BODY TYPE COLUMN : YOUR BEST LOOKS

2/10/2013

The Column figure is straight and slender. The shoulder width is the same as your hip width. A slight waist, longer legs and they don’t have much of a bust, tummy or bottom. The Column is perfectly proportioned, so no need to play down any body part. For the Column it is all about creating a little bit of curve.

The Column is the the one shape who looks absolutely great in the "Boyfriend look". Angular shapes and rounded cuts are good for giving the Column figure the little extra shape to avoid looking too straight up and down. Fluted and flared sleeves and skirts will also do the trick.

Keep the accessories big, bold and as a statement to the outfit. Avoid anything too thin or dangly, like bangles and little bags on long straps.

The heel should not be too thin, not too thick, just perfectly balanced. Other than that you can get away with any style shoe. Flats are as good as heels.

Round-neck tank top. The round neckline softens the straight Column lines. Sleeveless cut also work for the Column.

Round-neck T-shirt. The round neckline softens the straight Column lines. Any sleeve cut will do.

Round-neck jumper. The round neckline softens the straight Column lines. Full length or elbow length sleeves work best for the Column.

Sweetheart neckline and peplum tops create curves and softens straight figures. Use together or separately. Columns are great in fitted things as well.

Shaped and gathered shirt or blouse. Wear the sleeves at full length or fold them up to elbow length. Gathering or pleating curves the figure.

Fitted shirt.
Look for double cuffs to make sure the sleeves are long enough for the long column arms.

A-line skirts are good for exaggerating and creating curves. The rounded neckline, fitted top softens and curves the top half, making the waist look tiny.

Dress with long fluted sleeves. The fluted sleeves add volume at the extremities.

Angular, fitted dress with all lines and folds pointing to the middle, is great for exaggerating and creating curves.

A dramatic angle asymmetric dress is great for breaking up the Column shape. Combined with a fitted waist and a gently flared skirt, the dress shows off the long slender column figure at the same time as it enhances any natural curves.

The best dresses for the Column are dresses that creates curves. The Gathering and pleating create separate and distinct areas defined by their texture. The shoulder-piece builds out the shoulders, the waist is nipped in, the hips are broadened by the fan-effect stripes in the material, and the mermaid skirt exaggerates the curves. This style dress creates curves in all the right places, still showing of the long slender column figure.

The Column figure can get away with cut away sleeves and turtlenecks (which is bad for so many other body types). Combined with a fitted waist and a gently flared skirt, the dress shows off the long slender column figure at the same time as it enhances any natural curves.

Even though the Column is great in any style pants, the Slightly flared trousers gives a hint of shape to the straight figure.

Cropped trousers, shorts and capri pants are great to break up and show off those long Column legs.

Skinny jeans, straight legged, flared, high waisted, regular rise, pleated, you name it. Any style pants work on the perfectly balanced Column figure.

Angular, single button jacket (or zip). Angular shapes are great for the Column figure, especially if every line points to the middle. Pointy shoulders, strategically placed lapels or pockets, flared or ballooned sleeves, pointed hemline, fitted waist with single button fastening, or belts, do that exact thing.

Belted three-quarter length coat with hip pockets.
The length show off the legs, the belt and hip pockets add curves and enhances waist.

To learn more about the different body types
press here

to determine if you are a column
press here

(The 12 body shapes and rules are mostly borrowed from Trinny and Susannah's Body Shape Bible. I have made some alterations. Photos in this post are random pictures from Tumbler, Pinterest or borrowed from Google. Unknown source. The Angular printed blazer is Alexander McQueen, and two of the Nicole Kidman photos are from RCFA.)

23 Comments

ETHICAL AND PERSONALIZED STYLE, FOR A "GOOD FOR YOU" WARDROBE.

Idealist style is a website and "slow blog" dedicated to ethical fashion and personalized style, including tips on how to find your very own "slow fashion" style by using color analysis, the body types system, and other slow fashion tips.»
Created by an idealistic fashion designer, stylist, writer, and illustrator with a passion for "good for you" fashion.
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Born in Norway, educated in Milan, Italy.

