One of the most admired body types for women throughout history, an hourglass figure is considered a blessing, especially in terms of fashion. From classic women like Marilyn Monroe to the red carpet looks of Jennifer Lopez to Insta influencers like Kylie Jenner, the hype of this figure easily be spotted everywhere around us!
Although it's a common myth that dressing up with an hourglass body is a cakewalk, however, given below are some tips that can help you bring out your best.
Hourglass body type
An hourglass body type is characterized by a bust and hips of almost the same width a narrower and well-defined waist.
An hourglass body type is considered one of the curviest body shapes. This can either play out as an asset or, depending on how one style themselves. To make your task simpler and make you look more flattering, we have assimilated the most popular guidelines to dress an hourglass body.
Top wear style guide for women with hourglass body
Already having a well-rounded and proportionate figure gives one the liberty to play around with a number of patterns, cuts, and silhouettes! But with the given guidelines, you can take your dress up game to the next level:
As per expert guidelines, it is suggested to wear tops and t-shirts that are structured and are well-fitted as this will help in accentuating the feminine body type.
Body-hugging silhouettes that hit at the right places can be a great way to highlight the well-defined waist. This may include wearing peplums and wrap tops.
Besides having great curves, a fuller bust area is another asset for hourglass-shaped bodies that can be celebrated by wearing sweetheart necklines, V-necks, cowl necks, scoop necks, and plunging necklines.
In case you want to flaunt what you got in a subtle way, you can always go for a keyhole neckline or a neck net. slightly rounded necklines like a boat neck or round neck.
In case you want to elongate your look, it is suggested to go for turtle necks or high necks. Wearing it in a uniform color code can end up making you look slimmer. However, this can also make your top half look heavier than usual and end up creating an unbalanced look.
When it comes to sleeves, women with an hourglass body can play around as per their wishes. If you want to show off those arms, you can wear a tank top or an off-shoulder top. If you want to draw attention to that curvy waist, you can go for an elbow-length style. Wearing well-fitted sleeves can maintain the body ratio and only highlight those toned curves.
Bottom wear style guide for hourglass body
When it comes to choosing the right bottom wear for women with an hourglass body, the main agenda should be to choose a fit that compliments your natural figure instead of trying to conceal anything.
Jeans and trousers for the hourglass body type
For bae-sic jeans and top/tee look, it is suggested to go for jeans that are well fitted. They should be in proper coordination with the upper body. Try to go for high-rise or mid-waist jeans. High-rise jeans will make sure to highlight your curves by drawing focus to the waist and also help to flaunt those legs.
While going jeans shopping, if you can find a curvy section in the mall showroom, try going for that. Another thing to keep in mind that can make a huge difference is to go a half size smaller. If you can fit into them, you can flatter your figure a lot better!
Straight cut jeans flared jeans, and especially, bootcut jeans or trousers of the same cut are your best friends! To create the look of a more defined waist and curves, choosing jeans/trousers that have a gentle flare at their hem can do the trick. Trousers with a belted waist are the most celebrating fit for a curvy hourglass figure.
In case you have heavy thighs and you do not want that to reflect on the silhouette, opt for darker colors. In case you do not want to wear something too dark, look out for vintage jeans.
Skirts and shorts for the hourglass body type
High-waisted skirts that are knee-length or shorter are considered the perfect fit for an hourglass body. pencil skirts are considered the best option as their body-hugging silhouette can flaunt the well-defined structure of an hourglass figure. A-line, tulip, and gored skirts are a good option if you want to flaunt your curves in a subtle way without being too obvious.
Choosing the perfect pair of shorts for an hourglass body isn't one bit challenging. All you have to do is look for a pair of high-waisted pair of shorts that is well-fitted and has at least 10% stretch to them. But if you are looking for a comfy pair of Bermuda shorts, go for a mid or low-waist look.
Guidelines to wear a Dress for hourglass body
Any dress that does not add too much volume to the bust and still manages to accentuate the waist should be the go-to option for women with hourglass-shaped bodies. And lucky for them, there are a number of options that serve this purpose!
A fit and flare dress will ensure to celebrate that waist in a very effortless manner.
If you want to emphasize the waist in a subtle manner but still have enough room to sit and move around comfortably, go for a sheath dress.
Okay! So typically, jumpsuits do not fall under the category of dresses but they do a wonderful job of creating a uniform look, adding volume to the lower half of the body without making the top half look bulky.
