THE BODY TYPE : VASE

6/8/2013

Kate Winslet is a Vase, a body type quite similar to the classic Hourglass only it's stretched a little, making it one of the most elegant body shapes. Also, Vases don’t have as pronounced a waists and have less rounded bottoms than the Hourglass.
The Vase signature features are big boobs, gently curving longer waist, hips equal tits, slim thighs and legs. They can also have a little bit of chunky upper arms.

The most important guidelines.
- This is not the body type best suited for chasing the latest fashions because of the very feminine curves. Classic womanly clothes is the best look for a Vase.
- The large boobs should not be overplayed as this can overshadow the rest of the figure, concentrate instead on the daintier areas such as the lower arms or legs by wearing three quarter length sleeves or straight leg pants.
- In order to show off and accentuate your natural curves, use scooped and square necklines that are fitted under the boobs, supportive figure hugging dresses, and puffy sleeves.
- Make sure to emphasize the waistline with jackets and tops that are fitted around the middle part.
- Ruffles around your neckline, poloneck jumpers, princess collars and sleeveless round-neck tops are your worst looks.

The Vase is the body shape many women would love to be, and the figure is at its best wearing "The classic Hollywood glamour" type of cuts and shapes. Do yourself a favor and keep the waist tight and embrace those feminine curves.

YES

GOOD FOR YOUR SHAPE:
Scooped and square necklines fitted under boobs.
Supportive figure hugging dresses.
Fitted shirts with puffy sleeves.
Three quarter length sleeves.
Single button or fitted jackets with rounded lapel.
High-waisted pencil skirts.
Skirts with a well tailored waists.
Straight jeans or pants.
Rounded earrings.
Curvy accessories.
Curvy shoes.

NEVER WEAR:
Ruffles around your neckline.
Poloneck jumpers.
Princess collars.
Sleeveless round-neck tops (Direct cut of)
Dresses or skirts with tiered frills.
Clumpy wedge shoes.

Other Vase ladies: Whitney Thompson (Winner of Americas next top model Cycle 10), Geena Davis and Mariah Carey.

(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 borrowed from Google. Unknown source.)

Classic curves!

20 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.
Very nerdy about it.
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.
-Artist who treats subjects imaginatively.
-Belief in or pursuit of one's ideals, of high or noble principles, purposes, or goals.

The work on this site is mine unless specified.

6/12/2018 12:23:36 pm

Hello there, I have been trying to figure out if I am hourglass or case, or something in between maybe.

I am 5'8" and I still appear slender but curvy at 145 lbs. I have slightly long arms and legs. My measurements are 37-28-37 and 40" around the butt. My shoulders are the same width and my bone structure is very "in and out". At this weight I do not think my boobs are particularly big, 32dd US is not big on my frame. My thighs are not big, but curvy- I gain fat in the upper inner and outer thigh. I gain a little pudge in the upper arm My waist appears small on my body and not extremely short, but not very long either. I appear curvier in bone structure than both Kate Winslet and Gina Davis but do not have the big boobs of hourglass

Any ideas? Thank you!!

IDEALIST STYLE link

13/10/2019 03:12:03 pm

Hi, C! I think it's possible that you could be an Hourglass, Vase or even a slender Cello. But, it could sound a bit more like you might be a Skittle actually. So check that one out. If not it is also a good description of a Vase, as it's possible that you're just not the exact same type of Skittle as the ladies in the post are. There are probably 12 million body types out there, that have been attempted narrowed down to 12. So, what matters the most are if the clothes fit you. If A-line skirts and sturdier heels look the best on you, that can mean Skittle. If curvy and more classic heels and fitted dressed looks better, that would mean Hourglass or Vase. Cello is usually more dramatic with a broad back and sleder lower legs compared to the rest. So the least likely one of these. A Vase will have more slender legs than an Hourglass and a stretched/long waist. The Hourglass will have a shorter waist and the legs will be curvy too. So, go whichever fits the most, as if you are the same type as the women pictured is not as important.
I'm a Skittle myself, but I'm a little different and way less fit than Halle Berry. I also have a smaller chest than her. However, I do see the similarities in our shape. So, we're both Skittles, but have slightly different ways of being that. We still look good in the same type of clothes, except she can pull off a lot more stuff because she's more balanced than I am. The more dramatic the shape, the better to stick to the clothes that are best on you, and the other way around.

I hope this helped!
Xxx, Sun.

Miss

8/5/2020 11:38:58 pm

Hello!,

Would Tyra Banks(especially when younger) be an example of a model with a vase-type figure?

Is it an oversimplification to say that a vase shape is just the "taller, slimmer version of an hourglass?"

Also, you mentioned that someone with a Cello shape could be slender? How would that look compared to a vase shape or hourglass shape?

Thanks and I apologize for all these questions; I am confused.

29/11/2020 12:47:04 pm

Hi, Miss!

Yes, Tyra Banks is a great example of a Vase body type.

