Identifying my own body shape was a challenging journey even though I was a trained personal stylist!

None of the mainstream categories—hourglass, pear, rectangle, inverted triangle, or round—seemed to fit. After extensive research and attending a talk by Carla Mathis, a renowned image consultant and author of 'The Triumph Of Individual Style' I discovered the Figure of Eight body shape.

This term can be misleading, as it suggests a rounded shape, but a more accurate description would be athletic with a small, high waist.

The figure-of-eight body shape is distinct from the hourglass figure, particularly in the hip area. While both shapes share a defined waist and balanced proportions, the figure-of-eight is characterized by a high hip or "hip shelf," where the hips curve outwards more abruptly just below the waist. This creates a straighter appearance in the hips, compared to the smoother, more gradual curve of the hourglass's hips. Additionally, the figure-of-eight often has narrower thighs and a slightly shorter torso, emphasizing the high placement of the hips.

In contrast, the hourglass figure typically features a lower hip curve with more rounded, flowing contours. These differences make the figure-of-eight unique and require distinct styling approaches to enhance its natural lines.
​

Shoulders: Curved and approximately as wide as the hips/thighs.

Waist: Distinctly narrower than the shoulders and hips/thighs, typically 8-10 inches smaller.

Weight Distribution: Tends to accumulate on the high hip and tummy just below the waist, rather than on the thighs/low hip like an hourglass.

Waist Appearance: Small and high, with a shelf-like appearance due to a sudden jut out to the high hip.

Legs: Can be long and slim, though this is not always the case.

Short Waist: The waist tends to be short due to the high hip, becoming shorter with weight gain. You might also want to ckeck out my blog post "Mastering the High-Waisted Look: Styling Tips for Curvy Figures with Short Waists and Long Rises"

The key to dressing a Figure of Eight is to follow hourglass rules with specific adjustments for the lower body.

Fabric Choices:
Opt for soft, drapable fabrics like knit and jersey to enhance your curves.
Wrap dresses with straight or tapered skirts are particularly flattering.

Tailoring:
Sharp tailoring and waisted jackets define curves beautifully. A peplum on a jacket or top is ideal as it accommodates the high hip.

Jeans and Pants:
Choose styles with a slight taper, straight legs, or mild bootcuts.

Necklines:
V-necks and scoop necks work best, especially for big-busted Figures of Eight.

Belts:
Accentuate your small waist with medium-scale belts that tone with your outfit to avoid shortening your waist further.
Experiment with belting at the low hip, forming a V at the front to lengthen and slim your body (works best with fitted tops).

Skirts and Dresses:
Longer skirts should not flare until the knee or lower.
Avoid pleated skirts unless they have sewn-down pleats that release around the leg crease.

Shapewear:
Use control vests and corsets to smooth the tummy and midriff areas.

Accessories:
Opt for bangles and earrings, avoiding too much neck detail, especially if you have a shorter neck or bigger bust.

Tops:
Avoid tucking in tops, as this shortens your waist. Choose untucked tops finished with a belt.
Light, fitted layers can cover midriff concerns and create a more interesting look.

General Style Tips:
Choose clean and uncluttered looks, avoiding fuss and frills that add bulk to your curvy frame.

​