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The Science of Sexy: Dress to Fit Your Unique Figure with the Style System That Works for Every Shapeand Size
A celebrity fashion designer gives every woman the red-carpet treatment in this foolproof guide to choosing clothes that make you look fabulous?with tailor-made tips for forty-eight body types.
From Oprah to Eva Longoria, top L.A. designer Bradley Bayou has dressed women of all shapes and sizes and knows that every woman has her own natural combination of silhouette shape, height, and weight. Style is not about fitting into the size you think is sexy, it is about picking clothes that fit your body correctly and that create balance.
In The Science of Sexy , Bayou helps readers identify their silhouette shape (triangle, inverted triangle, rectangle, or hourglass) and combines that information with a height/weight chart to determine which of the forty-eight ?fitting rooms? to go to in the book. Each fitting room has Bradley?s specific advice on the clothes and accessories to wear and avoid, and how to create balance using color, scale, proportions, and fabric.
From Oprah to Eva Longoria, top L.A. designer Bradley Bayou has dressed women of all shapes and sizes and knows that every woman has her own natural combination of silhouette shape, height, and weight. Style is not about fitting into the size you think is sexy, it is about picking clothes that fit your body correctly and that create balance.
In The Science of Sexy , Bayou helps readers identify their silhouette shape (triangle, inverted triangle, rectangle, or hourglass) and combines that information with a height/weight chart to determine which of the forty-eight ?fitting rooms? to go to in the book. Each fitting room has Bradley?s specific advice on the clothes and accessories to wear and avoid, and how to create balance using color, scale, proportions, and fabric.
304 pages, Paperback
First published December 28, 2006
14 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
March 16, 2022
Another reviewer pointed out that only about four pages of the book will apply to you. This is true. It’s like buying a horoscope book that has all the sun signs, rising signs etc in it: a lot of it doesn’t apply to you. And the part that did apply to me, I already knew. I’m a medium height hourglass, so yeah, already not doing skirts that stop mid calf. No dropped waists. Etc. This might be new info for someone who is a true beginner and has no idea what will flatter them.
That said, the writing is fairly engaging and I did pick up a couple new ideas/tricks. So why the 2 stars? Because I don’t need anyone, least of all a male, telling me that the way to make my body look “sexy” is to wear pointy-toed shoes, “the taller the better!” Oh and forget sensible chunky heels. No, we need to teeter around on the thinnest of thin-heeled shoes: stilettos. Really, Bradley??? Pinching my feet into something that’s going to deform them with bunions and hammertoes, something that will cause structural problems in my back, shoes that will just make every day a painful struggle… *that’s* what I need to look sexy? And this in spite of how much time was spent at the beginning of the chapter talking about what a fabulous and enviable physique those with my body type have? I feel bad for women with the more “challenging” body types to dress: what must they need to do to appear “sexy”? Drag around actual bear traps on their toes? 😳
So let’s just say NO. No pointy-toed anything. No stilettos. No no no no and NO!
Give me a nice round-toed pump in a reasonable 2.5 inch heel for dress-up occasions. And the rest of the time, folks can either think I look sexy in flats, or they can kiss my well-rounded and delightfully proportionate buttocks muscles.
That said, the writing is fairly engaging and I did pick up a couple new ideas/tricks. So why the 2 stars? Because I don’t need anyone, least of all a male, telling me that the way to make my body look “sexy” is to wear pointy-toed shoes, “the taller the better!” Oh and forget sensible chunky heels. No, we need to teeter around on the thinnest of thin-heeled shoes: stilettos. Really, Bradley??? Pinching my feet into something that’s going to deform them with bunions and hammertoes, something that will cause structural problems in my back, shoes that will just make every day a painful struggle… *that’s* what I need to look sexy? And this in spite of how much time was spent at the beginning of the chapter talking about what a fabulous and enviable physique those with my body type have? I feel bad for women with the more “challenging” body types to dress: what must they need to do to appear “sexy”? Drag around actual bear traps on their toes? 😳
So let’s just say NO. No pointy-toed anything. No stilettos. No no no no and NO!
