wear.

[@karenallen8476]

Hi, thank you! Light bulb moment! I hope you realize how appreciative we are. Pure but simple genius. Have a fabulous week Maria x

[@Mariafsadler]

Thank you Karen I appreciate all of you too 😘

[@jessicaparry1767]

Hi Maria, I am really enjoying this new series of videos. It makes so much sense to follow our bodies natural shape when choosing clothes. The different styles of shirt dress for the different shaped bodies really helped to see easily which one would look best, a very good example. Thanks again for all your hard work in putting these videos together so that we can all dress with ease and confidence x x

[@Mariafsadler]

Thank you Jessica I’m so pleased you are enjoying the series 😀

[@marycummins3301]

Thank you Marie more of this kind of information is needed for every girl and woman to understand that yes we do not need to be fixed!! You are so- right great information too I will be trying out you hints and tips 😍

[@AlexLouiseWest]

Great comment 🙂

[@Mariafsadler]

Thank you Mary I’m glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@Teresa-K]

Very good information. Thanks Maria for explaining we don’t need to be a certain shape, but dress for our shape. Kindness, Teresa

[@Mariafsadler]

Thank you Teresa. I’m s pleased it’s been so positively received 😊

[@pennyphebey8617]

Love your hair …

[@janicelloyd3215]

This is the third time I have watched this, you have changed my style.❤❤❤ I lose weight to be able to tuck in tops and belt my pants, I never get there, that never looks right on me. My shape is wide shoulders, size XL OR 16. Narrow hips flat butt, size medium or 12. Now I see that your flowy linen cardigans, long vests are what I need. Thank you so much. This is so helpful.❤❤❤❤❤

[@Mariafsadler]

Thank you Janice if I can help one person I’m happy 😃

[@Mariafsadler]

Thank you 😊

[@laineydunlop2161]

Thanks Maria. I liked your question at the beginning about who set up the standard of using the hour glass. It’s crazy that these ideas were probably generated by men and 70 years later nothing has changed. It’s like the toy we all had as children where you try to find what shape fits into which space. Common sense, an understanding of the shapes and fabrics that suit you is key. I’m a rectangle and finally I don’t have to try to wear a belt to create an illusion of a waist. Hallelujah. 🙏😘

[@Mariafsadler]

Thank you Elaine you know me I hate those boxes that so many others in this industry put you in to! 😘

[@contentauys4749]

Excellent advice. I can see that stiffer material suits my straighter body shape better. I am going to go through all my clothes and sort them into a confident pile and fidgeting pile. Fidgeting pile is going to become donation pile☺

[@Mariafsadler]

Excellent 👍

[@Horsefaire]

A true expert on fashion. One of the best approaches I have ever heard about body shapes!

[@Mariafsadler]

Thank you so much 😊

[@PrivateJ4]

Any chance you could share where you found that dress for the Apple shape? So cute! Thanks for another great video 😊

[@Mariafsadler]

When I’m back at my desk I will link it I can’t remember off the top of my head 👍

[@dijanawarrender8627]

Sorry I can only give you one 👍 You voiced so many things I feel. Not everyone wants to create an hourglass figure. I hate belts, shirts tucked in, shirts in general, stiff blazers because they are so stiff for my figure. I had never heard of the figure 8 type but this fits me perfectly and explains why I feel so comfortable in the clothes you recommended. Thank you for this thoughtful video 👍👍👍

[@Mariafsadler]

Thank you Dijana. I’m so pleased you got something from the video 😘

[@ST52655]

I’m a Figure 8 and feel the same way about belts, tucking in my tops, and wearing stiff fabrics. I, too, got a lot out of this video. 👍

[@cathytucker2009]

Lines and curves is a different way for me to approach fabrics and clothing structures. Thank you !

[@cathytucker2009]

26:30 great analogy.

[@Mariafsadler]

You are so welcome!

