Want to know how to dress your fabulous hourglass figure? How to make the most out of your curves and showcase those enviable proportions? Hourglass body shapes are quintessentially feminine and sexy…like curves for days. And while at one point or another, you may have been tempted to minimize those curves, we’re here to explain how to embrace your shapely self. The right outfits can not only accentuate your assets but also elevate your confidence. With a little guidance and some surefire tips, you’ll feel and look amazing.
If you need to know how to find your body type, this post is the perfect place to get started and this post is another great reference!
How to Dress an Hourglass Figure
When it comes to fashion, understanding your body shape is the first step toward feeling empowered in your wardrobe choices. It really can make a world of difference. It’s all about knowing what fits and flatters and what doesn’t. It can be tempting to try out a trend you found on Instagram or that you see a friend wearing, and that’s totally fine! Fashion should be fun. But if you want to dress in a way that accentuates your shape in the BEST way, keep scrolling. A few subtle and intentional shifts can make a world of difference. We’re going to dive into exactly what an hourglass body shape is and share all the tips you need to dress in the most flattering way.
What Is an Hourglass Figure
An hourglass body shape is characterized by a very well-defined waist as related to your bust, hips, and shoulders. We’re talking like 8+ inches smaller. Hence, creating that hourglass effect where your waist nips in. And essentially, you just want to choose clothing that further highlights that beautiful, sexy, feminine shape. Of all the body shapes, an hourglass body shape is pretty darn coveted because it’s very easy to dress…lucky you! It’s also incredibly feminine. Full disclosure, Erin is not an hourglass body type. She has a rectangular body shape. But after years as a stylist and creator, she knows exactly how to dress women…including those with hourglass body shapes! She also uses some of these style tricks to create that coveted shape with her own looks.
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How To Dress Hourglass Figures
Tip #1) Wear a Waist Belt
To further define your shapely waist, wear a waist belt. You can wear a belt with your high-waisted jeans or trousers, tops, dresses and coats. The thickness of the belt will depend on how long or short-waisted you are. Thinner belts will work better if you’re short-waisted. If you have a large bust and a tiny waist, wearing loose baggy tops to fit your chest will give you a tent-like appearance. But… if you add a belt, that will cinch you in. If you have a tummy you’d rather not highlight, you can try wearing a belt above your natural waistline, just under your ribs to add that same definition.
Tip #2) Wear Form Fitting Tops & Dresses
Wearing form-fitting or body-skimming tops and dresses is another excellent way to highlight your curves. If you have a tummy that you prefer to conceal, you can wear a fit-and-flare top or dress. This will highlight just above your natural waist and offer some forgiveness in the tummy area. Something that is big all over is only going to make your overall silhouette also look big all over. You want to wear pieces that will accentuate your natural curvy shape.
Tip #3) Wear Scoop and V-Neck Silhouettes
Scoop neck and V-neck tops are universally flattering. They will add extra length to the body and create the illusion of a longer torso. This can make the upper body appear slimmer.
Tip #4) Wear Single Breasted Blazers
A single-breasted, fitted blazer will again nip in your waist and provide that waist definition to highlight your curves. A double-breasted or boyfriend blazer can be boxy especially when left open. This boxy shape can do an hourglass figure a disservice! The exception would be a very tailored or fitted double-breasted blazer fully buttoned. Look for blazers that fit snugly to your waist but still allow ample room in the shoulders.
Tip #5) Try Wrap Dresses or Tops
Wrap-front styles are SO flattering on hourglass body types. It’s a great silhouette for many body shapes, but specifically for those with a narrower waist. Wrap dresses and tops follow the natural lines of your shape and really maximize your curves.
Tip #6) Wear Flare Leg Pants & Jeans
You have some options when it comes to jeans and pants! Bootcut, straight cuts, flared, or wide-leg bottoms will balance out your curves. Adding extra width on the bottom can make your waist look even slimmer in contrast. Tapered leg or skinny jeans or pants will exaggerate the hips, butt, and thighs. It really depends on your personal style preference.
Tip #7) Wear Pencil or A-line Skirts
If you want to maximize your curves, wearing a knee-length pencil skirt will give you the same effect as a form-fitting dress. A-line skirts are also a great option. They offer a bit more forgiveness in the tummy area but still provides that shapely, nipped-in-at-the-waist silhouette.
Tip #8) Consider Jewelry Placement
Our next tip is all about jewelry placement. If you want to elongate your hourglass figure, a pendant necklace will add some length to the upper body. It’ll give you the same effect as wearing vertical stripes. Think of where you want to draw attention to or away from and then strategically place your jewelry. For example, wearing necklaces higher on your chest will bring attention to your face.
Tip #9) Find Inspiration
Our final tip is to create a folder on your phone for outfit inspiration from celebrities or creators with the same body type. For hourglass body inspiration, Blake Lively, Sophia Vergara, Jennifer Lopez, and Salma Hayek are examples you can check out.
Are you an hourglass body type that has a go-to top, dress or jeans that you stand by? Please share your find in the comments below!
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