Hourglass Body Shape Characteristics:
- Proportionate body shape
- Shoulders and hips are roughly the same width
- Well-defined, small, often high waist
- Curvy bust and curvy hips
If you have a well-defined waist and your hips and bust are roughly the same widths, you likely have an Hourglass Body Shape.
Since this body shape is proportionate and has a smaller waist, it is often the most desirable figure women wish for. Women with this body type can wear almost anything, look great, and usually are happy with their figure. Women with an hourglass body shape often are willing to show off their feminine beauty. Therefore, it is expected that they seek to narrow their waist and create curves even more.
However, not everyone is the same. Some women are modest and do not feel that comfortable showing full-on curves.
If you have this body type and are willing to slim down your waist and create curves even more, aim to create the illusion that you have a slimmer waistline, fuller bust, and broader hips.
If you have this body type and are willing to show less of your curves, there is no need to worry about creating the illusion mentioned above. Just aim to wear less fitted clothing.
Clothes That Flatter An Hourglass Body Shape The Most
Underwear & Shapewear
If you are one of those hourglass body shape women who like to accentuate the waist, it is best to choose a good push-up bra and waist shapewear. This will define the waistline and create the illusion of a fuller bust and slimmer waist.
Tops
Following naturally balanced proportions is the best way to dress this body shape. Fitted, belted, or wrap tops that show off the waistline are the best to flatter an hourglass body shape figure, define the waist, and embrace beautiful feminine curves.
Open deep necklines such as a scoop, oval, rounded, jewel, sweetheart, or V-neck will add length to the bust area to accentuate the bust. It is best to unbutton the top when wearing shirts to create a V-neck. It will flatter the neckline more.
Choosing less open necks and semi-fitted tops is best for those who don’t want to show off their bust. Choosing tops that end right at the hipbone is best to soften the curve around the hips.
Trousers
If the goal is to keep body shape balanced, keep trousers harmonized with a top, avoiding creating a disproportion.
Women with hourglass body shapes can wear various designs of trousers: mid-waist loose fit, wide leg, flared, or slightly tapered. High-waisted designs are better for those who have a long waist.
If you prefer to show curves less, choose less fitted designs.
Skirts
Skirts are similar to trousers. Choosing the ones that accentuate the waist without adding heaviness to the bottom and are harmonized with a top is the best. Flat-fronted, pencil, and wrap designs are the best options for hourglass body shape women to flatter curves.
If you prefer to soften the curves, choose less fitted skirt designs.
Dresses
To flatter an hourglass figure, embrace curves with fitted dresses that show off the waistline. It is best to choose styles that define the waist: corset, body-con, wrap, and belted designs are perfect. Avoid choosing too busy garments, as a curvy figure already gives lots of character to the look, and too busy fabrics and patterns could be too rich for this body type.
For those who prefer to show curves less, choosing muted and darker colors for a dress or at least for the upper and lower body is best.
Jackets & Coats
Same with jackets and coats. Anything fitted and belted will work beautifully on an hourglass body shape. Single-breasted, trench, coachmen, and A-line design jackets and coats are the best choices.
Choosing less fitted designs is best for those not keen on showing curves.
Colors, Prints & Patterns
A wide variety of colors is available for an hourglass body shape. There are no restrictions on wearing a color on this well-proportioned figure. Color-blocking will work nicely on this beautiful shape. Play and experiment with which colors you like best.
Learn more about your Color Palette and Personal Style in the articles below:
Footwear
Pointy-toe flats, high heels, or wedges accentuate curves and complement the overall look. They will help elongate the legs and create a more slender appearance, especially if the same footwear color is chosen as the bottoms.
Accessories
Of course, belts are the number one accessories in this category for the hourglass body shape as they define the waist and help to embrace a curvy body shape.
Otherwise, keep the jewelry minimal. It could be too rich for the fuller top part of the body if used too much. If you like, scarves are an excellent option. Wearing a scarf around the neck adds a pop of color or pattern to an outfit and makes it more interesting.
Best To Avoid For An Hourglass Body Shape
Avoid baggy or shapeless clothing that hides beautiful curves.
Avoid low-rise skirts, jeans, and trousers designs. They tend to make hips look more prominent, as well as heavy detailing, embellishments, or side pockets around the hip area. Rich detailing and embellishments are not needed on the top either, as this body shape is beautiful naturally. Extra detail will only add unnecessary bulk to the look.
Regardless of your body type, remember every shape has its best and less than the best features. No matter what best features one has, we all are beautiful!
Understanding your body shape and choosing clothing that flatters YOUR figure will make you look great, but the most important thing is to wear attire that makes you FEEL good and accentuates YOUR best features.
Examples Of An Hourglass Body Shape
Visit M·style alley’s Pinterest board to see Hourglass Body Shape examples:
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