PORTRAIT STUDIO BODY SHAPES

BODYSHAPESThe Design of What to Wear

N I C O L E C A R S O N B O N I L L APORTRAIT STUDIO

G U I D E

BODYSHAPESThe Design of What to Wear

G U I D E

Every page is full of examples for each body shape making the design principles easy to understand. I’ve also selected outfits from my photography studio wardrobe for each body type with notes explaining which design principles are being used.

My body shape resembles a rectangle. My hips and chest measurements are basically the same. My waist measurement is about 8” smaller, but not small enough to be an hour glass. I like to wear tapered jackets that have built in shape. I also look best in dresses that are solid colored and also have built in shape to emphasize curves I don’t really have.

There is no one ‘ideal’ body shape. Everyone is different and every shape can be photographed beautifully. I utilize all these design principles when I consult with clients on their wardrobe for their photoshoot. We review how they want to be photographed and then I come up with a creative strategy to make it a reality.

N I C O L E C A R S O N B O N I L L A PORTRAIT STUDIO NicoleBoni l laPortrait .com • 480-300-6405 BODY SHAPES GUIDE

This guide will help you better understand your body shape and how you can use principles of design to create desired visual effects.

We are all perfect the way we are! So let’s make the most of what we’ve got.

Sincerely,

Nicole Carson Bonilla

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WHAT IS YOUR BODY SHAPE? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

VALUE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

LIGHT VALUE VS. DARK VALUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

VISUAL EFFECT OF HORIZONTAL STRIPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

VISUAL EFFECT OF VERTICAL STRIPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

VISUAL EFFECT OF SOLID COLOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

VISUAL EFFECT OF DARK & LIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

HOURGLASS BODY SHAPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

HOURGLASS SAMPLE PORTRAITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

TRIANGLE BODY SHAPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

TRIANGLE SAMPLE PORTRAITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

INVERTED TRIANGLE BODY SHAPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

INVERTED TRIANGLE SAMPLE PORTRAITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

RECTANGLE BODY SHAPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

RECTANGLE SAMPLE PORTRAITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

ROUND BODY SHAPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

ROUND SAMPLE PORTRAITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

N I C O L E C A R S O N B O N I L L A PORTRAIT STUDIO NicoleBoni l laPortrait .com • 480-300-6405 BODY SHAPES GUIDE 3

WHAT IS YOUR BODY SHAPE?Measure your chest, waist and hips

HOURGLASSchest = hips

waist is approx 70% or lessof chest & hips

RECTANGLEchest = hips

waist is approx 80-90%of chest & hips

ROUNDchest = hipswaist is equal to or

larger than chest & hips

TRIANGLEchest < hips

chest is smallerthan hips

INVERTED TRIANGLEchest > hips

chest is largerthan hips


VALUE

LIG

HT

MED

IUM

DAR

K

N I C O L E C A R S O N B O N I L L A PORTRAIT STUDIO NicoleBoni l laPortrait .com • 480-300-6405

Value is defined as the relative lightness or darkness of a color. Different colors can have the same value. It is important to understand the difference between light values and dark values regardless of what color they are.

BODY SHAPES GUIDE 5

LIGHT VALUES ADVANCE DARK VALUES RECEDE

Although both sets of rectangles are the exact same size, the inner white rectangle appears larger because it is white and light values advance or look larger. The inner black rectangle appears small-

er because it is black and dark values recede or look smaller.



Although both sets of rectangles are the exact same size, the inner pink rectangle appears larger because light values advance or look larger. The inner blue rectangle appears smaller because dark

values recede or look smaller.



The white vest and skirt visually expand the torso and hips while the black blouse minimizes the arms and shoulders.

The black vest and skirt visually mini-mize the torso and hips while the white blouse expands the arms and shoulders.


WHICH SHAPE APPEARS NARROWER?

A vertical, unterrupted shape appears taller and thinner.

The same shape visually cut in half horizontally appears shorter and wider.


WHICH SHAPE APPEARS NARROWER?

Horizontal lines cause a shape to appear wider.

Vertical lines cause a shape to appear thinner.


