Alembika believes every day is a fashion show and the world is your runway. We partnered with SHAPE SHOPPING with Figure & Fit by Catherine Schuller, AICI Certified Image Professional on May 15th for a RUNWAY THE REAL WAY fashion show in RENAISSANCE NEW YORK MIDTOWN HOTEL NYC to learn about figure typing and which Alembika clothing best fits and flatters each silhouette. We hope this guide is helpful for all women to embrace and celebrate their individual beauty.

What to Know About Your Figure & Fit

According to Cat — whose mantra is “Know Your Shape/Show Your Shape” — there are the 6 main figure types (some may be a combo of two) and specific styles that best compliment each body type. For each figure listed below you’ll find a model in an Alembika fit to demonstrate how this works. *Please note, these are topline tips. Book an appointment with Cat for a full assessment and guidance. You can also visit the Alembika Showroom in NYC.

WAIST

Hourglass

Figure: curvy, hips and bust are about the same width, waist is well defined.
Fit: emphasize waist, de-emphasize bust. Dark colors on top, set-in waists.

Mary Ellen (@maryellenkernaghan) wears Alembika size 4 in the ESSENTIAL COCOON DRESS, RED ROSE (left), CHICHA COCOON DRESS, SAVANNA (center) and the Debbie Muumuu Dress (right).

Shimella (@itsladyelise) wears Alembika size 2 in URBAN DOTS BUTTON DOWN SHIRT, NAVY with DENIM ICONIC STRETCH JEANS (left), CHARISMA DRESS with matching leggings (center) and ESSENTIAL OVERSIZED TRAPEZE TOP, RED ROSE with ESSENTIAL PUNTO PANTS, BLACK and a NEXT PASHMINA NECKLACE, RED (right).

Scarlett (@scarlettemodelingport) wears Alembika size 0 in the LAUREL COCOON DRESS (left) and ESSENTIAL V-NECK TOP with ICONIC STRETCH JEANS and a CROSSBODY SLING BAG (center). Robin (@robinaltenberg) wears Alembika size 2 in ANCHORAGE V-NECK TOP, WHITE and a size 0 in ICONIC STRETCH JEANS (right).

Triangle

Figure: hips and thighs are wider than your shoulders and bustline.
Fit: broaden upper torso with light colors, patterns to draw eye away from bottom

Nicole (@xponentialcurve) wears Alembika size 7 in the ESSENTIAL SWING TUNIC TOP, BLACK with ESSENTIAL FLOW PANTS, LIME and is wearing the 3-STRAND RECYCLED LEATHER NECKLACES, AURORA BOREALIS (left). Pam (@pmcca36781) wears Alembika size 2x in the AYLA TRAPEZE MIDI DRESS, COBALT (center) and an XL in the SAFFRON SHIRT DRESS, BOUQUET (right).

Inverted Triangle

Figure: broadest up top, hips/thighs equal to or narrower than waist
Fit: don’t overemphasize bust or torso, go for an illusion of overall contour

Ana (@la.natural.domenicana79) wears Alembika size 3 in the HAPPY HOUR TUNIC TOP with ICONIC STRETCH JEANS (right) ESSENTIAL COCOON DRESS, NIGHT with NEXT PASHMINA NECKLACE, ORANGE (center) and the URBAN SPLICE BOXY TEE with URBAN IMPERIAL HAREM PANTS (right).

WAIST NOT

Rectangle

Figure: straight up and down, little bust and waist definition, slim arms and legs
Fit: emphasize thighs/legs, accentuate / don’t define waist, no boxy silhouettes

Laudine (@laudanemartin)wears Alembika size 6 in URBAN SAPPORO SHIFT DRESS, KHAKI (left), ESSENTIAL COCOON DRESS, NIGHT (center). Stephanie (@sk.bui) wears Alembika size 1 in CAMPARI WONDERFUL DRESS (right).

Oval

Figure: full bust, flat derriere and prominent tummy, broader through middle/upper torso
Fit: de-emphasize waist, emphasize face and thigh/leg areas, create illusion of height

Rasheema (@rahtheblessed1) wears Alembika size 3x in the CARLA COCOON MIDI DRESS, COBALT (left), size 6 in the SNAKE ICONIC STRETCH JEANS, ECRU and a size 8 in the URBAN CINCH TUNIC TOP, WHITE/BLACK with the CIRCLE CANTEEN BAG, IVORY (center) and the NEXT PASHMINA NECKLACE, RED (right).

Diamond

Figure: narrow shoulders, flat derriere, largest measurement is the waist
Fit: use broadening necklines, accessories up top, try short hemlines