I decided to name my page "Idealist Style", because I'm an idealist. On both a creative. environmental, and a humanitarian level. So, I feel the title suits my message well.
i·de·al·ism
-The act or practice of envisioning things in an ideal form.
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The work on this site is mine unless specified.

round collar dress shirt link

3/3/2014 03:38:54 pm

Rounded collar shirts are a great example of masculine emulation for the sake of classic menfolk's appearance. The round collar dress shirts appear best on thin or skinny faces.

IDEALIST STYLE link

18/6/2014 06:39:17 pm

Good tip :)

Lucy

17/10/2017 12:01:01 pm

Hi :) Where do columns gain weight? Does this body shape change to a different one?

19/10/2017 12:30:50 pm

Hi, Lucy. The Column will normally gain weight somewhat equally allover, the more weight though, the more top heavy it can become. Most body types are flowing into another body type with some similarities, and depending on which way you lean, you can start to appear more like a Vase with more weight on (straight with allover more weight, a fuller chest and more but, thighs and so on), a Brick (soft Brick look, as you will look wider and gain more on the stomach and hip area, chest and upper arms). I’ve also seen some Goblet or Apple tendency forming. Most body types stay the same shape with or without «extra» weight on, but some flow into other types. Apple is one of those types, which only reveals itself once you have enough fat on your body, but it is still a body type decided by your genetics, as you mostly gain the weight on your upper body and not as much on lower parts. So, a Column can either stay straight figured or become a little top heavy. Different to the Brick is that the Column have more slender legs, more narrow, and have a bit more of a waist. Bricks can develop heavier legs. Most Columns usually have a tendency to stay somewhat the same through out their lives, but will often get some belly with age as most people do. There is not really a one size fits all answer to this unfortunately, but If you find yourself changing over to another body type, that is absolutely possible. As long as a Column don’t alter it’s weight and or shape too much, most Columns will stay a Column up to a certain weight.

I hope this answered your question :-)
Xxx, Sun

2/5/2019 06:31:27 am

Hi, I think I am a column but I am only 5'1! Can you think of any short celebrities who are columns? I'd like some inspiration but everyone is so tall!

2/5/2019 05:49:59 pm

Hi again, Lucy! That’s a good question, and something I will keep in mind to add to the future Column posts. There are definitely many, although I haven’t had the chance to really look very closely at it. I can say that I think that Sarah Hyland looks a lot like a Column and she’s short. Other than that I suspect that Emma Watson and Emma Roberts are Columns too. I usually look through hundreds of photos before I’m sure, so there is still a chance that they may just be very slender and really something else. But, from what I have seen, they all look very Column like, and they’re all short. I’m almost 6 feet, so everyone is short to me. So I’m not sure if they’re as short as you wanted, but I hope still short enough for you to have some good inspo ladies. Emma Roberts and Sarah Hyland are the shortest of the bunch at least.
You can definetely be a Column and short. It’s all about the proportions. Many short Columns can feel a little Kate Moss Brick like, but their overall look will fit with the Column description better than the Brick.

I hope this helped!
Xxx, Sun.

3/5/2019 01:55:43 am

Thank you! I've taken a look at your suggestions and I agree they all look like columns. I think Emma Watson and Emma Roberts probably lean towards cornets?
What body shapes do you think Elizabeth Olsen and Mila Kunis have? They're quite similar to me.

3/5/2019 04:32:34 am

Emma Watson may flow a little towards a Cornet, and Emma Roberts a little towards a Vase. I think Mila Kunis can be a Column yes, but she might also be a Brick. Elisabeth Olsen could be a Column, but I think she might actually rather be a Vase, Soft Brick, or even a slender Goblet. They looked a little different in a few photos, so that’s why it’s hard to be sure.

Xxx, Sun.

3/5/2019 04:52:01 am

Thank you again! I see what you mean. Sorry to be a total PITA but what shape do you think Natalie Portman is? Slight pear?