[@AlexLouiseWest]

Compassionate and clever as always, with interesting methods to try out. I like that you are encouraging people to honour what their body is actually like, rather than trying to create an illusion of something else entirely. Although this video wasn't about height, you have helped to reassure me that my main difficulty isn't actually a defect - being 5'3'' is simply awkward because petite lengths are often too short, and regular lengths are often too long, especially as I can't wear heels for health reasons. But that's not my fault, it's just a lack of suitable items sometimes. This is probably the topic where I will need to use your services sometime, because I can't always see myself clearly.

[@Mariafsadler]

Thank you this is exactly the point I was trying to make. You aren’t the problem it’s the clothes that are only made for one shape and height x

[@AlexLouiseWest]

@@Mariafsadler And of course, petite and tall are just height designations: they don't tell you the shape or type of frame someone has. On my road, we have a cluster of six houses with a petite woman as one of the occupants, and we are definitely not all the same shape, proportion and build.

[@helengawthrop4043]

Thanks Maria. I totally agree😊

[@robynlaszlo6128]

I absolutely agree people are going to be different that's just the way it is and as women we go through many changes in our lives and that's why I sew which gives much pleasure thank you for doing this video

[@Mariafsadler]

Thank you Robyn. It’s great that you see because you can tailor the shapes to you rather than the other way round 😀

[@eileenmcgowan284]

Logical as always and so easy to follow. Well said -----we are all individuals and all PERFECT

[@Mariafsadler]

Thank you Eileen. I’m fed up of women being forced into being a clone. Let’s be our glorious individual selves 😀

[@eileenmcgowan284]

@@Mariafsadler . How right you are. We need to be happy in our own skin at any age.

[@angelaharrison2717]

Brilliant ideas & thoughts about curves & straight lines. It makes so much sense! Thank you.

[@Mariafsadler]

Thank you I’m glad it helped 😊

[@donnabronner4837]

Can't wait for next video.

[@joycemorrow5840]

Great video. Your explanation of fashion choices was priceless.

[@Mariafsadler]

Thanks so much!

[@susankey9598]

Definitely 👍 agree, thank you Maria x

[@Mariafsadler]

So glad!

[@marinamarinis134]

I love you today! Thank you!

[@Mariafsadler]

😊

[@kathysarmiento4652]

I love the box and bowl example!

[@Mariafsadler]

😂 it works though doesn’t it and it’s easy to remember

[@ina7747]

This totally makes sense to me now! I'm a size 16/18, but the only curves I have are my girls. I'm not curvy in my face, my shoulders are quite boney, narrow hips and slim legs, long waist. The curvy floaty tops that are very popular with designers for plus-size clothing never suit me. It's one of the reasons I've gone back to sewing my own clothes. I'm glad you pointed out that even though I'm a plus-size lady, I'm not a curvy lady. Thank you so much for explaining the various shapes! I love this video series so much 🙂

[@Mariafsadler]

Thank you Ina I’m so pleased that you are finding it useful 😘

[@AlexLouiseWest]

Hi Ina, that's a really interesting example.

[@MotherMissionary]

This was fabulous and makes so much fashion sense. Thank you ❤

[@Mariafsadler]

I’m glad it was helpful 👍

[@deborahgraham4336]

I enjoyed your comments on curves, angles and muscle. I had hoped you were going to stay away from the 'shape theory'. I would really suggest folks look into the Kibbe Body Type. I've found it is much more accurate than the fruit/shape basket. Thank you for your new perspective.

[@Mariafsadler]

Thank you Deborah I just don’t believe in trying to make women something they aren’t 👍

[@georgina3358]

Great video, Maria, telling us we don't need to force our bodies to look other than what they are. I'm most definitely an 8-shape, with a high hip, so fit and flare dresses are not for me!