Give me a nice round-toed pump in a reasonable 2.5 inch heel for dress-up occasions. And the rest of the time, folks can either think I look sexy in flats, or they can kiss my well-rounded and delightfully proportionate buttocks muscles.
June 20, 2008
This book was interesting, though it didn't tell me anything I didn't know already know. I'm a short, hourglass of sometimes medium weight, though that fluctates. I know to wear things that show how small my waist as compared to my hips. I realize I possess the magical hip/waist ratio and everyone should bow down and worship my ample bottom and curvy thighs.
I also know to avoid tapered pants, calf length dresses and anything with shoulder pads.
The great thing about this book is it tells you exactly how to dress your shape and it actually is so inclusive even I can't diss it. I was just grateful when they showed a "celebrity" twin I didn't turn the page to find J-hud staring back. That would've been totally unacceptable. She's an apple with big tits, NOT an hourglass.
But I digress. Okay the sucky part is only four pages in this rather pricy tome actually will apply to you.
I also know to avoid tapered pants, calf length dresses and anything with shoulder pads.
The great thing about this book is it tells you exactly how to dress your shape and it actually is so inclusive even I can't diss it. I was just grateful when they showed a "celebrity" twin I didn't turn the page to find J-hud staring back. That would've been totally unacceptable. She's an apple with big tits, NOT an hourglass.
But I digress. Okay the sucky part is only four pages in this rather pricy tome actually will apply to you.
July 28, 2013
I liked this book for the fact that it did what it set out to do, which was to teach you how to dress yourself in a way that flatters you. It doesn't cut you down or make fun of you. It doesn't suggest loosing weight or changing your appearance. It provides advice, tips, and suggestions based on you. Bayou teaches you how to enhance your positives and hide or minimize your negatives, but always to make you look good and feel good.
I also liked that the information provided wasn't difficult to understand and flowed rather nice. He also kept things simple and to the point. He starts off by explaining why his theory works and provided examples of it in action by showcases some of the celebrities he consulted. Then he goes into some general guidelines that can be applied to all women, gives a mini consultation in a way of questions you can ask yourself to get a better understanding of what image you wish to portray, walks you through your body measurements and shape, and then directs you to your "fitting room" with detailed guidelines that apply specifically for your silhouette or body shape. Granted the fitting room consultation is only about four pages, but the information he provides makes sense and is easy to remember when shopping so you don't have to lug your book with you. He explains what you should wear, what you shouldn't wear, and provides you with suggestions for casual, professional, and formal wear--all specific to you.
What I found most valuable can be found in the glossary of this book. For someone like me, who isn't the most fashion savvy out there, I get lost when fashion books start talking about the different styles or cuts in the fabrics. When the book advises that I should go for a raglan sleeve blouse instead of a cap sleeve, I usually get cap sleeve, but what the heck is raglan? Well, the glossary provides pictures of the different cuts the book references, which I found very useful. Not only does it provide this for tops and bottoms, but also for shoes and accessories. Very useful information. You can find a pictured sizing chart and a "dream closet" checklist in the glossary as well.
Overall, this book provides useful information that can be applied quickly and is quite effective. I'd recommend it to anyone who's interested in some guidelines to update their style and/or figure out what to wear.
I also liked that the information provided wasn't difficult to understand and flowed rather nice. He also kept things simple and to the point. He starts off by explaining why his theory works and provided examples of it in action by showcases some of the celebrities he consulted. Then he goes into some general guidelines that can be applied to all women, gives a mini consultation in a way of questions you can ask yourself to get a better understanding of what image you wish to portray, walks you through your body measurements and shape, and then directs you to your "fitting room" with detailed guidelines that apply specifically for your silhouette or body shape. Granted the fitting room consultation is only about four pages, but the information he provides makes sense and is easy to remember when shopping so you don't have to lug your book with you. He explains what you should wear, what you shouldn't wear, and provides you with suggestions for casual, professional, and formal wear--all specific to you.