3/5/2019 08:13:40 am

I think Natalie Portman is either a Brick or a Pear. Most likely a Pear. A very sleder Pear will usually be less dramatic looking, but you can still tell by their upper to lowe body balance. A Pear will be more bottom heavy and a Brick will be balanced. Soft Brick Eva Longoria is also believed to be a Pear by some, but she is actually a Brick. You can tell by her shoulder to hip ratio, her waistline and upper to lower body balance. Most women will have a little curve, even when a straight shape, so that is not the most defining trait :-).

Xxx, Sun.

3/5/2019 08:26:16 am

That makes sense.
My body is a lot like Gwyneth Paltrow's but my top half isn't as bony and I have a smaller waist. Would I still be a column?

3/5/2019 11:25:20 am

You could still be a Column, but if less bony means broader or curvyer by fat or muscle, if depends on what it looks like compared to the bottom. Columns does have a slight waist, so that could just be some differences from one Column to another. However, you could be a Vase to for exampel. I know about at least two Vases that look like a Column because they are very slender. They are both very tall though, but that doesn’t meat this can’t apply to someone short. Geena Davis is one of those Vases. If you look at photos of her when she was young, I thought she was a Column or Cornet at first. Now it’s easier to see that she’s a Vase. So, a good tip would to test the different styles of clothes of the body types you’re wondering about and see which ones fit you best and worst. When in doubt, that or going through the details to see which one feels more like you is a good solution. You can be a dramatic version of something, a subtle version of something, and an untypical version of something. So go with what feels right.

Xxx, Sun.

3/5/2019 02:16:04 pm

I think I am proportionate on top and bottom with a waist but it isn't dramatic like an hourglass or anything. My bust and bottom are both smallish. No problem areas really. Do vases always look bottom-heavy?

3/5/2019 08:35:00 pm

Yeah! That sounds like you could be a Column. A vase should be balanced, not top or bottom heavy. However, there are some variations. Some Vases actually look slightly top heavy, but they do have bottom curves. More like Susannah from Trinny and Susannah. They are an Hourglass type that has long legs that are more slender that the other Hourglass types. Their but is also usually not as round as an Hourglass but. Then there are some Vases like Geena Davis, that is very slender and tall. And then some like Khloe Kardashian, that is the oposite of top heavy, and has the long and curvy waist, long slender legs, and then a larger bottom than top. Shoulders still equal hips though, from the front. At least very close to. The most important part is again, that vase styles look the best on her. Some people think she’s a Pear, but a Pear won’t have legs that are that slender compared to the rest. Her thighs and lower legs are not Pear like at all. So there are always some variations. Same with the Cello, some are balanced, some feel slighty more top heavy, some look like a mix between an hourglass and a pear. I’ve also heard people describe themselves as a Goblet mixed with a Pear. It’s the same with the column. I know three Columns that I’ve typed. One is a little Brick like, as she has more body weight which makes her a little wider, and gives her a fuller but and breast. The two others were all typical tall and slender Column, but started looking a little Goblet like when gaining weight. When I typed them again after the weight gain, they still scored like a Column and still looked best in Column clothes. All three are Columns and are still a lot closer to a Column than a Brick or Goblet, and look amazing in Column styles. They just all gained weight a little differently. The trend however, was either becoming a little top heavy or gaining it equal all over. However, even the top heavy gained on the bottom too. So, a little variation is all very normal, as people come in more than 12 shapes and sized. As long as Column features and clothes feel the most right, that’s what you are. Then you can look at your untypical features to see which other type you’re flowing towards. That’s how some body types can get away with styles that are not right for their body type, because they borrowed some tricks from the other closest fit. Like J’Lo or Beyonce that are both Pears, but can wear Hourglass shapes well to. They are such balanced Pear shapes that it works. Also, they love flaunting shape, and fitted styles can make a great dramatic effect for anyone that wants to highlight their shape. So, it’s really about the vibe your going for, what your body type is, and how you want it shown. Balance it out and highlight the best, or show it all. Also, some people like to hide it all. Some people are best when they only stick to their type, because they are a very typical version. Some can use styles from other types to enhance or hide. It all works as long it’s the look you’re going for, but the body types clothes tips are mostly about balance and highlighting.

I hope this made it clearer for you :-)
Xxx, Sun.

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15/11/2018 09:26:25 am

Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what they’re talking about on the internet? You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I can’t believe you’re not more popular because you definitely have the gift.

