ASTRAEA (triangle)

Let us begin with Astraea (triangle).

Astraea has narrower shoulders than her curvy hips and thighs, a small bust and a defined waist. The clever guest selects an outfit with gentle volume at the top, a puff or cap sleeve, a pad, shoulder detail, a square neckline, or even the subtle drama of an off-the-shoulder. All of these bring harmony. The skirt, meanwhile, should skim rather than cling in soft stretch fabrics, bias cut silk or chiffon. A fit-and-flare dress or an A-line midi looks fabulous.

If the wedding is somewhere hot, this fun floral dress can be dressed up with jewellery and sparkly shoes.

ATHENA (rectangle)

Athena has a broader, straight line figure. Shoulders, bust and hips appear roughly equal. She usually has an undefined waist, flatter bum and medium bust. This straighter line can leave one longing for definition. The rectangle benefits from architecture and sharp tailoring, no drapey fabrics for you. Cinched waists, shaped jackets, peplums and simple full skirts.

This jacket is perfect – carving shape for the body. Pair with a simple wide leg trouser or the matching skirt if you feel bold. Embrace geometrics: print adds interest and has a distracting effect whilst side slits allow a flash of leg and break up the line.

Hemera (column)

Athena’s twin, Hemera (column) has a similar straight line figure. Shoulders, bust and hips appear roughly equal. She usually has an undefined waist, flatter bum and smaller bust.

Use a simple strapless dress with a tiered skirt to add movement to the body or focus on sharp shape and more structured fabrics (which really suit the angular figure as they don’t fight against the lines) with this clever embellished gown. Lastly, you could pair a simple structured shirt with this shape busting skirt.

Thetis (spoon)

Thetis (spoon) is straighter through the top half of her body often with a defined waist, curvy hips and full bum and thighs. Enhancing the bust and shoulder helps to even out hips and thighs.

This full length dress is a marvel kicking out at the bottom to balance soft curve at the hip. Or the more statuesque number with vertical patterns to streamline and lengthen.

Selene (apple)

Selene is full through the middle of her body, often with a generous bust and narrow legs and hips.

The trick lies in structure that floats. Empire waistlines, where fabric drops away from the bust, soft trapeze lines- like this dress, which has the added bonus of showing off those great legs.

Always think about skimming rather than gripping the waist. You can use tailored clothes to build out the lower body and skim the upper. This coat dress is perfect or use it over soft tailoring to add definition to the outfit. This coat dress is also useful here.

Artemis (inverted triangle)

Artemis (inverted triangle) has a full bust and upper body compared to her narrower hips and lower body. Athletes and swimmers often have this shape. Keep necklines open with v necks or scoops. These cut into and soften the top half. Add weight and volume below (which may feel odd but believe me, it works). The drama should be below the waist, not above it. One word of caution: shoulder pads are to be avoided at all costs.

Cocoon shapes are good – widening the hip area and tracking back in to show the shapely legs and the trusty a line works too. If you favour a trouser then this wide leg, paired with a silky blouse with a natural shoulder seam will look fantastic.

Hestia (hourglass)

Hestia has a curvy shape. Her bust is roughly equal to her hip and she has a well-defined waist. This shape was made for wrap or body con dresses, hugging the lines without overstatement. This jewelled gown focuses on the centre body – think Marilyn and the silver screen - or go full vamp in this sumptuous velvet.

Stretch, soft or fluid fabrics work well and don’t ‘stick’ to curves. This cowl neck pours around curves and is an easy party dress all year round!

Eirene (the bottom hourglass)

Eirene (the bottom hourglass) has soft curves in the lower part of her body. Her hip is larger than her bust and her bum and thighs are fuller. Eirene usually has a defined waist and smaller bust. Look out for padded shoulders, vertical seams and bottoms which are wider at the hem – whether a trouser, dress or skirt.

This burgundy (one of THE colours of the season) will subtly build out the shoulder line to balance the fuller hip and thigh. The fluid satin helps to slide over curves too. Or make the most of a smaller bust with this plunge neck and fluid skirted dress.

ANNA BERKELEY

Anna has worked for 30 years in the fashion industry, starting her career as a womenswear buyer for brands including Prada, Margaret Howell and Selfridges. For the past 18 years Anna had been working with private clients and brands as a highly successful personal stylist and body shape expert. After learning about Body Mapping, she developed her own technique which helps women to better understand their shape to make more informed style choices.

As an industry expert, Anna regularly contributes to style and wardrobe advice features in publications including The Times, The Telegraph and Grazia. Since February 2022 she has written the monthly “Ask A Stylist” column for the FT Weekend and has been a guest speaker at industry events including Harper’s Bazaar At Work Summit and the Cheltenham Literary Festival. Anna has worked with the charity Smart Works since 2019, advising and styling women returning to work. Think Shape will support Smart Works in 2025/6 as one of their key charities.

Anna began developing the Think Shape app in 2022 with the aim of making available to women everywhere, the benefit of her unique formula for dressing and understanding body shape, without the need (and cost) of a personal appointment.

Anna lives in London with her husband, two sons and their cocker spaniel.