The goal of dressing the hourglass body shape is to accentuate natural curves while maintaining balance between the shoulders and hips. The hourglass is defined by similar shoulder and hip widths, with a well-defined waist. Key recommendations include opting for fitted styles, structured jackets, and waist-cinching designs. Choose V-necks, tailored trousers, and dresses that emphasize the waist.

Apple | Hourglass | Inverted Triangle | Pear | Rectangle

Hourglass Body Shape: How to Dress

The key to dressing any body shape is creating a balanced silhouette. For the hourglass body shape, the goal is to accentuate the natural curves while maintaining the proportions between the shoulders and hips. To achieve this, it's important to choose clothing that defines the waist while highlighting the balanced proportions of the bust and hips.

The hourglass figure is characterized by shoulders and hips that are almost the same width and a well-defined waist. When dressing for this body shape, focus on pieces that emphasize your waistline and showcase your curves without adding bulk to your frame.

Necklines

Necklines are an important factor to consider when dressing the hourglass body shape. The goal is to highlight the balanced proportions of the upper body and draw attention to the waistline.

Do:

Opt for necklines that enhance the natural curves of your upper body, such as V-necks, scoop necks, and sweetheart necklines. These styles will highlight your bust and draw attention to your waist.

Sleeves

Sleeves can either enhance your figure or create unflattering proportions. Choosing the right sleeves for the hourglass body shape is about keeping the focus on your waist and avoiding unnecessary bulk around your shoulders and arms.

Do:

Look for fitted sleeves that hug the arms or sleeves with a slight flare that creates a balanced look. Avoid overly puffy or voluminous sleeves that can distort your proportions.

Jackets

When selecting jackets for the hourglass body shape, the key is to choose styles that highlight your waist and maintain the natural curves of your figure.

Do:

Choose jackets that are tailored or belted at the waist. Peplum and cropped styles also work well as they emphasize your waist and hips.

Coats

Coats should accentuate your waist and hips while maintaining a balanced overall look. The right coat will highlight your curves without adding unnecessary bulk.

Do:

Go for fitted, belted, or structured coats that cinch at the waist. Trench coats are particularly flattering for the hourglass shape.

Shirts

When it comes to shirts, the hourglass figure benefits from styles that are fitted around the waist and avoid excessive volume around the bust or hips.

Do:

Look for shirts that are tailored and cinch at the waist. Wrap tops and peplum styles are great choices.

Knitwear

Knitwear can either flatter the hourglass figure or add unnecessary bulk, depending on the fit and style. The goal is to maintain a fitted shape that highlights your waist.

Dresses

Dresses are a great opportunity to show off the hourglass figure, especially when they are tailored to enhance your curves and define your waist.

Do:

Choose dresses that are fitted at the waist, such as wrap dresses, fit-and-flare styles, and bodycon dresses. These silhouettes will accentuate your natural curves.

Jumpsuits & Playsuits

When selecting jumpsuits and playsuits, it's important to choose styles that are fitted at the waist and avoid excessive volume that can overwhelm your figure.

Do:

Opt for styles that have a defined waist and follow the natural curves of your body. Belted jumpsuits and tailored playsuits are excellent choices.

Skirts

The hourglass figure looks best in skirts that accentuate the waist while highlighting the hips and maintaining balance.

Do:

A-line skirts, pencil skirts, and fit-and-flare styles are perfect for the hourglass body shape. These styles emphasize your waist and hips without adding bulk.

Trousers

Trousers should be chosen to emphasize your waist and hips while maintaining a balanced silhouette. Avoid styles that add unnecessary volume to your legs or hips.

Do:

Look for high-waisted trousers with a slight flare or bootcut styles that balance your hips and legs. Straight-leg trousers and tailored fits are also flattering.

Shorts

Shorts for the hourglass body shape should be tailored and fitted to highlight your waist while keeping the proportions balanced between your hips and legs.

Do:

High-waisted shorts that cinch at the waist and are fitted around the hips work best for the hourglass shape.

Jeans

The right pair of jeans can perfectly accentuate the hourglass figure by emphasizing the waist and balancing the hips.

Do:

Opt for high-waisted jeans with a slight flare or bootcut. Skinny jeans and straight-leg jeans can also be flattering as long as they are fitted at the waist.

Conclusion

Dressing the hourglass body shape is all about embracing and highlighting your natural curves while maintaining a balanced silhouette. By choosing clothing that defines your waist and complements your proportionate shoulders and hips, you can create a flattering and stylish look that enhances your figure. Focus on fitted styles, structured pieces, and waist-cinching designs to achieve a cohesive and polished appearance. With the right wardrobe choices, you can effortlessly showcase the best features of your hourglass shape and feel confident in your personal style.

Other shapes: Apple | Hourglass | Inverted Triangle | Pear | Rectangle