HOURGLASS TRIANGLE INVERTED TRIANGLE RECTANGLE ROUND

VISUAL EFFECT OF HORIZONTAL STRIPESWearing horizontal stripes will visually widen the body shape.



VISUAL EFFECT OF VERTICAL STRIPESWearing vertical stripes will visually lengthen the body shape.



VISUAL EFFECT OF SOLID COLORWearing the same color on top and bottom will create the longest visual shape.



VISUAL EFFECT OF DARK & LIGHTWearing a darker value on the bottom half and a lighter value on the top half will visually decrease the bottom half

and visually increase the top half.



VISUAL EFFECT OF DARK & LIGHTWearing a lighter value on the bottom half and a darker value on the top half will visually increase the bottom half

and visually decrease the top half.


HOURGLASS:


You’ve got curves in all the right places and they all lead the eye to your waist. You can show off this asset with outfits that cinch in at the waist or by adding fun belts and tapered jackets to your wardrobe.

The hourglass figure looks incredible in dresses. You can easily wear dresses with iconic silhouettes like the wrap dress or the fit & flare. These shapes will naturally play up your best features. Avoid boxy dress shapes that camouflage your waistline and look for details in both the bustline and hipline that balance each other.

It’s all about your waist!

BODY SHAPES GUIDE 16

HOURGLASS: DARK & LIGHT COMPARISONNotice the visual effect of the placement of the horizontal line at either the natural waist or the hip. Also the visual effect of placing dark and light values on either the top or the bottom of the body shape.


HOURGLASS: FLATTERING PLACEMENT OF COLOR VALUESThese examples demonstrate the visual effect of the placement of light, medium and dark values relative to the figure.


The balanced ruffles on the top and bottom complement the balanced hour glass shaped.

The draped fabric gathers in at the waist highlighting the narrowest part of the figure.

The sewn in belt at the waist highlights the narrowest part of the figure.

The solid blue color creates a vertical, lean body shape.

The tightly cinched belt visually narrows the waist and allows fullness in the skirt and blouse further emphasizing the narrow waist.


HOURGLASS: SUGGESTED DRESS STYLES


HOURGLASS: Wear outfits with defined waistlines and visual balance on top and bottom.

TRIANGLE:


The assymetry of your curvy waist and hips to your narrower bustline and shoulder provide beautiful combinations in fashion. Your lower body adds curve and movement and draws the eye up to your fitted tops and blouses.

You will look best in dresses that are tapered and fitted in the upper body and long or flowy in the lower body. Choose dresses with lighter values in the upper body to visually expand the area, and darker values in the lower body to visually minimize the area. Always wear belts that are the same color as or darker than the clothing under them.

Embrace your curvy waist & hips!


TRIANGLE: DARK & LIGHT COMPARISONNotice the visual effect of the placement of the horizontal line at either the natural waist or the hip. Also the visual effect of placing dark and light values on either the top or the bottom of the body shape.


TRIANGLE: FLATTERING PLACEMENT OF COLOR VALUESThese examples demonstrate the visual effect of the placement of light, medium and dark values relative to the figure.


TRIANGLE: SUGGESTED DRESS STYLES

The lighter values at the top visually advance drawing the eye up. The darker values at the bottom visually reduce the lower body.

The straps cinch the dress in at the narrowest part of the body. The black details draw the attention up and away from the lower body disguised under the flowy dress.

black on the bottom minimizes the lower body

the horizontal line under the bustline defines the thinnest part of the figure and the bright color draws the eye up

The dresses is fitted under the bustline defining the narrowest part of the figure. The solid color creates a tall, slender visual shape.


TRIANGLE:

Wear darker values on the top to visually minimize the shoulders.

INVERTED TRIANGLE:


Your broader chest and shoulders give you an instant impression of strength and stance. Your slimmer lower body looks great in almost any style.

You will look best in dresses that are fitted in the upper body and fuller through the hip area. Wearing dark values on the upper body and lighter values on the lower body will help to visually balance your vertical symmetry. Avoid shoulder pads and loud, busy prints in your blouses and jackets. You can save the eye catching details for your skirts and pants to show off your narrower lower half.