What I found most valuable can be found in the glossary of this book. For someone like me, who isn't the most fashion savvy out there, I get lost when fashion books start talking about the different styles or cuts in the fabrics. When the book advises that I should go for a raglan sleeve blouse instead of a cap sleeve, I usually get cap sleeve, but what the heck is raglan? Well, the glossary provides pictures of the different cuts the book references, which I found very useful. Not only does it provide this for tops and bottoms, but also for shoes and accessories. Very useful information. You can find a pictured sizing chart and a "dream closet" checklist in the glossary as well.
Overall, this book provides useful information that can be applied quickly and is quite effective. I'd recommend it to anyone who's interested in some guidelines to update their style and/or figure out what to wear.
May 14, 2011
My admiration for this book is inversely proportionate to my skepticism upon hearing of it. I’ve seen books with the same concept, but this one is superior in that it helps you determine your particular body type, which will be one of 48 shapes. Determining your shape is easy using the charts and illustrations, although I was able to pick mine out without a tape measure. Bayou then proceeds to point out blessings and curses for each shape along with what styles of dresses, tops, skirts, pants & jeans, coats & jackets, jewelry & accessories, and shoes are flattering for each. He provides the same for styles not to wear. He ends with examples for casual, career, and formal outfits.
He provides a glossary with illustrations for those of us who wouldn’t know a mandarin collar from a Peplum Jacket from a godet. Based on the “dream closet checklist” I have a lot of shopping to do. Luckily, it will be a breeze now that I know what to look for.
While those with a natural fashion sense might not find The Science of Sexy useful, there are plenty who need Bayou's help.
He provides a glossary with illustrations for those of us who wouldn’t know a mandarin collar from a Peplum Jacket from a godet. Based on the “dream closet checklist” I have a lot of shopping to do. Luckily, it will be a breeze now that I know what to look for.
While those with a natural fashion sense might not find The Science of Sexy useful, there are plenty who need Bayou's help.
March 6, 2008
Bayou's scientific approach to dressing a person was simple and easy to follow. He seemed to show an understanding of how differently women's bodies are made and how we can make the best of what shapes and features we have. You do have to measure yourself to do this, though, so it's definitely interactive. Once you figure out what type of body size and proportion you are, you just follow his table of contents to the pages that describe what you should and shouldn't wear. He also includes a glossary to explain terms and clothing styles that you might not be familiar with, complete with illustrations, which helped a lot (I had no clue what a bolero jacket was, which was something he recommended was good for my body type, for instance). However, seeing as you are only 1 or the 40 or so body types described in the book, it's kind of "disappointing" in a sense to only get use out of 20-so pages of the book (2 pages for your body type and his introductory chapter). He does not go much into cultivating your own sense of style (not many references to fashion icons/mentors or trends to be inspired with). Perhaps it's because he wants you to figure that out for yourself--which may or may not be helpful to the reader, depending on how lost they feel.
Still, Bayou's book covers what you should and shouldn't wear and why--which is really important! It helps you understand what happens when you wear certain items, how others perceive your look. It's a handy guide to look to when you feel lost about how to wear certain things. And to get the most out of it, I would use it on your friends as well--measure them and see where they fit in.
Still, Bayou's book covers what you should and shouldn't wear and why--which is really important! It helps you understand what happens when you wear certain items, how others perceive your look. It's a handy guide to look to when you feel lost about how to wear certain things. And to get the most out of it, I would use it on your friends as well--measure them and see where they fit in.
August 16, 2008
This book clearly laid out the silhouettes that flatter my body. I am a hard-to-fit tall hourglass that wavers through different weight categories, and I came away with a fair amount of insight into how to use shape and line to balance my figure. I agree with other reviewers that the amount of information specific to each body type is skimpy, but I was impressed with the author's comprehensive understanding of proportion and fit. I really did feel like he understood the challenges of dressing my shape, such as how to highlight the waist without making the bust and hips seem enormous in proportion.
