Exploring Column Body Shape with Anushka Sharma

Are your body measurements about the same for your shoulders and hips with very little curve at waist and long legs?

If yes, you probably have a 'rectangle' or a 'column' body shape.

Column ladies have fairly straight up and down structure. Many women would kill for this shape, since there is no area you would want to minimise. You can get away with many clothes which other women can't wear.

Due to column body shape, your waist-to-hip ratio varies little. You do have curves, but sometimes they seem to disapper due to inappropriate dressing.

Let's take some cues on dressing your column shape from our very own Bollywood newbie - Anushka Sharma.

Ms. Shruti Kakkar from Band Baaja Baarat aka Anushka Sharma has rocked the industry with her performance in the movie. The crude but cute Delhi girl is shown to be very enthu about setting up her own business, making jugaads and finally falling for Bitto Sharma aka Ranveer Singh. She's got it in her DNA and her looks say so too... Let's see how this model-turned-actor manages to get away with her Column Body with tonnes of compliments...

Column Shape Style Tip - Columns are fairly straight up and down; there’s no main area you want to minimise. However you may crave more curves – an illusion that can be easily created with the right clothing..

1. Illusion of Curves

Your body lack curves to a very great extent. You do not have extra fat, but some fat is required to give your body a shape or a definition it needs. This can be done by creating an illusion of curves on your body. Volumnize your upper and lower halves and clinch at the middle. An hourglass shape can thus be easily created on your body. Look at Anushka's appearance in the picture below. I bet you'll not be able to make out that she has a Column body...!!

2. Adding Volumn above the Waist

Since your're a column, we can assume to some extent that you may have a small bust too. Start with choosing the right bra that can add a bit of volume. Push-ups or corsets will create beautiful curves.

Next, add detailing to the topwear with ruffles, pleates, bows, embellishments, etc. Alternatively, you can also layer your topwear by using shrugs and crop tops (Only if you are not very tall. Else it'll elongate your torso). Use horizontal stripes and if you're planning to wear a jacket, keep it till the hip-line with a belt clinching at the waist..

Avoid baggy tops while adding volume, since they may end up giving you no shape or definition at the waist..

3. Rise High with High Necks

High necks create an illusion of more volumn on the top. Experiment with Turtle Necks, Bateau (Boat) Necks, Polo Necks, Jewel Necks, etc. Also, since you have small busts, you can very well carry Strapless, Racer Back Vests, Spaghetti Straps and Halter Necks..

Avoid wearing wide necks as they may make you look all the more skinny. If you like an open neck top too much to resist, then team it up with bib-necklaces or wear a camisole underneath. Nevertheless, if your busts are medium sized, you can play around with deeper / wider necklines, just like Anushka does..

4. Adding Volume below the Waist

Columns are very leggy.. They're tall and have great legs! Show them off in outfits thats compliment your length below the waist. Short skirts, A-line skirts, pin-tucks and pleated skirts will give your the volume you need down there. Jumpsuits will also look very playful and peppy.. Talking of pants, skinny jeans were made for you it seems!! Linen trouser will look very elegant on you.

Beware of flared pants and cargos. They will unbalance your body and/or make you look more boyish. Avoid low-rise trousers too, as they will elongate your upper torso. Maxis and high-waist pants may be in trend, but if your tall, it's better to avoid them..

5. Wanna look Girly? Dresses are on your way...

Most dresses will look great on your straight frame. Aim to create more curves by playing around with sleeves, ruffles, frills and necklines. Bias cut dresses and Shift dresses will work wonders, as also Halter necks, Strapless and Off-Shoulder dresses.

Avoid sheath, body hugging and straight dresses as they may highlight your lack of curves. Dropped waists and empire lines will broaden your upper or lower torse (respectively) unless you play around with large and small prints or color-blocking.

6. Belts @ Rescue!

When we talk of defining waist, belts work like darts hitting the centre of the board.. Right on target! Broad belts are totally in vogue. They will divide your vertically large torso without making it too obvious. Contrasting belts will attract attention to your 'illusion-created' waist and give a curvy appeal to the straight figure.

Are you a fan of Anushka Sharma? Did you get inspired by her way of layering her Column Body?? Well, I totally am!!

Do share your tried and tested ways of dressing your Column Body.. I'll be waiting... :)