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The Body Shape Bible: Forget Your Size Discover Your Shape Transform Yourself
WHICH BODY SHAPE ARE YOU? A Skittle, Goblet, Hourglass, Cornet, Cello, Apple, Column, Bell, Vase, Brick, Lollipop or a Pear...Trinny & Susannah have identified 12 classic women's body shapes. In each case, it is proportion, not size, that matters. So whether you are a skinny, average or larger Skittle, Cello, Apple or Pear, the same principles of dressing will apply. Using real-life women, they analyse in depth each shape and show how to choose the clothes that fit and flatter it. They show the most common dressing mistakes and the three best looks. They select the 10 key garments to make up a capsule wardrobe, and show how these basics can be built upon to vary the look. And they show how to make the most of what you already what you can do with an ill-fitting or expensive mistake to bring it back to life. It includes Trinny & Susannah's fabulous 22 city directory of shops, outlets and services and other must-have addresses across the UK.
288 pages, Paperback
First published September 18, 2007
8 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Trinny Woodall
14 books40 followersFashion advisor and designer, television presenter and author.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 5, 2025
2.5 stars rounding down.
I am not going to bash Trinny & Susannah about body negativity (yes, plenty) or their tone, which some find refreshingly straightforward and others find obnoxious and grating. What I take issue with is the idea that all women's bodies can be sorted into 12 categories, just like the signs of the Zodiac, and that prescriptions can be issued that will magically fix all the sartorial uncertainties faced by the unstylish. I have actually read and quite enjoyed their previous books; the most useful one of them for me was their first (called just What Not To Wear). In that, they simply break down what enhances vs. camouflages various body features. They don't put it that way, but from a 2025 perspective, that's the best way to use the book. Decide which parts of your body you want to hide or draw attention to, and use their principles accordingly. (They mostly can be boiled down to using style lines to visually divide a large area, and using gathers/pleats or fullness to enhance or balance small areas vs. smooth fabric and tailoring for larger ones.)
Those principles are worth knowing, and they are not really explained in the BS Bible. Instead, we are given an arbitrary collection of anatomical features that happen to be exemplified by a few real-life humans. They use "real" people to demonstrate the best/worst outfits for each type, and they try to find best/worst outfits chosen by real celebrities in the wild. They hilariously failed to find multiple examples of the so-called Bell, other than Hillary Clinton. You know, the woman who might be president some day. (I guffawed, then cried at that descriptor. Sigh 2007. You were so naive.)
Here's the problem: anatomical features just don't work this way, no more than your birthdate influences your personality and day-by-day turns of luck. The thickness of your ankles does not interact with the length of your legs, or the size of your breasts. Where you carry excess weight does not correlate with the size of your skeleton. I could go on forever, but a lot of what they said in the book just made me roll my eyes.
There are also some hilarious atavisms of 2007 in their "what it means to be an X body type" sections. For example, they--or their gym trainer/advisor, whom they thank at the end--seemed to be firm believers into spot reduction. Do your crunches, stretching elongates bulky muscles, all that guff. Pilates are apparently a cure for everything, too.
The section at the end on using alterations for rescuing bad shopping decisions was excellent, as others have said. I do my own alterations and a lot of what they said rang true. I decided to use my next sewing session to convert a few dresses I am bored with into tops.
Overall, I think it is dishonest to argue that everything these aughts style gurus had to say is obsolete, and that the present day is all about body positivity. If it was, Ozempic wouldn't be the sensation that it is. People wouldn't be writing books about how powerlifting saved them from eating disorders because one can then be hawt while eating whatever you want (just fit your macros bro). As Tim Gunn has said multiple times, most of us do not want to look wider or shorter. These gals can indeed dress any body shape into a flattering (albeit 2007-looking) outfit, even if their advice needs to be used with critical thought and analysis.
I am not going to bash Trinny & Susannah about body negativity (yes, plenty) or their tone, which some find refreshingly straightforward and others find obnoxious and grating. What I take issue with is the idea that all women's bodies can be sorted into 12 categories, just like the signs of the Zodiac, and that prescriptions can be issued that will magically fix all the sartorial uncertainties faced by the unstylish. I have actually read and quite enjoyed their previous books; the most useful one of them for me was their first (called just What Not To Wear). In that, they simply break down what enhances vs. camouflages various body features. They don't put it that way, but from a 2025 perspective, that's the best way to use the book. Decide which parts of your body you want to hide or draw attention to, and use their principles accordingly. (They mostly can be boiled down to using style lines to visually divide a large area, and using gathers/pleats or fullness to enhance or balance small areas vs. smooth fabric and tailoring for larger ones.)