A Vase is not really taller or slimmer than an Hourlgass, however they are more stretched out. So, where an Hourglass has a short waist and usually bold curves allover, the Vase will have a long waist, long legs compared to the upper body, and often a less full bum. However, that is not always the case.

You also have Vases that don't have much of a chest or bum, but their bone structure and shoulders that are equally in drama to their hips. Also the long waist and curvy look, even when also very slender. A good example of this is a young Geena Davis. She could be mistaken for a Cornet or Column, if you don't know about this being possible or notice what suits her best to wear.

An example of a Vase with a larger bottom, small and long waist, and wide shoulders and upper arms that balance out hips in a way, long slender legs, and not a very large chest, is Khloe Kardashians. I've seen people saying she's a Pear, however she has very slender legs. And bottom heavy body types are defined a lot by heavy lower legs. Even bottom heavy types with not dramatically heavy lower legs, have quite curvy and strong looking lower legs. Khloe Kardashian have very slender lower legs, also she absolutely looks best in Vase clothes and not Pear styles.
She is very similar in shape to Tyra Banks actually, if you just added a bit more bust to Khloe.

And yes, A Cello can come in all sizes. A slender Cello can often be mistaken by other types, like Hourglass, Vase, Skittle, Pear, Goblet, and Cornet. As a Cello in a sense is a mix of the features these types have. Because of this it can be harder to figure out when slender, as it becomes more and more dramatic the more body fat is precent. A slender figure is usually straighter than one with more body fat.

An example of a slender Cello would be young Kirstie Alley, Oprah at some points, and Serena Williams. If you google them and find photos from the right eras you'll see good examples of that.
A cello will never be straight shaped, and usually looks either curvy and or muscular/fit, no matter what size.
Sometimes very muscular Vases can start looking a bit Cello like, so keep in mind if the waist is long or short, to know which it is.
A Cello has a broad back and often wide looking shoulders, short waist that is not as dramatically small as an Hourglasses, as it's more small because the curves are wider. They also have large thighs and often slender lower legs in comparison.

An Hourglass has a short and small waist, and not as broad shoulders/back as a Cello. Also less muscular vibe to them because of that, and as a Cello usually has quite dramatic thighs.

A Vase har long and slender or slender-ish legs, a long waist, and usually less dramatic curves. Sometimes one or two of these are not a perfect fit, so keep in mind the total sum of the features, also the most important features.

And try different shoes on to see which is a better fit. As a classic heel is perfect for a Vase, and a Wedge heel perfect for a Cello. So that would be a good separation of a Cello or Vase that is slender and not as dramatic and because of that harder to type. It's also worth noting, that the less dramatic and more balances, the more stuff you can pull off without it looking unbalanced. So, balanced and less dramatic versions of any body type is always harder to figure out. Sometimes it's the details that give it away, and sometimes it's the full picture.

It's hard to say exactly what would set them apart without seeing a person and having all the information, but I hope this covered it. At least generally.
A Vase feels elegant, A Cello feels fit/strong or dramatic/bold in a way, and an Hourglass feels soft. To try and separate them. They all have these features, but each drag a little more in one of the directions than the others. As they are kind of the same type, but just different variations in a sense. So it's kind of a same as, but slightly more that situation.

I hope this helped and answered your question.
Xxx, Sun.

19/4/2021 10:25:13 am

Thanks for the reply!

Eleonora Eriksson

27/1/2021 01:44:38 pm

Hi,
I’ve been thinking about this for many years actually, maybe you could help me figure it out?

I think I am a lot like a vase, but my legs aren’t tall, they are quite the opposite to be honest. On the other hand they are pretty slender, like my arms. I am 5’4” and 134 lbs, my measurments are 36-27-38 (38 at the widest part of my butt, the hips are smaller). My waist isn’t long, but my back is. This makes the hips-and-butt-area pretty long. When I gain weight it goes straight to my tummy and bust, maybe a little to the upper arms. My lower body isn’t as visibly affected.

I think overall Kate Winslet’s body looks quite a lot like mine, when I am wearing heels. I also feel my prettiest when wearing the sort of clothes you are recommending for a vase.

So, based on this, would I be a rare sort of shortlegged vase or do I seem to be of some other body type to you?

Nia

14/3/2021 09:03:24 pm

Hi,

After checking several body shape calculator and this article, I'm not sure whether I'm pear, spoon, skittle, vase or cello. I'm 155 cm, 54kgs with 90-76-95 cm and 43cm shoulder. My hips and thighs are the biggest part of my body yet my shoulder kinda balance my hips so I'm kind of confused. Would love to know from you which body type am I? Thank you.

10/4/2021 12:48:19 pm

Hi I love the body positivity on your blog! I did my color analysis through your site a few years ago, now I’m determining my body shape! I’ve found I’m a slimmer, petite Vase (most similar to Khloe Kardashian). I have a slightly smaller than average bust, which kept me from considering at the curvy types at first. But everything else about my body shape fits the Vase, while the straight & bottom heavy types were not quite right.