22/3/2019 10:27:32 am

Hi! Thank you so much for that wonderful comment. That is so kind of you to take the time to write. I really appreciate it!

Xxx, Sun.

Hannah

8/6/2019 08:56:25 am

I have a 32b and 34 bust- 26 waist - 35 hips.what is my body shape?What if I had a 33 hips instead? I weigh 130lb and am 5'10".15 yrs old
Could I be a vase or column?

19/8/2019 04:28:02 pm

Hi, Hannah! It depends of if you have a long or short waist too, or long or short legs, and slender og heavy legs. But from your measurements, it sounds like you're either a Vase, Hourglass, or Cello. Since you mention Column, I take it that you're a long and slender type? In that case it is possible that you're a Column too as you are a balanced type. However, your measurements sound a bit more like a Vase. Depending on your legs, maybe even a Skittle. I need a little more info to give you a more specific answer. :-)

I hope this helped a little though.
Xxx, Sun.

21/9/2019 05:58:39 am

I have long legs that are thin.I have trouble believing that I'm not a straight body shape(ruler,lean column,cornet,etc.)because i gain weight where they gain weight in belly, face,etc. .And I don't look curvaceous either.My hips,waist, bust are all equal like a ruler body but I still see myself as lean column. (Do you know where teen girls can get measured?I tried myself but failed)Could I be a vase and a lean column?I'm tall too and I weigh 129 now.

12/10/2019 09:10:17 pm

Hi, again Hannah! From the description you added, it sounds like you’re a Column or a Brick possibly. The Column does have a slight waist, so it is possible to be mostly straight, but have a little waist. A streched out waist too will make it seem less curvy than it is. A Brick can also have this ambigious look, as these are both model body types. So, when slender and tall, it can be less obvious where you fit in as there aren’t a lot of dominant features except long and slender to base things on. The Brick will have long legs and a shorter torso, and the Column will have long legs and a streched out and slight waist. A Brick will have heavier legs and a Column slender, but a slender Brick can still have legs that look slender. So, the total balance of the body will matter more in this situation. You mentioned Vase again, and I have seen some that look more like Columns. However, they all have tiny waists. As for the Cornet, they have shoulders as the widest body part. So, that could also be a fit if you have broad/wide shoulders compared to your hips, combined with what you’re otherwise describing.

A teen would just use the same measuring system as adults. However, as a teen is not fully developed yet (most likely), it’s to soon so say what your body type will be. Just focus on what it is now and have fun with the styles you like to wear now.

I hope this helped clear things up.
Xxx, Sun

Ella

26/10/2020 08:11:35 pm

Can you recommend any styles to dress up as besides casual for the column or any other straight figures. Like for example feminine or edgy ,etc?

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21/11/2020 12:27:12 pm

Hi, Ella! I'm not quite sure I understand your question, as there are both edgy and elegant options in the post. But, to try and answer and help as best as I can. I would suggest focusing on the cuts, lengths, shapes, lines, and so on. Then just pick those same silhouettes and styles in edgy materials, colours, and prints.Like leather, black, red, metallics, skulls prints, graphic prints, and so on. Or very feminine and delicate materials, colours, and prints. Like delicate florals, lace, white, pink, soft colours, or happy colours, small polkadots, and so on. That way the same outfit examples will give you an all feminine or all edgy version of the Column examples, given you just switch out the materials, colours, and prints.

I hope this answered your question and helped.

Xxx, Sun.

Christina

22/10/2023 12:53:34 pm

I’m pretty sure I’m a column (45” shoulders, 40” waist, 46” hips). I have about 40 extra pounds on me, but when I was 40 pounds lighter, I was 4” smaller in each measurement. When I gain weight, I see it in my face, but otherwise it’s distributed evenly. I’m 5’6” and about 200 lbs. I want to wear body suits, but when I do, I feel like I look like a big rectangle since my chest and waist are equal sizes. I wonder if I need to get a better fitting bra and wear pants around my natural waist? I’m struggling with having an idea of what a “plus size column” would wear to look flattering.

BODY TYPE COLUMN : YOUR BEST LOOKS

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