Those principles are worth knowing, and they are not really explained in the BS Bible. Instead, we are given an arbitrary collection of anatomical features that happen to be exemplified by a few real-life humans. They use "real" people to demonstrate the best/worst outfits for each type, and they try to find best/worst outfits chosen by real celebrities in the wild. They hilariously failed to find multiple examples of the so-called Bell, other than Hillary Clinton. You know, the woman who might be president some day. (I guffawed, then cried at that descriptor. Sigh 2007. You were so naive.)
Here's the problem: anatomical features just don't work this way, no more than your birthdate influences your personality and day-by-day turns of luck. The thickness of your ankles does not interact with the length of your legs, or the size of your breasts. Where you carry excess weight does not correlate with the size of your skeleton. I could go on forever, but a lot of what they said in the book just made me roll my eyes.
There are also some hilarious atavisms of 2007 in their "what it means to be an X body type" sections. For example, they--or their gym trainer/advisor, whom they thank at the end--seemed to be firm believers into spot reduction. Do your crunches, stretching elongates bulky muscles, all that guff. Pilates are apparently a cure for everything, too.
The section at the end on using alterations for rescuing bad shopping decisions was excellent, as others have said. I do my own alterations and a lot of what they said rang true. I decided to use my next sewing session to convert a few dresses I am bored with into tops.
Overall, I think it is dishonest to argue that everything these aughts style gurus had to say is obsolete, and that the present day is all about body positivity. If it was, Ozempic wouldn't be the sensation that it is. People wouldn't be writing books about how powerlifting saved them from eating disorders because one can then be hawt while eating whatever you want (just fit your macros bro). As Tim Gunn has said multiple times, most of us do not want to look wider or shorter. These gals can indeed dress any body shape into a flattering (albeit 2007-looking) outfit, even if their advice needs to be used with critical thought and analysis.
May 20, 2012
I quite enjoyed this book; it contains lots of helpful advice on the kinds of clothes that are flattering for your figure and also the types of clothes to steer clear from. Every body shape chapter contains real life examples of people who have the relevant body shape wearing both flattering and unflattering clothes, which really helps put Trinny and Susannah's advice into perspective. Also, it stresses a very important point: your body shape should matter more than your dress size when you are choosing clothes.
However, there are 12 body types listed in the book and some of them are quite closely related. For this reason I found it hard to identify my shape. It would have been helpful if there had been some guideline measurements down to make this process easier.
However, there are 12 body types listed in the book and some of them are quite closely related. For this reason I found it hard to identify my shape. It would have been helpful if there had been some guideline measurements down to make this process easier.
Read
July 28, 2011I loved this book. It's got pragmatic advice to show women of all shapes and sizes how to dress to look good as they are, without having to cave to ridiculous media drive pressure to be skinny. It also validated my own irritations at not being able to buys clothes to fit and was worth it for that alone for me.
There are illustrations of well known women of all shapes and sizes showing them looking good and also what really are terrible fashion disasters of the sort that happen when you try to emulate what works on a woman of a different shape but not your own. I think it's a gem.
There are illustrations of well known women of all shapes and sizes showing them looking good and also what really are terrible fashion disasters of the sort that happen when you try to emulate what works on a woman of a different shape but not your own. I think it's a gem.
December 4, 2017
Nice illustrations -- elucidating photos of real people dressed either very incorrectly or very correctly for their body type.
Unfortunately, the book is not useful unless you feel you can confidently identify your body type. I narrowed down my possible shapes to just two, then had some trouble. I didn't go so far as to attempt this process with a friend (as suggested), which might have made it easier. I ended up turning to online resources, and after a while figured things out....
Whether the book's advice is truly useful will reveal itself in how it improves my clothes shopping / selection in the future....
Unfortunately, the book is not useful unless you feel you can confidently identify your body type. I narrowed down my possible shapes to just two, then had some trouble. I didn't go so far as to attempt this process with a friend (as suggested), which might have made it easier. I ended up turning to online resources, and after a while figured things out....
Whether the book's advice is truly useful will reveal itself in how it improves my clothes shopping / selection in the future....
April 12, 2016
it is ignorant to go through life believing one can wear anything they want. Fashion designers obviously designed certain clothes with a type of body in mind. Trinny and Susannah really break it down and help an ignoramus know what is flattering vs what is not so flattering. I wish I read this book before I purchased certain clothes.