[@Mariafsadler]

Thank you Georgina. It makes me mad that we are being cloned into the same shape and colour boxes as you know 😂 and people are getting paid to give this information! It’s either lazy or they aren’t really experienced 🙁 it’s my mission to let us all be individuals 😊

[@georgina3358]

@@Mariafsadler Your advice made so much sense to me, and now you've spoken about the different shapes our bodies can be, it seems so clear how to dress them. Perhaps certain stylists don't really think about what they're advising their clients

[@debbiefischer945]

Great perspective ❤

[@Mariafsadler]

Thank you Debbie😊

[@juliekwan1428]

Thank you for this video!

[@Mariafsadler]

Thank you Julie 😊

[@MargaretCastleton]

Thank you. Think I need to watch again to take in all the info. I always feel I'm too fat, not good enough etc, maybe I just need the right clothes

[@Mariafsadler]

Too fat for what? I know it’s really hard sometimes not to have these negative thoughts but we’ve been so conditioned by the media. That’s why I’m on a mission to spread positivity and confidence. Lots more like this coming 😘

[@brendawyber6556]

Thanks this is very helpful.

[@Mariafsadler]

Glad it was helpful!

[@juliehanson1175]

Very interesting information in this video. I had never heard of the Figure 8 shape and that one hit home for me. I just thought it was having a short torso, but that wasn't the whole story. Fit and Flares NEVER work for me because of the "shelf" of my hips. It was always a bit of a dilemma. This was very helpful. Thank you!!

[@Mariafsadler]

You are welcome Julie I’m so pleased that it was helpful for you 😀

[@freddiestark1779]

Well done again! You took box cutters and cut open the box in which some of us have found ourselves. I look forward to taking your prescription and perusing my closet for some things I thought were necessary but do not make me feel comfortable or confident. I would like to add an additional word, creative. When I am not comfortable or confident , I find my creativity blocked. Thank you Maria.

[@AlexLouiseWest]

That’s an excellent comment, thank you.

[@Mariafsadler]

Thank you Freddie and I love that you added creative I absolutely agree xx

[@alisonmeditations]

A really good and informative video, many thanks!

[@Mariafsadler]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Patty.198]

Thank you for your positive perspective and practical advice!

[@Mariafsadler]

Thank you Phyllis I’m glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@debgrafel3117]

Wonderful message Maria! ❤

[@Mariafsadler]

Thank you Deb 😊

[@carolthomas8528]

Interesting because if we look back throughout history , there is the full bosomed S shaped corset of the Edwardian period and the boyish body of the 1920s flapper . Marylin Monroe represents the period after the war when men ( men! ) wanted women with curvy bodies . Twiggy was another stage in the 1960s when women’s lib. started . PS . This is really good video .

[@maxine2261]

Thank you for the informative tutorial. My body is a Figure 8 for sure. My shelf came in very useful raising 2 boys. I've always had a problem with pants. Most pants that fit my bottom result in a large gap at the waist. I'm at least 1 size, maybe 2 sizes smaller on top. I tend to be most comfortable in pants with an elasticized waist, but those choices seem to cause a challenge for me with the tops. I enjoy wearing button down blouses and tops that should be tucked in, but they don't work with an elasticized waist pants without a cardigan or jacket. I end up wearing tops that drape over the elastic and I feel frumpy. If you have time or inclination to feature more examples of outfits for the Figure 8 it would be much appreciated. Thanks again. Glad to see you in good health.

[@Mariafsadler]

Thank you Maxine. When I get to the end of this series I will plan some more videos on shape as it’s been so popular 👍

[@dancemad1000]

Brilliant video. Thank you!