Winter wear style guide for hourglass body
People with an hourglass-shaped body have a lot to flaunt! Accordingly, the perfect winter wear items can comprise a number of items, all depending upon which asset do you want to draw attention to.
When it comes to jackets and coats, you can go for a piece with its hem ending above the hipline to flaunt the ass. If you want to draw attention to the waist, you can go for a cropped layer or a simple belted jacket.
In order to flaunt the legs, or create the illusion of having longer legs for a petite hourglass figure; wearing long trench coats or overcoats can do the trick.
Any well-fitted body-hugging sweater can make you look sexy, even during the winters! V neck sweaters belted sweaters, and wrap sweaters are more flattering options that can bring out the A-game of your winter wardrobe! In case of chilly winters, you can go for a turtle neck or high neck sweater.
Swimwear style guide for hourglass body
Women with an hourglass body shape already have a beach body! Now all they need is to find the most flattering swimwear to nail their beach look. Here are a few guidelines that may help you find the right piece of swimwear to rock that beach look:
Since an hourglass body already gives the appearance of a heavy bust and bottom as compared to the waist, it is suggested to go for small prints such as a ditsy printed swimsuit or bikini.
Add those string bikinis and high-cut bikinis to your cart! Because the more hips you reveal, the slimmer your waist looks!
One of the most flattering swimwear for this body shape includes a classic triangle bikini. And for those of you who aren't looking to reveal a lot of skin, you can simply opt for a one-piece swimsuit with a plunging neckline for that OOMPH factor!
You can go for a body-hugging touched one piece for extra support and toast those defined curves. A tankini or halter neck is another option for those who want to look and feel subtle but sexy.
For women with a heavy top half, it is suggested to go for well-structured and underwired bikinis.
Must-have accessories and investment pieces for women with hourglass body type
1. Belt
When in doubt, belt it out! Belts help in adding more definitions to the curves and make sure that if you got it, you can flaunt it.
2. Underwired bra
There's nothing as supportive as a good-quality underwired bra. This is an essential item for all those lucky lads with an hourglass body as it helps to establish a clear distinction between the bust and the waist, making sure that both are accentuated in their own flattering way.
3. Nude heels
What better way to balance it out and elongate the legs than a pair of pointed-toe nude heels! Since an hourglass body shape has curves wherever you see it, wearing nude heels can help tone it down and prevent you from looking over the top.
Styling Mistakes to avoid for women with hourglass body type
Shapeless, baggy, and loose-fitting clothes should be kept at bay at all costs!
It is suggested to not add extra weight or baggage with ruffles and attention-drawing embellishments.
Even though wearing straight tops, t-shirts and dresses would not do any harm; however, it might not look as flattering hence it is suggested to avoid wearing straight, cylindrical or rectangular clothes.
When it comes to jeans and trousers, even though wide-leg and flared jeans can help in creating a flattering look, one should avoid wearing jeans that are too baggy and wide-legged. Wearing clothes that are too baggy can conceal the assets i.e the curves and end up making you look bulky.
Women with an hourglass body, especially those with a petite hourglass frame should avoid wearing low-rise jeans and trousers as it can make the hips look too wide and the legs too short. This creates a very unflattering parallel.
Steer clear-off trousers that have darts, pleats, or embellishments; especially if they are low rise.
It is suggested to avoid prints that are too huge and blown up as they can ruin the body balance and give an illusion of an unproportionate frame.
If you do not want to look like a camping tent, avoid wearing puffer jackets and chunky knit sweaters.
Already have a heavy top, bump those double-breasted blazers and shirts.
Oversized collars, boat neck, and crew neck sweaters are more options than you should keep away from while building your perfect winter wardrobe.
Celebrities with an hourglass body to take fashion inspiration from!
Feeling inspired when it comes to choosing trendy fits for your body type? All you gotta do is search for the following celebrities' styles..or street styles to get some inspiration!
Salma Hayek
Marilyn Monroe
Kim Kardashian
Raquel Welch
Beyonce
Sofia Vergara
Scarlett Johansson
Kate Winslet
Jennifer Lopez
Known as the epitome of femininity and beauty, an hourglass body is considered a blessing. And for those of you who still find it hard to pull off looks, we hope these tips help you nail your outfits and slay your day!
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