I’m not sure if it was pregnancy, or aging, or probably both, but over the last 3 years, my body has changed. I’ve got chicken wings, my boobs have gone down a size, and while I’m now slightly smaller than I was pre-pregnancy, my waist is still 2 inches larger than it used to be. I’ve spent the last couple of weeks reading books and surfing the web, trying to discover how to dress best for the new me.
I’ve never fit into the standard Apple-Hourglass-Rectangle way of describing body shapes, so I usually just try to piece together various suggestions based on specific body parts. Then, a couple weeks ago, friend and fellow MWW author Janda lent me The Body Shape Bible: Forget Your Size Discover Your Shape Transform Yourself
It’s written by Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine, hosts of the British series “What Not to Wear.” If you’ve seen their show, you have an idea of what to expect from this book. If you’ve seen the American show, think of a somewhat more crass and outspoken version of Stacy and Clinton.
Instead of the usual 3 or 4 body types, this book has 12. I didn’t immediately identify with any of the categories (and was a little confused about why the bowling pin shape was called a Skittle), but after reading the introduction and several of the body types that I thought were closest, I settled on Brick. I hesitated at first, because Bricks are described as having broad shoulders, smaller breasts, a slight waist, narrow hips, big thighs, and no butt. While I fit the rest, I most definitely have a butt. In the intro, Trinny and Susannah explain that you should go with the type the fits best, even if you’re missing one or two of the descriptors. After reading through their clothing suggestion a couple times, I was sure this was me. All their suggestions, empire waist tops, flowy skirts and pants, were things I knew looked flattering on me.
Now this book is being passed around among my group of friends and we’re all discovering that motherhood has given us new shapes and we were often judging our new bodies against the standards of our old ones. I may never get back to my old waist size, but that’s no reason to not feel sexy and attractive. Think of what those extra couple of inches or pounds represent in our lives. Sure it would be great to have a smaller waist, thinner arms, bigger boobs, and my son, but I’m happy to embrace my new body and recognize the amazing thing it’s done: brought a beautiful, loving child into my life.
I won’t be wearing baggy, unflattering outfits to hide my new body anymore. Instead I’ll dress to flatter the shape I am now.
Has your body changed with motherhood? Has it affected your body image?
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My body has taken on several shapes and transformations due to having 2 kids. I gotta agree on your assessment. After kid 2, my breasts … ummm… flattened quite a bit, to be even smaller than before kids!! I am smaller (weight) since having a second kid but that middle – yikes. There’s a tube. I’ve never had a waist, and this solidifies it. I just went to Nordstom’s to get fitted for the right bra (was 36B before kids, then 36C during nursing, now 34C). It was a splurge, but I recommend for comfort the SPANX line of bras!!! I agree with the book and the reality shows (even though they can be harsh)… if you wear clothes that are to generously cut and not right for your type… you look like a house when you are not THAT large! And it is much more flattering — I get asked if I’ve lost weight — if I wear clothes that actually fit my shape!! Who knew?
I was wondering how the Spanx bras are, I guess I’ll try them next time I’m in the US. I also noticed that when I wear more form-fitting clothes, I might feel more self-conscious, but when I’m out, people ask me if I’ve lost weight! It’s funny how what looks right is so different from what feels right.