[@Mariafsadler]

I’m glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I did a survey of art throughout the ages, looking at the “ideal” female shapes portrayed. I discovered that is never was an hourglass, it was a pear shape! The figures shown all have generous hips, thighs and buttocks; a rounded, not flat tummy; a small, high bust; and a waist smaller than the hips, but by no means with hourglass definition . This surprised me, but I remembered that the pear shape is indeed the most common body shape for women. The modern hourglass “ideal” began in the Victorian era, but the exaggeratedly large bust wasn’t idealized until the 1950s. An hourglass shape is simply not achievable for most women, at least without surgical removal of ribs, like the Kardashians, and large breast implants. It should not be a goal! My natural body shape, basically rectangular or straight, with narrow shoulders and very narrow hips, and full bust, has never been idealized. Very few women actually have an hourglass shape, yet that’s what women’s clothes are designed for, no wonder we all have so many problems finding a decent fit. Moreover, woman’s clothes are designed to fit women in the 5’9” to 6 ft. height range. I’m 5’4”, the average for us American women (the average size here is US 16, or UK 20, which rules out all clothing designed or made elsewhere, for many women). We should love our bodies, try to style them in a flattering way, then just enjoy our lives. Lots of this shape nonsense comes from men and the pressure on women to look a certain way us just incredible. When I was dating, multiple men told me they were looking for “Victoria’s Angels”. Try porn, I said, they don’t exist in real life.

[@Mariafsadler]

All true. I just sent a pair of regular length trousers back - I’m 5 foot 6 with longer legs - these were at least 3 inches too long! 🙁

[@leoniestephens7070]

Great tips Maria. I think you are absolutely right. I try on clothes regularly and have ditched the ones which I don’t feel good in. Dressing for our body shape really makes a difference. I think I am angular with a bit of an oval shape. The things I feel best in are more structured. Great video. Love L🌺🌺

[@Mariafsadler]

Thank you Leonie. Xx think you have to be comfortable to be confident the two work together 😊

[@dagnolia6004]

honoring your shape! brilliant...

[@Mariafsadler]

It’s easy really 😊👍

[@katrinajeffrey2565]

Thank you for your tips Maria.

[@Mariafsadler]

You are welcome Katrina 👍

[@karenkristiansen6622]

Thank you Maria for a great video…and Michelle for sharing your fabulous holiday wardrobe…I will most definitely use this as a basis for my river cruise wardrobe next month 😊

[@Mariafsadler]

Have a fantastic holiday and birthday Karen 😘

[@fondcello1994]

Thanks! You are the best!!

[@Mariafsadler]

😊😘

[@DeannaBenedict-gg8tb]

Excellent !

[@Mariafsadler]

Thank you 😊

[@karenbrimmer8616]

Great video Maria. I’ve recently been watching another style KZbinr but if I have to hear “we all need to recreate the perfect hourglass “ and “everybody should wear white”, I’ll scream. I really don’t want to wear a white puff sleeved top!

[@Mariafsadler]

Unfortunately it’s a common theme that you have to “recreate the hourglass” and I just don’t see why! X

[@caroldarnznieks6600]

All true but need for examples….i have to see to process.

[@einsteindarwin8756]

It’s nice to know this when I was younger I had an hour glass shape. Now that I’ll older I have lost my lower body

[@cathytucker2009]

23:50 challenge accepted. Is this piece something that I don't fidget in, that I feel confident in.. ? What's the common denominator in each of those pieces?

[@jenniferclifford4669]

I have an hour glass shape, I'm busty and short and I can categorically say that its very hard to dress well and get clothes to fit.

[@AO-oy4rf]

How refreshing - most of us aren't hourglass shape and neither are we men posing as women! So don't have a swimmers body either. A lot of what you say makes sense.

[@Mariafsadler]

I’m glad you found it interesting. I find it so frustrating when a stylist tells women they need to be turned back into an hourglass like your body shape is wrong! We are all different and all shapes are beautiful ❤️

[@carolinedavies8755]

Where is the yellow/green belted shirt dress from please Maria?

[@Mariafsadler]

Sorry I will link all the items when I’m back at my desk I can’t remember off the top of my head 👍

[@karengrohs4942]

But size 16 in Marilyn's day was more like today's 10.