Identifying my 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.


Characteristics of the Figure of Eight Body Shape

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.


Dressing a Figure of Eight

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.

What Not to Wear for a Figure of Eight

The Figure of Eight body shape is unique and more common than you might think. It's one of the most common figure types that Personal Stylists bring to my Unstoppable Style support group. If you aspire to become a personal stylist and help others discover their body shapes, consider exploring specialized programs like my Unstoppable Style Program For Personal Stylists.