The categories were very specific. Instead of using vague euphemisms like "curvy", the author defined what an hourglass really is, a body type with hips and bust of the same size and a very defined waist. He also understands that women of any weight category can fall into this general shape. You can be very thin and be an hourglass; you can be zaftig and be an hourglass. I found the information on other body types interesting as well, even if it was not relevant to my own fit challenges.
The categories were very specific. Instead of using vague euphemisms like "curvy", the author defined what an hourglass really is, a body type with hips and bust of the same size and a very defined waist. He also understands that women of any weight category can fall into this general shape. You can be very thin and be an hourglass; you can be zaftig and be an hourglass. I found the information on other body types interesting as well, even if it was not relevant to my own fit challenges.
August 30, 2013
Every woman should get this from the library
The first 69 pages are meant for everyone to read. Then, you only ready the 1/48 of the pages that apply to your shape. It'll take you an hour to read - max.
For a non-fashionista like myself, I found this book very helpful in recognizing my silhouette's strengths and teaching me how to complement those strengths with flattering fabrics, cuts, and styles. Bayou makes every body shape realize its beautiful features and teaches you how to "reveal" them without actually revealing more than you want to.
The glossary is fantastic.
Read it, make some mental notes, return it to the library, and dress in a way that reflects the message you want to send!
The first 69 pages are meant for everyone to read. Then, you only ready the 1/48 of the pages that apply to your shape. It'll take you an hour to read - max.
For a non-fashionista like myself, I found this book very helpful in recognizing my silhouette's strengths and teaching me how to complement those strengths with flattering fabrics, cuts, and styles. Bayou makes every body shape realize its beautiful features and teaches you how to "reveal" them without actually revealing more than you want to.
The glossary is fantastic.
Read it, make some mental notes, return it to the library, and dress in a way that reflects the message you want to send!
March 27, 2008
This is a great book for people that want to feel good about their shape (whatever it may be) and be able to dress your best no matter what. I almost cried when I read it because of the positive way that he talks about each body type.
My only qualm with this book is this: do you dress for your measurements or what you look like? For example I measure as one shape but visually I am another. I am going with the visual.
My only qualm with this book is this: do you dress for your measurements or what you look like? For example I measure as one shape but visually I am another. I am going with the visual.
June 22, 2008
Fun book along the lines of "What Not to Wear". Has a section for each body type and tells you what fashions to wear and look good or what you should stay away from and why.
June 2, 2012
An easy guide for dressing for your shape! Now I know what to look for...
May 30, 2025
I find most reviewers blame the book for their wrong choice. You bought a book about all the body types (48) and expected it to talk about you only? No wonder it did not met your expectations. It was not meant to. You should stay with shorter articles/videos, that is all you need. If you are an image consultant (help people dress up, buy clothes for themselves or all the other new consultancy jobs related to the above), this is a must. Possibly learn it by heart. ***I picked it for several reasons. 0) I am interested in the topic. While I watch various videos or read various articles, they were never enough for me, because I am not only interested to know what model of jeans are best for my body. 1) He is a professional, not an influencer or media face, and worked with several public personalities for decades. We all know that public persons, movie stars etc. look good because they have a team who helps them make the best choices in terms of their image. 2) The approach is not basic (also because he is a professional and he loves women more than the clothes they wear). 48 body types??? Well... yes. All of us women wondered if we are really a `hourglass` or a `pear`... but, wait, my shoulders are straighter... my legs are longer... me head is bigger... HE MAKES YOU MEASURE your body and then gives advice appropriate to your body type. You will see the difference, absolutely. 3) In time, your body changes. A lot. You think you know everything because you have been wearing those types of clothes for decades and they worked. And then, they work no more. Well, measure again. Your proportion changed. You need adjustments to your wardrobe. And you will know to make them. 4) We all heard about 3 measurements: breast, waist, hips. Hmm... Sure, but why don`t you dress up men like that? Because they do not have breasts? Yes, sure, but mainly because the frame of your body is not made up of that only. Without the shoulders (and other details), you will never get the frame right and, therefore, the proportions. The vast majority of stylist wannabes give advice ignoring that completely. Among hundreds of sources, I only found two (2) who take shoulders and other details into account. No wonder most people dress up badly. *** I made my close friends happy by sharing this book. And I still go back to it every now and then, even if I have had it for about 17 years. The principles are the same, irrespective of how fashion evolves. We still love proportions.
