Have you ever felt that you don’t fit into any of the body shape categories? If yes, it’s probable that you actually fit into this one. Here we’ll get to know this body shape (that isn’t much talked about, by the way), how to dress with an eight body shape and what accessories complement it.
What is an eight body shape?
It looks pretty similar to an hourglass body shape, which is why this one is often put into this category. Actually though, it does present some differences compared to the hourglass silhouette.
The high and the low part of the body are aligned and the waist point is particularly obvious, like in an hourglass. But, if in an hourglass the hips are widest where the thigh starts, in an eight shape they are widest higher up, right below the waist point. You may want to look at Scarlett Johansson’s (houglass) and Salma Hayek’s (eight) pictures and draw the comparison better that way.
Also, the waist point in both shapes looks slightly different. You need to have a sharper eye to see it, but once you do it will make a difference to your wardrobe. In an hourglass it develops in length and it’s thinner. In an eight body shape, it’s like a belt that wraps something soft, like the number eight.
One thing you can also check is where your hips are compared to your waist: if they are lower down, you are an hourglass and if they are closer to your waist then you are an eight.
There aren’t any particular curves: if there are any, they’re on the hips and on the belly, despite having a lower waist point.
How to dress with an eight body shape: the ideal closet
The ideal wardrobe is similar to that of an hourglass, but still we’ll dive in some of the details for this specific body shape. In the end , you can see what works for you. These are some tips you can start working form when you are considering how to dress with an eight body shape.
Jackets, coats and cardigans
The ones that suit the best are peplum styles and ones that emphasise the waist. Avoid boxier ones: they’re not ugly, but don’t tend to work as well for this body shape. As for cardigans, you can very well go for shorter ones. You may also want to choose ones that have a belt. If they don’t have one, then pair one. Wear your cardigans closed and crossed over for best results.
Tops
Here it will depend on your barycentre. In general, you’ll want to wear your tops tucked out of your bottoms. Choose ones that are more fitting rather than boxier ones (but not necessarily skin tight). Avoid oversize.
Bottoms
As for skirts you have relative freedom. Opt for straighter styles and ones that are flowier below the knee, like godet and peplum skirts. Or, you may also consider ones that have a thick band at the waist point.
Talking about trousers, straighter styles work better. Talk bootcut, for example. You should avoid wider styles like palazzo trousers, but it depends a lot on your barycentre too. Try to wear them in a similar colour to your top or your shoes. Avoid details like pockets on the higher part of your sides (the part that’s closer to your waist).
Dresses
This is your kingdom, like it is for the hourglasses. Wraps, embellishments, frills, embroidery here and there all work beautifully.
Textiles
Like for hourglasses, go for lighter, softer and more flowing textiles that can be draped. Make sure that the pieces of clothing you are wearing are made of fabrics in similar colours.
Prints
Unless your barycentre is high, go for vertical lines and especially diagonal lines. They’ll flatter your shape better.
Accessories
Belts
If you are an eight body shape, belts are your allies. A thin to medium one will help you do the trick better.
Jewellery
A good pair of earrings will be your best investment here. Choose a pair that also complements your face shape. You should avoid necklaces, but it depends on the length of of your neck compared to that of your face and the rest of your height.
Shoes and bags
Just like for dresses, you have maximum freedom just like an hourglass silhouette. Your eight body shape allows to make these accessories really adaptable.