How the Bell Shaped Woman Should Dress

Clothes to Suit Women with Big Thighs and Bottoms.

Dec 12, 2008 Helen Krasner

It's the classic shape that comes with middle-age spread; the petite lady becomes one who has large thighs and an oversized bum. But with care, she can still look great.

As explained in a previous article on dressing to suit one’s body shape, bell shaped women have narrow shoulders, small upper halves and waists, but large lower halves. Many women of this shape were petite in their youth, and the increase in girth has happened as they got older. With the change in shape has come a tendency to ignore their appearance, as many bells doubt if they can still look good. But don’t despair, with a little care the bell can look fantastic.

Principles When Dressing the Bell Shaped Woman

Key clothes for the bell are those which make the shoulders look broader, while de-emphasising the bottom half. Bulky gilets and jumpers are great for this body shape, as are funnel-shaped coats and shirts with ruffles around the neck. For the bottom half, bells should wear side-fastening, loose flowing trousers, or A-line dresses or skirts. Shoes should be simple but high-heeled, to show off the bell’s usually slim ankles.

Casual Clothing for the Bell Shaped Woman

Bells have tiny top halves and large bottom halves, so casual clothes should work to restore the harmony between the two. This means that bulky jackets, gilets, or jumpers are perfect for the bell, who can have a great time experimenting with chunky knits that would not work for other body shapes. However, the bell should be wary of bulky sleeves, which can easily swamp her small frame; a sleeveless knit worn over a thinner top is far better.

The bell’s casual look can now be completed with wide-legged, softly draping trousers, in a darket colour than the top. That’s all there is to it, and the bell will now look fantastic.

Smart Clothes for the Bell Shaped Woman

For smart occasions, a cowl-necked jumper will perform the same job as the gilet or chunky knit – it will enlarge the bell’s upper half. With this the bell shaped lady can wear any kind of jacket, but it should be quite short so as not to accentuate her bottom. Trousers, again, should be loose and flowing, and if worn with heels should reach to the ground to lengthen the bell’s legs.

A Party Look for the Bell Shaped Woman

Most bells have given up trying to find a party dress that will fit on the top and bottom. But it can be done! The best style is fitted on top, with cap sleeves to widen the bell’s shoulders. It should then fit around the bell’s slim waist, then flare outwards so that it does not cling to her hips or thighs. It should be long enough to cover the bells thighs and knees, but her calves are usually slim, so ending below the knee is fine. Dainty high-heeled shoes will be perfect with this dress. To complete the look, add an elaborate necklace, which will draw attention to your slim upper half. You will be the bell of the ball!

Famous Bell Shaped Women who Look Fabulous

Most bell-shaped women do not dress well. But one who does is Hillary Clinton. She can look fantastic with the right clothes, and so can any other woman with this shaped body. If you are this shape, hold your head up high, walk tall, and stop worrying about the size of your bum!

Source

  • The Body Shape Bible, Trinny Woodall & Susannah Constantine, Weidenfeld & Nicholson 2007

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