November 5, 2018
This book is better than the majority I’ve read-and I’ve read nearly everything in the library “fashion” section.
Advice for ladies 95-200+lbs-seriously.
Basically, this is a Great book to have on hand & reference repeatedly. Not really a “20 things every woman should own” or a “find your style: edgy, boho, or preppy”
The author follows the “body shape” philosophy, but, gives a little more information, like, “[you’re a triangle of your hips are +10% thinner/smaller than your shoulders]”. Which is waaaaaay more helpful than, “[your this shape because you weigh nothing and your waist can be seen...you’re obviously plus size of you don’t have a noticeable difference between hips & waist]” philosophy I’ve seen every where else.
Another plus, he tells you the *worst* things you could wear for your shape && *explains why* its such a bad idea. In essence, if I want to look like I have thicker thighs I can *choose* wear a moderate “no-no”.
Advice for ladies 95-200+lbs-seriously.
Basically, this is a Great book to have on hand & reference repeatedly. Not really a “20 things every woman should own” or a “find your style: edgy, boho, or preppy”
The author follows the “body shape” philosophy, but, gives a little more information, like, “[you’re a triangle of your hips are +10% thinner/smaller than your shoulders]”. Which is waaaaaay more helpful than, “[your this shape because you weigh nothing and your waist can be seen...you’re obviously plus size of you don’t have a noticeable difference between hips & waist]” philosophy I’ve seen every where else.
Another plus, he tells you the *worst* things you could wear for your shape && *explains why* its such a bad idea. In essence, if I want to look like I have thicker thighs I can *choose* wear a moderate “no-no”.
June 20, 2021
This book is incredible! It has one of those pantyhose size charts that tells you how you should dress depending on your height, weight and shape. So the book is actually short since the bulk of the pages are individualized. I didn’t like the title fonts for each section as they were hard to read. The book was written in 2006 so some of the clothing styles he recommended are dated. But overall this should be a Bible for how to dress.
April 10, 2018
I subscribe to his theories and try not to wear clothes that don't conform. I became familiar with the concept about 20 years ago and wish I had known it much sooner.
March 8, 2017
This was a very exiting book . I would recommend it to my class.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2010
It takes a while for Bradley Bayou to get to the science part to his style system. The first chapters focus on basic "if you want to hide this, then consider these styles and these fabrics...", with a strong leaning towards EVERYONE wearing V-necks. He also does a fun comparison between how "sexy" you want to gear your look and then pointing to the SATC ladies to help you visualise.
This first part is a colourful, photo heavy section, that kept me turning the pages despite not really learning anything new. But then it hits you - the science part of things.
Starting with one's measurements and weight, Bayou categorises you into a "dressing room" and then gives you some really good tips. This is golden! As a woman who's petite but not a size zero, I've always found it hard translating what are usually touted "petite friendly" styles to my own body. I only wish there was a separate book filled with photos and suggestions for my specific body type rather than the given 3 pages. The three pages per body shape include the basic "wear this" and "avoid this" sections and suggestions for work and play. But as most of these suggestions are in text, one not completely well versed in all clothing cuts needs to look at the glossary. (Also for my dressing room there was no red carpet look suggestion.)
What was also nice was his "celebrity match" for each body type. So, even though I don't have a separate book of style suggestions, I can look through Reese Witherspoons internet photos to get some ideas.
Will definitely re-read if my weight or shape changes dramatically.
This first part is a colourful, photo heavy section, that kept me turning the pages despite not really learning anything new. But then it hits you - the science part of things.
