.
Nancy K put in a request (and yes I’m doing all the body shapes) for an 8 shape – so here are some guidelines.
If you are an 8 Shape (high hip and bootylicious) you are best to avoid trying on garments that:
- Flare from the waist – such as dirndl or circle, or any sort of pleat from the waist.
- Tulip or overly tapered skirts or trousers
- Short shorts
- Longer jackets that don’t have lots of waist shaping and flare from the waist
- Anything that is not fitted at the waist or can be belted to fit your waist.
- Pocket flaps and lots of pocket detail on jeans
What do you 8s always avoid taking into the change room?
I love these posts, but can you also add a silhouette of the shape, whether H or 8.
I´m lost. I have forgotten what shape I am. Help!
OFF TOPIC: How's your Happiness Project coming along, girl? I'm finally starting my own and would love to know what stage you're at, yourself, at the moment.
I'm a mostly-8. I don't bother with jackets with patch pockets or trousers with back pockets that have flaps. Or shirts with patch pockets over the boobs.
I'm a large 8. love belts! Can't stand any of those tops that gather into a band on the hips — worst possible shape! OTOH high waisted dresses and tops are my best friends. Don't like tight/skinny pants unless I wear a really long top over them. otherwise I look like a skittle.
I know that I am an 8, but with about 20 lbs too many at the moment, I feel fat when I belt things. I was planning on making a jacket that was less fitted than usual, and now I am not so sure about it! I did shorten it and it has a pocket based dart that with the resultant side bias, it seemed to be fitted enough when I made the muslin. I shortened it too, so that it hit kind of the middle of my hip. I guess I feel more confused. I am also planning a couple of dresses for summer that are not fitted. One is a semi fitted cross between a shift and a sheath, and a definite shift dress that bypasses my waist, but soft in a knit. As I said, more confused than ever.
My favorite top is one that has a v neck, mock wrap with a gathered side front into a lower shape.
I went back and re read your tips and definition of the 8 shape, and I feel a tad more confident! I think I do need to look for a better jacket pattern though.
What would I bring in the dressing room or what patterns do I look for.
v neck, tops that skim my body. Mock wrap tops. Single breasted jackets and coats.
Nancy K – you don't ever 'have' to belt, you just need waist definition.
8s usually need a peplum style jacket (which is right in when you look at current Christian Dior fashion show pics).
You may find that with your extra weight you're erring toward an H shape.
Just found this and I have to say it's really amazing! I'm stuck between two of your shapes the V and the 8, as I have wider shoulders than hips but a high waist. Any advice?
Most empire waist garments are a no-go as they tend to go straight from rib to hip, skimming over the waist. Unfortunately, it can be quite hard to find non-empire waist dresses right now!
I loved gathered skirts but sadily I am a 8. Im wondering if I should be naughty and make a few anyways?
As a short (I’m all of 5 ft and 1 cm!) figure 8 with a very well endowed bosom(which makes me cringe at times!) and thick thighs, There are what I avoid.
- high neck cardigan
- turtle necks
- high neck / crew neck / mock turtle neck tops
- baby doll tops
- capri pants
- shapeless dresses
- double breasted jackets / blazers / coats
- just wearing a singlet / camisole for a top
what works:
sleeveless shell top
sheath dress with a nice big round or square or sweetheart neckline
mock wrap top or dresses
real wrap necklines
v neck tops or dresses
bootcut jeans or trousers where it is tight near the thighs and the flare start right below that.
straight cut pants
I´m an 8 with small breasts and Austrian at that. I agree with the dirndl shape not being good in general, but a REAL dirndl dress with a balconette (widening) and a pretty blouse and a skirt that´s gathered in just the right place (they sit pretty high on the waist) – well, there is nothing more flattering. Wish I could wear that all the time.
Love your blog Imogen! As a side note, I’m an 8, with thighs, and I do like a little high up pocket flap or detail on my jeans–I think growing up in Miami being a little extra on bottom was considered just right–and I like that part of my shape so I think it really works for me
plus it balances the thighs even though theyre about the same width as my high 8 hip.
So for other 8s, with thighs, you may end up liking a little pocket detail
As someone with a flat bum I’d so love to have a more rounded shape like you!
I’m a 6-foot-tall 8 with a big, high bottom and thighs, a fairly high waist, a long rise, and a relatively small bust and slightly narrower shoulders. I just spent literally HOURS at Old Navy today and walked away with some great tops and sweaters. What I avoid:
-Skinny jeans
-Boxy tops
-Square necklines, or rounded necks that are too low
-Tops that hit at my hips
-High-waist pants
-Tennis dresses (eek)
What works really well:
-Halter tops
-V-necks or sweethearts
-A-shaped empire waists, i.e. not straight across
-Fitted tops that hit just above crotch level
-Cowl necks
-Baseball shirts/boat necks
-Skirts that flare from the widest part of my thigh or from the knee
-Short skirt and loooooong jacket.
That’s really interesting. like you, im a 6′ tall 8 shape but have a small and low derrière. The clothes that I absolutely avoid are:
Low rise pants (they give really bad muffin tops)
Figure hugging jersey dresses or tops
Skinny jeans
What I love:
High waisted pants/skirts! (They smooth my figure and accentuate my small waist)
Thanks for sharing your experience Brinn