October 23, 2008
Very good advice from my two favorite stylists! I trued to follow their advice and it got me compliments so it's working ^_^
August 22, 2013
I really like Trinny & Susanah's books. No matter what your size, body shape and skin type, they can help you pick clothing that flatters you and makes you look and feel awesome.
July 13, 2017
I liked that this book covers 12 body types, and not just the standard "apple" or "pear". Having more specific recommendations was helpful. Most of what I read about my shape I already knew, just from trial and error over the years. I could see this being more helpful to someone younger who was just starting out to build their adult wardrobe. Some of the advice seemed a bit conflicting... for example, I am a "Vase" shape and I am never ever supposed to wear wedge shoes. Yet I'm also very similar to a "Cello" shape, and wedge shoes are recommended for that shape. I don't think we're THAT much different that wedge shoes are going to be horrendous on me, sorry. Also, I'm not giving up my skinny jeans or my ballet flats! :P I'm also not sure I agree with sticking to figure-hugging dresses for formal wear, though I appreciated the explanation as to why halter styles always work wonders for me.
That said, I do agree with the insights to stay away from florals (my body type is feminine enough as it is). Duly noted. I have a grand total of one floral item in my wardrobe, but I'll be doing away with it. I also came away with a new appreciation for my body type, and a note to stay away from angular jewelry and accessories, and to embrace slightly patterned fabrics (such as heathered).
All in all, I think I came away realizing my body shape is really one of the easiest to dress and I shouldn't take that for granted. For someone with a more difficult shape to work with, the advice in this book could make a huge difference.
That said, I do agree with the insights to stay away from florals (my body type is feminine enough as it is). Duly noted. I have a grand total of one floral item in my wardrobe, but I'll be doing away with it. I also came away with a new appreciation for my body type, and a note to stay away from angular jewelry and accessories, and to embrace slightly patterned fabrics (such as heathered).
All in all, I think I came away realizing my body shape is really one of the easiest to dress and I shouldn't take that for granted. For someone with a more difficult shape to work with, the advice in this book could make a huge difference.
March 23, 2022
Trinny and Susannah attempt to help women hide their "flaws" by sorting them into 12 different shapes including 'brick', 'lollipop' and 'cornet'.
Here's what drives me nuts about these books is that the authors want women to feel confident in their own skin but then refer to their own arms and legs as hams and chunky. These are both skinny women and their so called flaws come off as dysmorphic. While I agree certain clothes can be more flattering to bodies in ways that make them appear smaller or closer to the perceived social norms it is inherently unhelpful to women's self image to teach them to hide the parts of their body they hate. We have to learn to love ourselves as whole.
Here's what drives me nuts about these books is that the authors want women to feel confident in their own skin but then refer to their own arms and legs as hams and chunky. These are both skinny women and their so called flaws come off as dysmorphic. While I agree certain clothes can be more flattering to bodies in ways that make them appear smaller or closer to the perceived social norms it is inherently unhelpful to women's self image to teach them to hide the parts of their body they hate. We have to learn to love ourselves as whole.
January 19, 2018
I was given this book as a teenager. I hadn't heard of the authors before and found their brash tone offputting. When I narrowed down my shape to the handful of pages that covered it, all the suggestions revolved around ramping up my sex appeal. I had hoped that I could get some advice on how to dress professionally, for interviews, etc. There doesn't seem to be any room for fun with fashion in the authors' worldview, either. I regret reading this book.
December 13, 2016
Nice book, love that it has more than the 4 standard body types. Good advice for what to wear. Some pictures were a little dated and/or involved styles and clothes that dont appeal to me but they might appeal to others with my body type. I do like the section at the end which looks at how to fix clothes you have to suit you.
November 19, 2018
This is the book I hoped to read last time! This has more than the standard female body "shapes" and whilst they say you could fall between two or them they give a much better idea of what type of clothes suit your shape (and they also include shoes and accessories in that). This is a book to keep and dip into so that you can look better and have flattering clothing.
July 13, 2024
How does any one know what Shape they are ? I just wear what suits me and the colours i like and look in the mirror, take a photo, soon know if it looks good on you or not, my problem is i buy the same things, i will stick to my jeans and t shirt.
February 14, 2020
Bekleidungs-Do‘s and dont‘s für zwölf weibliche Figurtypen mit „echten“ Menschen, auf eine sympathische Weise vermittelt.