Starting with one's measurements and weight, Bayou categorises you into a "dressing room" and then gives you some really good tips. This is golden! As a woman who's petite but not a size zero, I've always found it hard translating what are usually touted "petite friendly" styles to my own body. I only wish there was a separate book filled with photos and suggestions for my specific body type rather than the given 3 pages. The three pages per body shape include the basic "wear this" and "avoid this" sections and suggestions for work and play. But as most of these suggestions are in text, one not completely well versed in all clothing cuts needs to look at the glossary. (Also for my dressing room there was no red carpet look suggestion.)
What was also nice was his "celebrity match" for each body type. So, even though I don't have a separate book of style suggestions, I can look through Reese Witherspoons internet photos to get some ideas.
Will definitely re-read if my weight or shape changes dramatically.
April 24, 2015
This book is an excellent tool for women who want to look their best but are not sure what type of clothing works for their bodies. First you take measurements and with a little math you figure out a shape: inverted triangle, rectangle, triangle, and hourglass. Then, on the next page, you find your other area, which is number/color-coded. It goes by height and weight. This is your "fitting room" number/color. You look on that curtain and it has a page number that begins the section for your body type according to height/weight. I am average height, plus size, hourglass. It lists the good things about your body types along with the things you probably struggle with, then has a page of "what to wear" that starts with tops and goes all the way through shoes and coats, including accessories and purses. It also has a list of "what not to wear," along with your one fashion "must-have" (mine is a wrap-dress). In the back of the book is a basics shopping list (Which I am going to photocopy) along with a style glossary that has drawings of the different clothing styles. I might copy that as well because the book is not shopping friendly size. I would recommend this book to any woman of any size. It made me feel more confident about what to look for. It is next best thing to having Clinton and Stacy take me shopping and pay for everything.
September 23, 2015
This is a good book for most women. I like Bayou's philosophy of creating a balance figure and his use of height weight and actual body proportions to determine body shape. There are 4 body types x 3 height ranges x 4 weight ranges per height range = 48 types. For each type he gives a summary, strengths and weakness, what to wear, what to avoid, and an example of 3 outfits for casual, work, and dress. The book also contains basic fashion and wardrobe information, an illustrated glossary of fashion style terms, and a basic wardrobe checklist.
This book would be good for:
Young women (teens-20s) who are exploring fashion and their own personal style and building a wardrobe
Women who have experienced significant changes in weight loss or gain (30+ pounds) and are not sure how to dress their new body
Those who dress people for a living: stylists, sales people, and fashion designers.
This book is less helpful for:
Women with strong wardrobe skills and good understanding of their body
mature women who have tried it all over their lifetime and know what works and doesn't work (50+ age)
Women needing more in depth information about personal style, communicating through fashion, or body confidence. (these sections are short and sparse).
This book would be good for:
Young women (teens-20s) who are exploring fashion and their own personal style and building a wardrobe
Women who have experienced significant changes in weight loss or gain (30+ pounds) and are not sure how to dress their new body
Those who dress people for a living: stylists, sales people, and fashion designers.
This book is less helpful for:
Women with strong wardrobe skills and good understanding of their body
mature women who have tried it all over their lifetime and know what works and doesn't work (50+ age)
Women needing more in depth information about personal style, communicating through fashion, or body confidence. (these sections are short and sparse).
July 31, 2008
you know those dates when you agree to go out with someone and they spend the first three to seven hours convincing you that they are awesome. you were ready for a little action anyway, and were going to fuck them just because it's a day ending in Y, but maybe there's something charming in the seduction. oh wait, no, it's just grating at this point! and finally they shut up enough to get it on, and then the sex is just kind of "passable." okay, it can't just be me that has dealt with this....
anyway, that is exactly what this book is like. many of these "scientifically sexy" dressing concepts are not always at the front of my mind, but it's because i think about things like math, greenwashing, and traffic patterns too much. reading the book didn't teach me anything new. it's a little limiting if you are really short and heavy, or really tall and thin (you just don't exist, sorry) but if you have a difficult-to-classify body shape, you might find some insight here. well, maybe. partially it was just nice to read something that affirmed that i am, indeed, clued into what i should be wearing even if i occasionally make the egregious mistake of puffed sleeves or skinny jeans.
