What Works For An Hourglass Figure?
So you are looking for the best clothes for an hourglass figure? You have come to the right place. Over my 23-year career dressing celebrities, I have dressed some of the most recognisable hourglass women globally, including Katy Perry and Nigella Lawson.
An hourglass generally has a hip and bust that are a similar measurement with a defined waist. You likely gain weight all over your body rather than in one area and have rounded shoulders, hips and bottom. An hourglass is balanced, so when dressing, you should try to keep that shape equal at the top and bottom and make sure you define the waist.
What To Avoid On An Hourglass Figure
With personal clients, there are a few mistakes people make regularly. One of them is when they put on a little weight around the middle, they wear baggy clothes that hang straight off the bust. That is one of the worst things you can do. Here are some other things to avoid as an hourglass.
- Avoid boxy skirts with side pockets or side details.
- Avoid ruffles, and pockets on the hip with trousers.
- Avoid low waisted as it’ll make your legs look shorter than they are.
- Avoid high necklines and go for heart-shaped, round, scoop or V necks.
- Go for semi-fitted or fitted and avoid boxy and shapeless.
- Avoid a dropped waist as it is will sit on the wrong part of your body.
- Chunky shoes.
The Best Clothes For An Hourglass
Whichever type of hourglass you are, there are some basic rules to look out for when choosing clothes for an hourglass body shape:
- Avoid any dresses or tops that hang from the bust straight down. It is a style that will make you look big and hide your lovely figure.
- Define your waist and follow your natural curves.
- Invest in the right bra that lifts your bust and have a bra fitting.
- Avoid anything boxy or too fussy.
- Opt for clean lines where possible.
- If you do not mind showing off your bust, choose a wide scoop or heart-shaped, square, V or off the shoulder neckline if you would rather not go for round or oval necklines.
- Avoid bright fussy jewellery, especially around the neck, because it will upset your natural balance.
- Avoid turtle and polo necks because they will add volume to the top, thereby shifting your balance.
- Choose simple flat sleeves over puffy or baggy varieties.
- Choose fitted tops that skim your waist and finish at the top hip to enhance your shape.
- Fitted wrap tops and dresses work well on you.
- A belt in a dark colour will enhance your waist.
- If you are considering a jumpsuit or playsuit, look for a style that comes in at the waist with simple straight lines.
- For shorts, choose a style that finishes just above the knee and comes in a medium to high waisted style.
- Choose single-breasted fitted jackets and coats that come in and define your waist.
- Opt for high or mid waisted jeans and trousers that fall straight to the floor from the broadest part of the hip. Alternatively, straight, bootcut and bellbottom can also work well. Avoid low rise.
- Look out for circle skirts that will nip in at your waist or pencil skirts that will follow your curves. Avoid too much fuss or embellishments.
- In dresses, again consider pencil dresses or fit and flare styles. Depending on your height, they should finish at just below the knee or longer.
Building Your Capsule Wardrobe
So there you have it, the best Clothes For An Hourglass Figure. I hope you found it helpful. If you are building a capsule wardrobe, or feel like you need more detailed help, book in for a FREE personal styling consultation.