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Body Shape Masterclass Part 3 | Styling a Petite UK Size 16 Pear/Apple/Strawberry Body Shape

MM Personal Styling

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In Body Shape Masterclass Part 3, Melissa styles Sue — a UK size 16, 5ft 1 petite woman with a mix of pear, apple and strawberry body shapes.

Sue was looking for a flattering, confidence-boosting outfit to wear for her 50th birthday celebration at her local pub. With a fuller bust, weight carried around the middle and thighs, and petite proportions, Melissa shares practical styling tips to highlight Sue’s best features and create balance — all with real-life, wearable pieces.

This is styling for real women, not textbook shapes — and it might just give you the inspiration you need too.

Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more body shape styling advice and high street fashion hauls.

All outfit links are listed below.

For reference I’m:
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A UK Size 8-10 (USA: 4-6, EU: 36-38)
5ft 3 (ish) = 161cm

Sue (the model) is
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A UK Size 16 (USA:12, EU 44)
5ft 1 = 155cm

Contact Details:
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Personal Styling inquiries and business contact:
Email: hello@mmpersonalstyling.co.uk
Instagram: melissamurrellpersonalstyling
Website: www.mmpersonalstyling.co.uk

What I’m wearing:
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M&S Velvet black blazer, size 8 - https://bit.ly/3l46u1h
Soaked in Leather black cropped trousers, size small - https://bit.ly/3F9B0ye
Striped top (old but from Zara). Similar here: https://go.zara/3DhnRC7
Sequin mini heeled boots (old but from zara). Similar here: https://go.zara/3xPkK2X

Underwear mentioned
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Spanx Medium control Low back Plunge Mid Thigh Body Suit - https://bit.ly/31mWN6U
Debenhams Waist Nipper (Limited sizes online but you can buy them brand new on ebay. Here’s one link but do a general search under Debenhams waist nipper on google) - https://bit.ly/3Dhcb2a

Outfit 1
Wallis - Black Spot Mesh Jumpsuit, size 16 - https://bit.ly/3rvbVKM
Next, Taupe Signature Leather Twist Detail Sandals - https://bit.ly/2ZlIuPo
Zara black heels (Very high – too high to be comfortable!) - https://go.zara/3pj7TT0

Outfit 2
Wallis sequin camisole top, Size 16 - https://bit.ly/3Deav9x
M&S Navy Long Velour high waisted leggings Navy, Size 16 - https://bit.ly/3rsABmZ
Next, Taupe Signature Leather Twist Detail Sandals - https://bit.ly/2ZlIuPo
Zara Shoulder detail blazer, Navy. Sold out. Similar here: https://go.zara/32XjzU1

Outfit 3
M&S Velvet Navy Trousers, Size 16 - https://bit.ly/3G8PS0e
Next Long Sleeve White Soft T-shirt, Size 16 - https://bit.ly/3lt0aAm
Jigsaw Trainers - https://bit.ly/3wKOiy6
Karen Millen Sequin Navy Blazer -size 14 - https://bit.ly/3ofIpqk

Outfit 4
M&S Velvet Navy Trousers, Size 16 - https://bit.ly/3G8PS0e
Wallis sequin camisole top, Size 16 - https://bit.ly/3Deav9x
Wallis sequin jacket, size 16 Petite - https://bit.ly/3lvF5FB

Outfit 5
M&S Velvet Navy Trousers, Size 16 - https://bit.ly/3G8PS0e
M&S Bright Pink Cashmere Jumper, Size 16 - https://bit.ly/2ZLUSbP
Prym Shoulder Pads - https://jland.partners/3c7KrC1

Outfit 6
River Island Denim Dark Amelie Flare Mid Rise Husky Jeans, Size 16 Short, https://bit.ly/3ncLCGq
Next Neutral jumper with silver hardwear on sleeves - https://bit.ly/3xNeSrd

Outfit 7
River Island, Black ruched bodycon dress https://bit.ly/3pmfRuA
Zara black heels (Very high – too high to be comfortable!) - https://go.zara/3pj7TT0

Outfit 8
M&S Black cropped velvet trousers, size 10 (but they were a little big)
M&S Velvet black blazer, size 16 - https://bit.ly/3l46u1h
Wallis sequin camisole top, Size 16 - https://bit.ly/3Deav9x

20 Comments

@NoYBW 4 years ago

Really appreciate you addressing larger petite bodies and appreciate skipping the boned waist nipper. We petite ladies can have very short waists and the boned nippers can be too long for us causing them to buckle and then dig into our skin quite painfully even when wearing the appropriate size.