anyway, that is exactly what this book is like. many of these "scientifically sexy" dressing concepts are not always at the front of my mind, but it's because i think about things like math, greenwashing, and traffic patterns too much. reading the book didn't teach me anything new. it's a little limiting if you are really short and heavy, or really tall and thin (you just don't exist, sorry) but if you have a difficult-to-classify body shape, you might find some insight here. well, maybe. partially it was just nice to read something that affirmed that i am, indeed, clued into what i should be wearing even if i occasionally make the egregious mistake of puffed sleeves or skinny jeans.
May 5, 2013
I liked the book a lot, and this may have to do with the fact that I bought it used. It does show you how to find your body shape, (by measuring your shoulders, chest, waist, and hips) in case you were not of what your shape is. I have found that most women either a straight-up hourglass or a variation of an hourglass and another shape.
While other sources use fruit to describe your shape and tell you what you should wear; apple, pear, and the infamous hourglass, this book uses shapes. Triangle, rectangle, and the hourglass. "Good", I thought to myself, "At least I can quit calling myself a Glass-Pear".
Bayou gives you a detailed description of what you should and should not be wearing to accentuate your shape, and also tells you the pluses and minuses of each figure type. Yes, a small waist and curvy ass are great, but finding a good bra is quite a feat. Longs legs and few curves are great because most clothes look great on you, though a friend of mine who looks like that uses another word to describe her body. "Plank."
This is a helpful and fun read, especially when a few friends and a bottle or two of chardonay are involved.
While other sources use fruit to describe your shape and tell you what you should wear; apple, pear, and the infamous hourglass, this book uses shapes. Triangle, rectangle, and the hourglass. "Good", I thought to myself, "At least I can quit calling myself a Glass-Pear".
Bayou gives you a detailed description of what you should and should not be wearing to accentuate your shape, and also tells you the pluses and minuses of each figure type. Yes, a small waist and curvy ass are great, but finding a good bra is quite a feat. Longs legs and few curves are great because most clothes look great on you, though a friend of mine who looks like that uses another word to describe her body. "Plank."
This is a helpful and fun read, especially when a few friends and a bottle or two of chardonay are involved.
December 7, 2007
This was such an informative book. I loved learning about my body type, and how to disguise my flaws and emphasize my assets. I certainly do not buy into everything the author was touting in this book. The author talks alot about how , like it or not, our clothes are speaking for us, and we can either begrudge this, and deny this, or use our clothing to reflect our hobbies, habits, priorities, interests and style. This last one was hard for me, as I so often think of clothing as a drain on my finances and a hassle and very little more. It is good for me to realize that I am still telling people about my priorities by not caring about how I dress and what I wear. But it occurred to me that I do care...not what others think, but how I feel about myself. And, I feel better when I look better and am well dressed, not, mind you, when I spend a fortune, but when I look great in an outfit, and this book has helped me understand better how to make that happen.
July 5, 2016
I'm a woman who values modesty. That said, if I saw this book, I probably would never have picked it up, simply for the name of the title. It was given to me by a hired fashion consultant. However, the book is misnamed! It isn't an instruction manual on how to look "sexy"--it is a manual on how to dress your body type. An excellent resource for those of us fashion-challenged. I'm a huge fan of the Staci and Clinton "What Not to Wear" show on TLC. This is a fashion science manual on how to achieve the things they often said on that show. While keeping in line with modesty, I love to dress modernly and wear eye-catching styles without compromising my values. This book really helps me do that, ironically! So, disregard the title and get the book if you're unsure on shapes of clothing that should suit you. You'll save money on your wardrobe AND get lots of compliments after you do so, I promise.
March 6, 2008
The great thing about this book is that it's not about changing your body type. It's about know what body type you are and how to wear more flattering clothes to your body type. He has you measure yourself. Then he helps you figure out what your body type is (hourglass, triangle, rectangle or inverted triangle.) Then based on your height and weight he assigns you a color. Then you find the fitting room for your body type and color. He has three pages of what you should wear and one page of what you shouldn't wear. It reminds me of all those times I knew something look better on me but couldn't put my finger on why. Now I know why. So fascinating to me to have the mystery taken out of it. I highly recommend it.
