Dress if You've Got an Hourglass Figure
The hourglass figure is considered the ideal body type by many women. For women with this body type, the bust and hip are approximately the same size, and the waist is narrow. This gives you a set of sexy, killer curves. When dressing your hourglass figure, look for styles and fabrics that reduce bulk and prevent boxiness. Also look for pieces that draw attention to your narrow waist.
Contents
Steps
Balance Your Bust
Tops and dresses should nip in at the waist without adding bulk to your bust. Extra bulk on your bust will throw your proportions out of sync.
- Look for snug, tailored pieces. Everything from your casual t-shirts to your button-down blouses should be fitted, nipping in slightly at the waist. Stretchy materials hug your curves and work especially well if you have a flat stomach.
- Stick with short, shaped jackets. Look for belted jackets, trench-style coats, or other fits that draw in toward the waist. Short jackets that stop just above your hips accentuate your curves in a flattering way.
- Consider a wrap blouse or dress. Wrap tops and dresses pull the fabric in at the skinniest part of your waist, drawing the focus to your waist without adding any extra volume to your bust. Hourglass figures with a short waist or petite figure may not like this style, however, since it often falls out at the wrong part of their waist.
- Go for soft fabrics like knits and silk blends. These materials gently drape over your natural curves, keeping your bust in proportion with your hips. Avoid stiff fabrics, since these may end up making you look boxy.
- Wear low, slimming necklines. Look for V-necks, V-neck halters, sweethearts, and scoop necks. Narrow necklines slim down your bust, keeping it looking balanced, and low necklines draw the eye closer to your narrow waist. Avoid wide necklines like boat necks and squares, since these tend to make you look top heavy.
- Avoid volume-enhancing details. Stay away from ruffles, bows, and other dimensional details that add volume. If placed at the bust, these details may make you look top heavy. If placed at the waist, they detract from your waist's natural narrowness.
- Stick with solid colors. Muted patterns may also work, but solid colors flatter your figure best. You can "color block" by having contrasting shades above your waist and below your waist, or you can stick with a single, solid color top or dress to keep your bust evenly balanced with your hips.
- Choose the right undergarments. A supportive bra will help you lift and tame your bust, giving your upper half the right proportions.
- Wear dark colors and vertical stripes if you want to downplay your curves. Some hourglass figures would rather look thin rather than curvy. If this describes you, slim down your upper half by wearing dark colors, vertical stripes, or vertical pleats.
- Wear tops that extend below your hipbone to further slim you down. A top that stops just short of your waist will accentuate your curves, but if you would rather slim your curves down, look for a top that lengthens your torso by extending just below your hipbone or past your thighs.
Keep Your Bottom Streamlined
Look for pants, skirts, and dress bottoms that hug your curvy hips and lengthen your leg.
- Wear voluminous skirts. Look for dresses and skirts in full circle or tulip cuts, especially if they have a high waist. These cuts hug your hips and hang off them naturally, which accentuates your curvy lower half without adding bulk.
- Opt for classic skirt cuts. A-line and pencil skirts are universally flattering. They work well for hourglass figures because they hug your curves and keep things streamlined.
- Stick with soft fabrics. Look for materials that stretch or drape. A stiff skirt may make your hips look boxy and excessively wide.
- Look for pants that have a slight flare. Think wide-leg and boot-cut styles. The flare keeps the bottom portion of your leg in balance with your wide hips. This also creates a longer, slimmer appearance for your legs.
- Wear skinny-leg pants with caution. Skinny jeans make most hourglass figures look short and stout. If you have naturally long, lean legs, though, you may be able to get away with a tight-fitting skinny jean, especially if you pair it with high heels that add extra length to your leg.
- Stick with mid-rise or high-rise pants. Avoid low-rise pants, since these may make your hips look wider and your legs look shorter. Mid-rise and high-rise cuts elongate the leg. Styles with wide waist-bands are especially flattering.
- Avoid bottoms with too many details at the hip. Your trousers should have flat fronts and pockets without flaps or large buttons. You should also avoid decorative embellishments or other decorations at the hip.
Accentuate Your Curves with the Right Accessories
The right shoe or belt can flatter your figure by drawing attention to your curves and slimming down your thicker portions.
- Wear dark belts around your natural waist. A belt worn around the narrowest part of your waist acts as the focal point of your entire outfit. Skinny belts often work for hourglass figures of all heights, but wide belts may shorten the torso if you have a short waist or petite height.
- Look for slimming heels. Your curvy hips may make your legs look thick and short when you wear flat shoes. Heels elongate the leg, however, creating a slimmer, better proportioned look.
- Draw attention to your neckline with the right necklace. A bright splash of color at your neck can add personality to your outfit. Look for short necklaces that hug your neck or long necklaces that come down in a "V." Necklaces that hang low and wide over your chest may make it look larger and unbalanced.
- Long necklaces with a pendant close to the breast or waistline will draw attention to your waist.
- Wear large and interesting bracelets. These will draw the attention of the eye to your waistline as well as the wrist.
Tips
- Many modern pieces are not designed with curves in mind--don't be afraid to shop vintage, or buy a piece to get tailored later.
- Be flexible. You may have a secondary body type that requires different pieces to look balanced. Understand that guidelines are not unbreakable rules, but only suggestions on where to start.
- Three quarter sleeves draw attention to your waist.
Things You’ll Need
- Fitted tops
- Skirts
- Dresses
- Pants
- Belts
- Heels
- Necklaces
- Underwear that fits well
