Body Type Series | Straight Body Type

Let me set the record straight about straight body types. (I’m so corny!). Seriously, though. So many women with this body shape struggle to dress their bodies in a flattering way without recognizing that they are secretly supermodels.

Sure, supermodels may have more inches when it comes to height and fewer inches everywhere else, but most of them are straighter, and this allows them to wear clothes better than almost anyone. But of course not every straight stunner is shaped exactly the same. In other body type systems, the Style Dial Blue, or straighter, body type can be called by a variety of names, depending on your unique features. You may have been called by one of the following:

• Rectangle
• Pencil
• Inverted Triangle
• Ruler
• Apple

Besides your characteristic straightness through the waist, you may also have broader shoulders, fullness in the belly area, and a wider upper half with slim legs.

In today’s video, I feature Sara, a Style Dial Blue who happens to be a member of my Ageless Style Program. Sara showcases some of her favorite, and least favorite, looks so that we can learn what works, what doesn’t, and why.

The Favorites

These outfits are Sara’s personal favorites, and the ones she finds the most flattering.

• Outfit 1: This outfit is stunning on Sara! From the perfect dusty blue shade of the sweater to the lines of the pants to the fit of both, it’s gorgeous. One of the keys to flattering this body type is ofsetting a strong upper body with pants that have either a straight or wider shape. The vertical neckline, artful tuck, and length of the pants all add to the flattery.
• Outfit 2: A shorter, straighter dress is one of the most flattering silhouettes for a Style Dial Blue. It skims over the straightness through the waist and any belly issues, without accentuating them, and then shows up those beautiful legs. A vertical neckline adds to the flattery.
• Outfit 3: This dress, with its straight silhouette, is a flattering choice for Sara, but the horizontal stripes could be problematic. The addition of the denim jacket adds a strong vertical line, intersecting the outfit and creating a more flattering look.
• Outfit 4: A flattering straighter maxi dress in gorgeous colors, this look is perfection. The halter style shows off Sara’s beautiful arms. Another detail to look for in a dress like this is a little ruching to create the illusion of a more defined waist.
• Outfit 5: The only thing I don’t love about this jumpsuit is the color. I prefer navy over black for Sara. The cut and style, however, is perfect. The slightly flowy leg offsets her beautiful strong shoulders and creates a long and lean silhouette.

The Challenges

These outfits are the ones that Sara is struggling with, and that she finds less than flattering for a variety of reasons.

• Outfit 1: The top half of this dress, with its vertical lines and vertical neckline, works for Sara, but from below the bust down, it’s not a great fit. First of all, the fit itself is off, and the horizontal stripes and the fit through the torso make it less than flattering. The asymmetrical hemline also shortens here. A denim jacket would help with this outfit, but I suggest letting go of this one.
• Outfit 2: In this outfit, the top is a little long for the shorts, and the strong geometric pattern on this top paired with solid shorts has the effect of expanding Sara’s upper half, which creates an imbalance. This top would be best hemmed or tucked into a longer straight pant or a flowy style.
• Outfit 3: The separate components of this outfit are nice, but together, you have a loose over loose silhouette. She could try tucking the shirt a little more and defining her waist with a belt, or adding a little jacket. A little more waist definition is needed for these pants to be more flattering.
• Outfit 4: This outfit is the opposite of Outfit 3, with a fitted over fitted silhouette. The top is nice, although it could be ruched up a bit more, but it needs a pair of straight or wide leg pants to offset its shape and create a more balanced look.
• Outfit 5: The problem with this outfit is that the shorts don’t fit Sara properly, Shorts should float over your legs and not crease at the leg joint. If they do, they are the wrong fit or the wrong cut. The best short style for a Style Dial Blue is one with a bit more volume at the hem, and perhaps a little pleating or a soft short style with an elastic waist.

Do you have a similar body type to Sara? What did you learn from her examples? Let me know in the comments!