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A Capsule Wardrobe For An Hourglass Figure

Capsule Wardrobe For An Hourglass Figure:
The Ultimate Guide

Building a capsule wardrobe is all about curating a streamlined collection of clothing that works together, saves you time, and boosts your confidence. For those with an hourglass figure, the process can be especially rewarding. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about dressing for your shape, from understanding what defines an hourglass, through measuring yourself, to building a capsule wardrobe full of styles that flatter and empower. Whether you’re just starting out or want to refresh your style, you’ll find actionable advice, examples, and outfit ideas tailored for the hourglass silhouette.

What Is An Hourglass Figure?

An hourglass figure is classically defined by a balanced bust and hip measurement with a noticeably smaller waist. This proportional balance creates the iconic ‘hourglass’ shape, often associated with femininity and curves. The key features are:

  • Defined waist: The waist is significantly smaller than the bust and hips, typically by at least 8–10 inches (20–25 cm).
  • Balanced bust and hips: The bust and hip measurements are roughly equal.
  • Curves: The silhouette is naturally curvy, with rounded hips and bust.

Famous hourglass figures include Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, and, in modern times, celebrities like Scarlett Johansson and Christina Hendricks.

How To Measure Yourself For An Hourglass Figure

If you’re unsure whether you have an hourglass shape, grab a soft measuring tape and follow these steps:

  1. Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape level and snug but not tight.
  2. Waist: Find the narrowest part of your waist (usually just above your belly button) and measure around it.
  3. Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom.

Hourglass Ratio: If your bust and hips are within 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of each other, and your waist is at least 8 inches (20 cm) smaller than both, you likely have an hourglass figure.

Example Measurement:

  • Bust: 38” (96.5 cm)
  • Waist: 28” (71 cm)
  • Hips: 39” (99 cm)

This person would be considered an hourglass due to the balanced bust/hip and defined waist.

Illustration of a woman with an hourglass figure measuring her bust, waist, and hips with a tape measure, with the measurement areas subtly highlighted, on a simple, uncluttered background.

The Different Types Of Hourglass Figures

Not all hourglass figures are identical. Here are the main types:

  • Top Hourglass: Bust is slightly larger than hips, but waist remains defined.
  • Bottom Hourglass: Hips are slightly larger than bust, but waist is still well-defined.
  • Balanced/Classic Hourglass: Bust and hips are almost equal, with a pronounced waist.

Recognising your sub-type can help you fine-tune your wardrobe for comfort and confidence.

Three women in identical fitted sleeveless dresses, each displaying a different hourglass body type: one balanced, one with a noticeably fuller bust and narrower hips (top hourglass), and one with fuller hips/thighs and a smaller bust (bottom hourglass), all on a plain background.

Style Principles For The Hourglass Figure

The hourglass figure is often considered the most ‘balanced’ shape, so the aim is to accentuate your natural curves rather than hide them. Here are the core style principles:

  • Highlight the waist: Always look for ways to bring attention to your waistline.
  • Maintain balance: Choose pieces that keep your bust and hips in visual harmony.
  • Choose structured fabrics: They help define your shape and avoid bulk.
  • Avoid shapeless or boxy cuts: These can swamp your curves and hide your waist.

Building A Capsule Wardrobe For An Hourglass Figure

A capsule wardrobe typically contains 25–40 carefully chosen pieces that work together seamlessly. For hourglass figures, the focus is on classic, waist-defining, and versatile items. Here’s how to build yours:

1. Tops

  • Wrap tops: These naturally cinch the waist and flatter your bust.
  • Fitted button-downs: Look for darts or princess seams to follow your curves.
  • V-neck or scoop neck tops: These elongate the neckline and highlight the bust without overwhelming.
  • Peplum tops: The flare at the waist accentuates your shape.
  • Tailored blouses: Avoid boxy or oversized styles; opt for fitted silhouettes.

