In our next article on female athletes and their style, we’re looking at Jessica Ennis. At only 26, she has won gold medals in Berlin (2009) and Doha (2010) and looks set to scoop some more medals this summer. Jessica is a girl particularly close to our own hearts as the inspirational athlete is from our very own Panache HQ’s home town of Sheffield.
Unlike our other athletes, who have all specialised in some way or another in their chosen sport, Jessica Ennis is a multi-event competitor, taking part in the pentathlon and heptathlon. Because of this, Ms Ennis has to have a body that is able to compete in athletic activities as diverse as hurdles, high jump, shot put, javelin and short and long distance running! As you can imagine, this gives her a muscular physique that is also incredibly toned and strong.
If you have a muscular figure all over, then choosing the right outfits is very important to show off your toned arms, legs and slim stomach. Jessica’s style is very much about being proud of her assets: great skin, fab hair and an enviably-healthy figure. Choosing classically sexy fabrics and prints is a great way to vamp up your look: leopard print, red, and sequins all look gorgeous on muscular frames, as girly prints (like florals) can look a bit too twee.
Fitted and figure-hugging dresses are the perfect outfit for evenings – just like our swimmers, these dresses show off your svelte body with looking too fussy. Dresses, tops and blouses that are cut with a deep V-neck or sweetheart neckline are also very flattering: avoid anything boxy or baggy as it will only disguise your figure and look unfeminine.
Jessica Ennis also keeps her style gorgeous and glamorous with a nod to retro style. Shift dresses and pencil skirts are a good option for workwear if you have an athletic figure, but one of the best ways you can nod to a more glamorous time is through little touches like perfectly manicured nails, simple, classic jewellery (like simple gold studs and plain bands) and big, volumised hair. Jessica keeps her makeup simple to show off her glowing skin, and opting for glossy and shimmering makeup finishes rather than anything heavy and matt.
What’s your favourite look for ladies with athletic figures?