Friends in town~ They have it at our local library!
Friends in town~ They have it at our local library!
May 29, 2010
Yes I guess I am unique since according to the book I am a mixture of rectangle and hourglass, although I don't ever recall Bayou ever suggesting that this could be possible.
A very small portion of this book is actually applicable to one person, since I'm pretty sure one person cannot physically encompass 48 body shapes (the number he identifies) at the same time. And what about people with shorter legs? Long torsos? Short necks? "Apples"? I suppose those attributes are not part of your "figure."
There is a helpful glossary of fashion terms in this, but nothing revelatory to even someone like me, a slob who just wanted some tips to dress myself.
Skip the book unless you don't have the Internet although I don't know how you are reading this right now.
A very small portion of this book is actually applicable to one person, since I'm pretty sure one person cannot physically encompass 48 body shapes (the number he identifies) at the same time. And what about people with shorter legs? Long torsos? Short necks? "Apples"? I suppose those attributes are not part of your "figure."
There is a helpful glossary of fashion terms in this, but nothing revelatory to even someone like me, a slob who just wanted some tips to dress myself.
Skip the book unless you don't have the Internet although I don't know how you are reading this right now.
January 3, 2008
I bought this book because I wanted to learn more about how to dress right for my body type. This is the only book of its type (that I have seen) that gives a precise way of determining exactly what body type you are. Most other books that I have seen just divide women into three or four basic body types and then you are left to guess which category fits you best. The author gives a celebrity who matches each body type, but I would have liked it if he had included a photo of each celebrity mentioned for a visual reference. Also, I would have liked more suggestions of what to wear for my body type and photos of actual women wearing the clothes suggested.
October 3, 2007
This is a good reference book to have lying around when your girlfriends are at a loss about what to wear and what styles fit them. If you ever have to go out shopping with a friend for something (and what woman doesn't), this book is good. That said, there are only about 4-6 pages in here that are really relevant (barring the general section in front), since Bayou divides women into 48 "types" and then talks about do's and don'ts for each type. Good, fun book.
June 18, 2008
Okay I can't really give rave reviews of such a superficial book, but this was fun. It will take you ten minutes tops to get through. You measure yourself, figure out your shape and then find the "fitting room" that matches your measurements and shape to find out what to wear and what not to wear. It's nice to hear some recommendations and he's very flattering of each shape, pointing out your blessings, then your curses, so it's a feel good about your body kind of book.
March 7, 2009
Bradley Bayou, a big man himself, has really become an advocate for real-sized and plus-sized women in the fashion world. Using a simple formula of measurments, Bradley proves that women can look good at any size in well-fitting clothes. He believes that hotness does not stop at a size six. His tips, which I have adopted, are spot on. His eponymous for QVC is extension of his belief that fashion is for everyone!
April 1, 2009
Primarily driven by body type, this is full of solid information to help select the clothes that look best on you. I loved the drawings showing "me" with an outfit that flattered, followed by another drawing of "me" with an outfit similar in color, but completely unflattering due to the cut or style of the top, skirt, etc. Some general information that applies to "everyone" was also helpful - "Though shalt wear the V-neck, it is flattering on all women."
September 5, 2014
Basically: I wish I had had this earlier in high school when I was trying to figure out my style.
It addresses the "I want to be taken seriously as a woman" pretty thoroughly (though not necessarily deeply, that would take more books than this), but not the "I want to be taken seriously as a person" that I've had to deal with in working with a bunch of guys.
Then again, what would I really know about that? I just graduated from high school.
It addresses the "I want to be taken seriously as a woman" pretty thoroughly (though not necessarily deeply, that would take more books than this), but not the "I want to be taken seriously as a person" that I've had to deal with in working with a bunch of guys.
Then again, what would I really know about that? I just graduated from high school.
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