@dm4859 4 years ago

Love this. I'm 5'4". When I was 30 (36 years ago), I was co-owner of a start business in the Midwest. A guy from LA came through and held a large seminar about styling and all. I was chosen as one of the models - so fun! Shoulder pads were so " in" for years back then, and then they kind of went away. I was horrified to be a size 9 then. Now, if I approach 14-16, it's a miracle. I'm built like your model but my hips are the smallest measurement.

Your model is super brave and your styling expertise is excellent. She looks fantastic and I thank her for being vulnerable and yet confident!

Love it. So helpful. 💋💛

@colleencarter1977 4 years ago

Sue! You look INCREDIBLE for 50 years old. You don't look a day over 30-35... I can only hope to look as good as you when I turn 50 - in only 6 short year years.

@AuntyLinda123 4 years ago (edited)

So glad to see a normal looking model instead of a 16 yr old size 0. So grateful for her to appear on this vid for us, thank you so much, Sue xxx
Ps I would keep shoes the same colour as her trousers. Shoe boots preferably giving an unending length 💛💙💜

@maxigeorgepig2564 3 years ago

Thank you thank you thank you!!! Looking at Sue’s shape, is like looking in the mirror! I am also 5’1, and I’ve never been able to find a video like this that helps people out size and shape to find clothes that are suitable and look amazing! I would always have to look at videos of much much taller women who had a relatively similar shape, but I could never get it right because they had so much more length to play with!

@KraftyPaws 4 years ago (edited)

New subbie here and just wanted to comment thst this is one of the BEST styling videos for real women bodies. Thanks so much! Would love to see similar styling videos for inverted triangle body types.

@dianasmith2876 4 years ago

Finally a " normal" size featured! I am US size 12, all the videos I've found are size, 4, 6....nice, but not something practical for a larger size woman. Thank you...more larger size videos please!!

@jennifer9047 4 years ago

4'11" here, and a US size 16 (mainly because of the 36DDD girls and a big old gut) and I also have large upper arms that I hate and hide.
These tips are all really great, but I absolutely would've LOVED to see you collab with a hair stylist to select the appropriate do's for each outfit! I have hair similar to Sue's- medium length, fine, flat, and straight. I always struggle to figure out if I should do an updo, a braid or bun, or try to curl, add extensions for volume, etc...
All and all, VERY informative, thank you! 🤗

@GrannyRose11 4 years ago

The model is beautiful. How nice to accentuate her best features. I’m pushing 75 and learned some new things!

@ParisienMama 4 years ago

Hi Sue! Thanks SO much for modeling! I'm also 5"1' and it's terribly hard to find outfits that work for my size and shape. I'm really very grateful and it's wonderful to meet you! xo

@carafossarellano4293 4 years ago

So happy to find this video. I’m almost the same size exactly and was feeling a bit low until I watched and really felt she looked adorable in the before shot. Petite and curvy with a waist. Of course the tips are SUPER and I’ve already ordered some shoulder pads but I thought “Oh, if that’s what I look like, that’s great! No reason to feel down about that! Thank you SO much!

@shayLEVSHE 4 years ago

The minute I saw her in the dress from river island, I yelled "yeesss"! She looks good in that - I hope she wears that for her 50th!!!

@fatbottombiker3038 4 years ago

Hi ladies! You go Sue! I am shaped just like you so I am watching ever so intently. Good for you for stepping outside your comfort zone for all of us!

@Bobof7 2 years ago

Loved this video! My 26 year old daughter is very similarly shaped. Love taking the principles that you teach and incorporating them into our lifestyles. Thank you! And thank you to Sue!!

@Laura-ch7fl 4 years ago

What a cute model. Her smile is so contagious.

@lynne-marieheidebrink1847 4 years ago

Thank you for sharing your expertise, Melissa. Modeling things that did not look right on you was very brave, Sue. Your face lit up when you wore the styles and colors that made you look your best. Both of you inspired me to become a subscriber and to make some changes in my wardrobe.

@suesanders263 4 years ago

Fantastic job with Sue, she looks fantastic and you have helped her so very much. You look amazing Sue

@wandayanez2454 4 years ago

I love Sue modeling a typical body shape that most of us have. I have her same shape. 5' tall and size 14 USA. I won't wear the square toe shoes, but the outfits are wonderful and eye opening. Love it! Sue looks so good! I will try your tips. I have a smaller bust, apple shape. I highly recommend to bring "real" women to model the clothing. It was great to see the subtle differences. I want more of this. Thank you.

@jgdays2439 4 years ago

My goodness , she looked absolutely lovely in the outfits ! Truly beautiful. I hope she enjoyed her birthday and the trip to New York , I bet she was very happy to have such lovely outfits to wear on her trip .

@michelleriley836 4 years ago

Great video, very informative and Sue looks fab in all of her outfits. I’ve come across your channel recently and look forward to seeing the content you bring on here. Im also petite at 5ft 2 so it’s great to see you styling yourself snd others of a similar height. Thanks x