Have you ever stood in front of your wardrobe, feeling frustrated that nothing looks quite right? Or tried on a trending outfit, only to wonder why it doesn’t flatter you the way it does on someone else?
You’re not alone. Many women struggle with body confidence and fashion choices, especially after life changes like pregnancy, menopause, or weight fluctuations. That’s why Anna Berkeley, one of UK's top stylists created Think Shape—a brilliant app with a fresh approach to dressing that puts body shape understanding at the heart of personal style. Instead of body shapes such as apple, pear Anna has introduced Goddess names.
I can't wait for you to read Anna's answers to my questions about how styling, clothes and body shape can really help your wellbeing. Are you ready? 💛
Meeting Anna at a Think Shape event last year, along with Jane Shepherdson CBE
1. What is the concept of Think Shape, and how does it impact confidence and mood?
Anna: Think Shape is about placing body shape understanding at the core of how women choose their clothes—whether shopping or putting together outfits. The idea is to empower women with knowledge about why certain styles work for them and others don’t. With this insight, they can shop smarter, happier and more mindfully. Many women, including friends and family, find shopping overwhelming, confusing and they don’t really know where to start. The Think Shape app is designed to provide that starting point without being prescriptive. It simply highlights what works and what doesn’t while explaining why. With multiple images, video of real women and examples of your precise 'best pieces' This allows women to make informed choices, ignoring items that might appeal visually but don’t look as good on them, for whatever reason. I also renamed the nine body shapes after Greek Goddesses so we could get rid of reductive and offensive body shape tags like 'pear, brick or column' It's also important to note that personal style matters. If something suits you but isn’t to your taste, that’s fine—you don’t have to wear it. The goal is to select pieces that both flatter your shape and resonate with your personal style, allowing you to feel confident and comfortable. The mission of Think Shape is to help millions of women feel better about themselves by explaining how shape and proportion work and how body shape can change over time. These changes, whether due to pregnancy, menopause, or other factors, can be challenging, but with the right tools, women can manage these transitions with confidence. Think Shape gives you the tools to navigate the minefield of fashion and of buying online as well as in store. This is a journey and a process but absolutely does not have to be a negative one.
2. How did you come up with the idea for Think Shape?
Anna: With 30 years in fashion and 18 years styling private clients, my most popular service has always been the Body Map. This service involves a head to toe analysis of body shape, proportions, and what styles work best. However, I can only reach a limited number of women through one-on-one consultations. To make this valuable service accessible to more women, I adapted my in-studio process into a digital format, creating the Think Shape app. The app brings my desire to share all my many years of expertise and knowledge to a broader audience, helping more women understand their shape and dress confidently.
3. What is your favourite thing about Think Shape?
Anna: The best thing is receiving positive feedback from women who finally understand why certain styles don't work for them. They feel really free afterwards, and happy in the knowledge they don't have to force themselves into something that doesn't quite work! And with shape changes, many women feel frustrated when their go-to outfits stop feeling right, but once they recognise how their shape has evolved, they can adjust accordingly and feel back on track. Knowing that I’ve helped someone regain confidence in their appearance makes me incredibly happy. There is nothing better!
4. How do the clothes we wear influence our emotions and mental well-being?
Anna: Clothing has a profound impact on our emotions and mental health. In a nutshell -when you feel good in what you wear, it reflects in your confidence and the way you carry yourself. A confident woman walking into a room, feeling great in her outfit, radiates positivity and good energy.
Body image issues are at an all-time low due to factors like social media, unattainable beauty standards, and extreme weight-loss trends. However, looking good isn’t about being a certain size—it’s about understanding what suits you. You can look amazing at any size, any shape and any proportion. Fashion should be fun, not stressful, and the right clothing choices can help women feel empowered and joyful. It's key to understand what works for your unique body - so many women blame themselves when they buy an outfit via an influencer post and then it doesn't look good on them. This is so demoralising and I want women to realise it's simple. They are just the wrong clothes! That's all. It's not you or your body that is at fault.
5. How should someone rebuild their wardrobe after a significant body shape change?
Anna: The key is acceptance—acknowledging where your body is now and adapting to it rather than resisting change. I liken it to how a wonderful yoga class is taught. It's a practice and it's all about being where you are right now and going with it. Not being hard on yourself. Think of it like that. Style should evolve with you and it should change and develop. I know it's hard. I am not being dismissive about how hard it is and how it feels. But I promise you with the right clothes and the right shapes you really can really just say 'wow, that looks good, I look good' and then you're off!
Women often focus on what they don’t like, such as a changing midsection during menopause. However, dressing a new body shape isn’t difficult when you know what works. By shifting the mindset from frustration to curiosity, by addressing it and asking questions - women can rediscover style that suits them and look forward to making outfits and shopping.
6. Do you see a growing trend in wellness-focused fashion choices?
Anna: Yes and no. The circular fashion movement, second-hand shopping, and body positivity trends are fantastic developments. However, I’m concerned about the fashion industry’s return to ultra-thin ideals and the misuse of weight-loss drugs.
A strong, healthy body should be valued over a narrow beauty standard. Having experienced health challenges myself, I now appreciate what my body can do rather than just how it looks. The fashion industry and wellness movements should intersect more to promote this mindset. But women need support here and they need to be bolstered and built up, not made to feel 'less than' .
7. How do you incorporate wellness into your styling work?
Anna: I think I have always woven it into everything I do as I love fashion and clothing so much. It makes me happy and energised. I hope that rubs off on everyone I work with!
For me, fashion and wellness are deeply connected. I adore fashion and I love working with women of all ages. When women enjoy getting dressed and feel great in their outfits, they naturally feel better overall.
Ultimately, fashion should be joyous , all about self-expression, and feeling good in your own skin. It's a gift. That’s the philosophy behind both my styling work and the Think Shape app.
Big thanks to the fab Anna Berkeley. I'd love to know your key takeaways.Let us know in the comments. Find out more about Think Shape at their website https://think-shape.com/
Besos
Alicia x
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