2. Bottoms

  • High-waisted trousers: These highlight your waist and create a smooth line over your hips.
  • Straight-leg or bootcut jeans: Both styles balance your curves without clinging.
  • Pencil skirts: These hug your curves and define your waist.
  • A-line skirts: Flattering as they skim over hips and balance proportions.
  • Wide-leg trousers: If tailored, these can look incredibly chic and balanced.

3. Dresses

  • Wrap dresses: The ultimate hourglass-friendly style, drawing in at the waist and flattering the bust and hips.
  • Fit-and-flare dresses: Fitted through the bust and waist, flaring out at the hips for a balanced look.
  • Sheath dresses: Skims the body and highlights your natural curves.
  • Belted dresses: Any style with a belt or tie at the waist is a winner.

4. Outerwear

  • Tailored blazers: Single-breasted, nipped-in waists are best. Avoid boxy or oversized cuts.
  • Trench coats: Belted styles are ideal for highlighting your waist.
  • Cropped jackets: These end at the waist, keeping your proportions balanced.

5. Knitwear

  • Fitted jumpers: Look for ribbed or fine-knit fabrics that hug your shape.
  • Wrap cardigans: These are both flattering and comfortable.
  • Belted knitwear: A tie or belt helps maintain your waist definition.

6. Accessories & Shoes

  • Belts: Essential for cinching dresses, coats, and even some tops.
  • Pointed-toe shoes: Elongate the legs and add polish.
  • Structured handbags: Balance your curves with clean lines.
Flat lay of capsule wardrobe pieces for an hourglass figure, featuring a tailored blazer, fitted trousers, pencil skirt, belted dress, structured blouse, and elegant shoes, all neatly arranged on a plain, uncluttered background.

Sample Capsule Wardrobe For The Hourglass Figure

Below is an example of a 30-piece capsule wardrobe designed for an hourglass figure. Each item is chosen to flatter your shape and work together in multiple combinations.

Category

Examples

Tops (7)

White wrap blouse, navy fitted shirt, striped scoop-neck tee, black peplum top, silk cami, ribbed jumper, wrap cardigan

Bottoms (5)

High-waisted straight-leg jeans, black pencil skirt, navy bootcut trousers, beige A-line skirt, tailored wide-leg trousers

Dresses (4)

Red wrap dress, navy fit-and-flare, black sheath, belted floral midi

Outerwear (3)

Beige trench coat, black cropped jacket, navy tailored blazer

Knitwear (3)

Grey fitted jumper, belted cardigan, fine-knit turtleneck

Shoes (4)

Nude pointed heels, black ankle boots, white trainers, tan loafers

Accessories (4)

Tan leather belt, silk scarf, structured tote, gold hoop earrings

How To Mix & Match: Outfit Ideas

Here’s how these pieces can come together to create versatile looks for every occasion:

  • Workwear: Navy fitted shirt + black pencil skirt + navy blazer + nude heels
  • Weekend: Striped scoop-neck tee + high-waisted jeans + white trainers + cropped jacket
  • Date night: Red wrap dress + gold hoop earrings + pointed heels
  • Casual lunch: Silk cami + beige A-line skirt + belted cardigan + tan loafers
  • Travel: Ribbed jumper + tailored wide-leg trousers + trench coat + structured tote

Each item is chosen for its versatility and ability to be dressed up or down, layered, and accessorised to suit your lifestyle.

Flat lay of capsule wardrobe pieces for an hourglass figure, featuring a tailored blazer, fitted trousers, pencil skirt, belted dress, structured blouse, and elegant shoes, all neatly arranged on a plain, uncluttered background.