So, you mentioned how trendy styles are hard for the Vase and I absolutely agree. But I love modern, trendier styles! I don’t even have a dramatic or wild style, I just prefer a more androgynous look (think Zoe Kravitz or even Eva Longoria style). I think I can transition from dark skinny jeans to dark straight leg jeans. But I don’t know how to give up crop tops and flat shoes, even though I know they look bad on me! For example, I love flat ankle boots. But if I’m going to cheat & wear that type of shoe, what is the best style of flat ankle boot for a Vase? Additionally, I cannot see myself wearing large outer belts, tiny feminine cardigans, or a traditional large round purse like the Vase should. I guess what I’m asking overall is...

A) Do you have any tips for how I can wear Vase clothing in a fresh, modern way? Casual wear has been my BIGGEST challenge.😭 Any pics or visual examples for that would be amazingly helpful! B) Do you know of additional petite or smaller busted Vases I can refer to? Thanks so much!!

10/4/2021 01:24:05 pm

And Mila Kunis! I forgot to mention her :) My personal style is similar to hers as well.

13/4/2021 05:14:00 pm

Hey! I know I just spilled my guts on here. I’m thinking it’d be smarter to give you actual measurements like the other commenters did lol😅

I’m 5’3” but I resemble a tall person in body shape. When I see someone my height, they always look different. Especially the legs, theirs always look shorter & stockier than mine.

This was my first time measuring myself but here are my results.
My bust is 29.5” inches (directly underneath my bust is 27.5”).
My waist is 24”.
My upper hips are 31” and my lower hip (around butt) is 32”.
My leg inseam is a little under 28”.
Also I tried measuring my shoulders by myself so it could be wrong, but I got 37” for around my shoulders. Thanks again for your support here Sunniva!

2/6/2021 04:59:55 pm

Not sure if this helps, but my shape is very similar to this woman’s. Probably the closest I’ve seen to my own shape. https://instagram.com/isabellemathersx?utm_medium=copy_link

Slim w/ long legs & smaller bust. A butt that’s flatter on the sides but it gathers to back of butt (making it look fuller), plus a strange dip connecting the leg to the hips. Yet Skittle is wrong because the legs aren’t as heavy & Soft Brick is wrong because Brick is too wide/shapeless.

21/6/2021 11:06:59 am

Hey Sun. I decided I’m a petite Skittle who just has slimmer legs & longer arms. I wanted to ask if you know of more Skittle celebs who are on the slimmer or lankier side like me. Maybe Lais Ribeiro or Isabelle Mathers? Possibly Halsey or Jasmine Tookes?

(Also, since you’re a Skittle too, if you have any go-to casual outfits I’d love to hear about it!)

TStone

19/4/2021 12:57:41 pm

Hello!,

I think Miley Cyrus is a vase? What about a young Britney Spears?

Elizabeth

15/5/2021 12:10:22 pm

Hi Idealist style. I actually commented a few years back on the hourglass post. I have a photo which I took back then to send you and then forgot all about it until it resurfaced today as I was going through my drive.

Would you mind taking a look if I emailed it to you? It's driving me nuts and I wish to put my mind to rest about whether I'm a hourglass or vase as I can dress for both and they look so similar. I think I am a vase who put on weight. I don't know how much I weighed back then but now I'm 43-31-43 with 38.5 shoulders.

I put weight on my boobs especially and upper thighs and bottom. I always felt I mix hourglass/vase but I do feel like a vase who dresses like an hourglass as well. It's confusing as these types look and dress very similar.

Anyways I just want to also say thank you for your amazing website. I have always turned to it whenever I'm intrigued by new styles, seeing how I can wear them with my body type. It's very positive and helpful and my little sister, who is now a young woman uses it now (she's definitely a pear with very narrow shoulders and long neck) and it gives her confidence in embracing her body type.

So wishing you all the best. Elizabeth 🥲

15/5/2021 12:10:33 pm

15/5/2021 12:10:58 pm

15/5/2021 12:11:16 pm

Miss EV Francis

15/5/2021 12:13:03 pm

Sorry all those repeated posts were an accident. Delete the unnecessary copies as you wish 🙂 Elizabeth

Deacon Wright link

19/6/2022 04:28:30 am

Thanks for thhis

Cassandra

19/8/2022 03:49:56 am

I can’t figure out my body shape. I think I may be a cross between a vase and brick but not sure. I am 5’7.5 my legs are only slight longer than my waist, so I look about even. I have a huge rib cage and the space between my rib cage and hip is small. My measurements are 48 41 48 and lower hip a 49. Upper bust is 43. My shoulders and hips are even. I have a slight waist, carry most of my weight on my belly and arms. I have a small more flat bottom and very muscular, Shapely legs. My bra size is a 40DDD or 40F. Please help

THE BODY TYPE : VASE

Leave a Reply.

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

Archives