Enjoy your naturally strong presence!


INVERTED TRIANGLE: DARK & LIGHT COMPARISONNotice the visual effect of the placement of the horizontal line at either the natural waist or the hip. Also the visual effect of placing dark and light values on either the top or the bottom of the body shape.


INVERTED TRIANGLE: FLATTERING PLACEMENT OF COLOR VALUESThese examples demonstrate the visual effect of the plascement of light, medium and dark values relative to the figure.


The full tulle skirt is lighter in value and adds fulness creating more visual width to balance the wider upper bod

The black jacket on top visually minimizes the wider shoulders and upper body The black shrug

on top visually minimizes the wider shoulders and upper body

The slim fitting top of the dress minimizes the upper body

The extra layers of fabric create visual interest and widen the narrower lower body to balance the upper body

The diagonal lines across the upper dress slim the upper half of the body

The extra layers of fabric create visual interest and the horizontal lines visually widen the narrower lower body

INVERTED TRIANGLE: SUGGESTED DRESS STYLES


INVERTEDTRIANGLE: Wear darker values on the top to visually minimize the shoulders.

RECTANGLE:


Commonly known as an ‘athletic’ build, the rectangle body shape is highly versatile. The sky is the limit to wearing clothing with built in curves, ruffles and other fun shapes and textures. If you want to add more curvy shape to your figure, select clothing with built-in shape that doesn’t rely on your natural curves to fill the item.

You will look best in dresses that are tapered and have some built-in shape elements such as rouching, darts and gathers. Also look for dresses with built-in curves to add some movement and shape. Dark belts paired with lighter dresses or separates underneath can create the look of a more slender waistline. Avoid snug seamless dresses that will only emphasize your rectangular silhouette.

Long and lean is your thing!


RECTANGLE: DARK & LIGHT COMPARISONNotice the visual effect of the placement of the horizontal line at either the natural waist or the hip. Also the visual effect of placing dark and light values on either the top or the bottom of the body shape.



RECTANGLE: FLATTERING PLACEMENT OF COLOR VALUESThese examples demonstrate the visual effect of the plascement of light, medium and dark values relative to the figure.


The shapes created by the sequin patterns give the rectangle figure more curve and movement.

The slim tapered jacket over the fitted dress suggest a thin waist under the jacket.

The lighter values in the inset curves create strong, curvy visual lines that elongate and create shape for the rectangular figure.

All the curves and lines used vertically throughout the dress create a more HOURGLASS figure.


RECTANGLE: SUGGESTED DRESS STYLES


RECTANGLE: Wear dresses with built-in structure and curves

ROUND:


Your chest, waist and hips are generally well-proportioned and provide lots of opportunities to wear colors and patterns that express your personality and bring attention to your upper body.

You will look best in dresses that are fitted around the bust-line and long or flowy in the lower body. Choose dresses with lighter colors in the upper body to visually expand the area, and darker colors in the lower body to visually minimize the area. You also look fantastic in loose and long overcoats and layers. Choose dresses and tops with eye-catching details around the neckline and upper body.

Flaunt your well-proportioned beauty!


ROUND: DARK & LIGHT COMPARISONNotice the visual effect of the placement of the horizontal line at either the natural waist or the hip. Also the visual effect of placing dark and light values on either the top or the bottom of the body shape.



ROUND: DARK & LIGHT COMPARISONThese examples demonstrate the visual effect of the plascement of light, medium and dark values relative to the figure.


The v-neckline draws the eye up towards the face

The gathering across the midsection creates a visually narrower shape

The vertical shape lengthens the body and draws the eye up towards the face.

The dress fits tightest under the bustline drawing the eye to the narrowest part of the figure and creating shape

The dress fits tightest under the bustline drawing the eye to the narrowest part of the figure.


The v-neckline draws the eye up towards the face

ROUND: SUGGESTED DRESS STYLES


ROUND: Wear outfits fitted at the bustline and draw attention to the neckline

PORTRAIT STUDIO BODY SHAPES

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