Tips For Shopping & Maintaining Your Capsule

  • Quality over quantity: Invest in well-made pieces that will last and flatter your shape.
  • Stick to a colour palette: Choose colours that suit your complexion and make mixing and matching easy.
  • Edit regularly: Review your capsule seasonally and replace worn-out or less-used items.
  • Tailoring: Don’t be afraid to have clothes altered for a perfect fit.
  • Keep it personal: Add in a few signature pieces that express your style.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Wearing shapeless clothes: Boxy, oversized styles can hide your curves and make you look larger than you are.
  • Ignoring your waist: Always look for ways to define or highlight your waistline.
  • Over-accessorising: Too many accessories can overwhelm your shape. Keep it simple and let your silhouette shine.
  • Choosing the wrong fabrics: Stiff, heavy fabrics can add bulk. Opt for fabrics with some drape and structure.

Summary: Embrace Your Hourglass Shape

Building a capsule wardrobe as an hourglass is about celebrating your natural proportions and making your life easier with a collection that works hard for you. Focus on fit, waist definition, and classic styles that never go out of fashion. With the right pieces, you’ll always have something to wear, feel confident, and express your unique style.

If you’d like personal advice or a bespoke capsule wardrobe tailored just for you, book a discovery call and let’s make your wardrobe work for you!

A capsule wardrobe guide for an hourglass figure

What Next?

The information given in the post is the best of my knowledge at the time of writing. If you are embarking on anything new get professional advice if required.

If you enjoyed this post and wish to create a capsule wardrobe, I can help you create one quickly and easily. Get started immediately with one of my personal styling services or book in for a complimentary consultation

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  • The Capsule Closet Stylist Colour Analysis looks at the natural colouring in your hair, eyes and skin tone and shows how you can complement your natural colouring in your clothes. The Body Shape Style Guide teaches you how to make the most of your best assets, hide what you do not like, find clothes that complement your shape, and choose the perfect fit.

Still Not Sure?

Book a discovery call with me where we can discuss colour, style, decluttering, body shapes and much, much more.  I can identify where you most need help and point you in the right direction. 

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Capsule Closet Success testimonials

'When you join the membership it isn't generic it is tailored to your needs. Michelle considers each individual person and provides advice and guidance based on their needs. I have learnt so much since I joined I feel like I could sit an exam on it now! Honestly, without a doubt if you feel like you are lost with what to wear, you don't know what suits your body shape or your shape has changed, you've lost confidence, you're starting a new job, or you want to minimise your wardrobe, Michelle's membership is without a doubt for you. You can not get better for the price, I have looked!'
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I joined Michelle's facebook "capsule wardrobe challenge" in June 2020. I loved her approach of starting off with a concept of what colours and styles you were attracted to, followed by what your lifestyle required functionally. It helped me assess my existing wardrobe with a checklist in mind instead of feeling overwhelmed and indecisive. I found the video format and weekly check-ins easy to follow and explained each stage of building a capsule well. She has been quick to answer any queries I have and to offer her professional stylist's opinion with a gentle manner. I am most grateful for Michelle's overarching aim to help her clients "find their happy place". This membership is about being comfortable in your own skin, not about being super fashionable, and that is exactly what I needed. Thank you for helping me find my confidence again. 😊
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There is no doubt in my mind that having a personal stylist online is worth the investment. In fact, at the end of the day I will spend considerably less while looking and feeling so much better. Why? Because I will never again mindlessly spend and spend and spend on clothes that just aren’t right for me and that don’t make me happy. I think we all dream of that wardrobe that makes us happy and confident, but it is so easy to just give up and just wear something. I know I did. And that is just plain crazy because I love clothes! I have always been attracted to styles that I lacked the confidence to try out. Now, with the help and guidance of Michelle, I can finally explore those styles with confidence knowing that whenever I run an item by Michelle, she will give me her honest feedback on whether or not it will fit with my colors and with how I want to look and feel. In short: Michelle’s advice really is priceless. I feel an A-lister in the garments I have purchased since becoming a member! Pssst: One secret, you don’t have to become a minimalist if you don’t want to. Michelle is not about legalistic minalism, she is all about you finding out what works for you and that – along with her very deep knowledge of style – is why I think her membership works for me when in the past nothing else has.
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