November 11, 2024
This was more what I was looking for from the first book, though the first book helped with problem areas. Very useful and entertaining.
June 16, 2019
Susannah Constantine and Trinny Woodall have decided there are 12 body types amongst females. The premise of their book is to pay less attention to one's dress size and pay more attention to one's body shape -- how the parts fit together to make the whole. Each shape has challenges and attributes to emphasize.
Because there are twelve body types to be discussed, each chapter is short. The authors show the biggest horrors (mistakes made by body types) and then offer suggestions. I found the suggestions to be eye-opening and helpful. I would have liked for there to be a book for each body type because just about the time I got excited about the clothing suggested, the authors moved to the next type. I guess I'm a dreamer.
I found the best page in each body type to be "Key Shapes." Dress types, blouse shapes, jacket features, trouser choices are mentioned, as well as jewelry and shoe suggestions. Then there are three types of looks offered for each shape: Casual, Smart and Party. Showing celebrities with each body type was a nice feature; the authors showed them dressing well for type as well as dressing in mistakes.
The authors are gutsy; they showed photos of themselves in disasters and wearing more appropriate garments. One of my favorite features was (at the back of the book), ideas on how to salvage buying disasters so they become useful garments. I couldn't or wouldn't do some of them, but it opened me to the idea that buying disasters could be saved with some thought. 4.5 stars
Because there are twelve body types to be discussed, each chapter is short. The authors show the biggest horrors (mistakes made by body types) and then offer suggestions. I found the suggestions to be eye-opening and helpful. I would have liked for there to be a book for each body type because just about the time I got excited about the clothing suggested, the authors moved to the next type. I guess I'm a dreamer.
I found the best page in each body type to be "Key Shapes." Dress types, blouse shapes, jacket features, trouser choices are mentioned, as well as jewelry and shoe suggestions. Then there are three types of looks offered for each shape: Casual, Smart and Party. Showing celebrities with each body type was a nice feature; the authors showed them dressing well for type as well as dressing in mistakes.
The authors are gutsy; they showed photos of themselves in disasters and wearing more appropriate garments. One of my favorite features was (at the back of the book), ideas on how to salvage buying disasters so they become useful garments. I couldn't or wouldn't do some of them, but it opened me to the idea that buying disasters could be saved with some thought. 4.5 stars
May 17, 2016
T&S's frank and light-hearted look at body shapes is fun read with some helpful advice. But as other reviewers have commented before only a few pages really apply to each type, so once you figure out your own, perhaps share the book with friends.
Most valuable was perhaps the celebrity matches provided for each type. The book model is someone more on the street/average which is nice to see, but the celebrity matches can help you to find more flattering looks to copy / study.
Most valuable was perhaps the celebrity matches provided for each type. The book model is someone more on the street/average which is nice to see, but the celebrity matches can help you to find more flattering looks to copy / study.
December 17, 2007
i didn't like this one as much as their other books because i didn't feel that as much of it applied to me. i also don't find body shape categories as useful as their idea of dressing specific body 'faults' and assets.
March 13, 2017
Another book I originally missed reviewing. I loved the pictures that helped illustrate their main point which is to dress for your body shape. Thanks to Trini and Susannah, I rarely wear anything but scooped necks and three quarter length sleeves. And I look so much better for it.
August 10, 2016
I liked it because I like Trinny and Susannah and their snark and British words - they say "tits" all the time!
Otherwise, it was not unlike many fashion/style books I have read. And there are only a handful of pages dedicated to each body-type.
Otherwise, it was not unlike many fashion/style books I have read. And there are only a handful of pages dedicated to each body-type.
Want to read
October 16, 2009I saw it in Profil. Worth buying, good advice with picture illustrations
March 15, 2011
A fantastic book. As usual, S&T dispense their down-to-earth, slightly profane advice and teach women to learn to love what they have and still look fabulous.
May 16, 2011
Like their down to earth realistic approach to dressing one's best. This volume is fun to look at because they use movie stars as examples of each body type - what works and doesn't even of them.
February 10, 2013
Great reference and go to for ideas if you're not sure if the item of clothing you want to get works for your shape.
January 10, 2016
Most of the fashion advice would be out of date now but the advice on how to style and appreciate your body shape is timeless.
April 14, 2016
This book was very painful to read. It was bitchy as hell. Their best advice for my body type was to wear a statement necklace and a big coat.
August 23, 2021
Very short chapter on that body shape... It's ok but don't feel any more closer to finding clothes that work for my body type
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews