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Clothes For An Hourglass Figure

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

Creating a hourglass capsule wardrobe requires careful consideration of certain styles that can either flatter or detract from your natural curves.

To achieve a flattering look, it’s advisable to avoid boxy skirts with side pockets or side details, ruffles, and pockets on the hip with trousers. Additionally, it’s better to opt for higher waisted options instead of low waisted items as they tend to shorten the appearance of your legs.

Heart-shaped, round, scoop, or V-shaped necklines are more favourable than high necklines when it comes to necklines. Semi-fitted or fitted items are also more advantageous to wear than boxy or shapeless pieces.

Lastly, it’s essential to avoid dropped waistlines as they may sit on the wrong part of your body, thereby detracting from your natural curves.

Regarding footwear, chunky shoes may not be the most flattering option.

I hope these tips will help you achieve a more flattering and confident look!

A woman standing thoughtful in front of a capsule wardrobe

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 capsule wardrobe:

  1. 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.
  2. Define your waist and follow your natural curves. 
  3. Invest in the right bra that lifts your bust and have a bra fitting. 
  4. Avoid anything boxy or too fussy. 
  5. Opt for clean lines where possible. 
  6. 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. 
  7. Avoid bright fussy jewellery, especially around the neck, because it will upset your natural balance. 
  8. Avoid turtle and polo necks because they will add volume to the top, thereby shifting your balance. 
  9. Choose simple flat sleeves over puffy or baggy varieties. 
  10. Choose fitted tops that skim your waist and finish at the top hip to enhance your shape. 
  11. Fitted wrap tops and dresses work well on you. 
  12. A belt in a dark colour will enhance your waist. 
  13. If you are considering a jumpsuit or playsuit, look for a style that comes in at the waist with simple straight lines.
  14. For shorts, choose a style that finishes just above the knee and comes in a medium to high waisted style. 
  15. Choose single-breasted fitted jackets and coats that come in and define your waist. 
  16. 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. 
  17. 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. 
  18. 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 an hourglass capsule wardrobe, or feel like you need more detailed help, book in for a FREE personal styling consultation.  

Woman with an hourglass figure
Woman with 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

  • Personal Styling Gift Vouchers – Save up, ask for them for gifts or put towards any of my services. This is the ideal way to afford a personal stylist whatever your budget!
  • Capsule Closet Success Membership – Receive a copy of the Seasonal Capsule Essentials Ebook twice a year worth $19 and gain access to the Capsule Closet Success Course worth $200. Join our private community for support and advice and submit questions every week and have them answered live in our weekly live check-in sessions. 
  • Premium Personal Styling – A personalised colour analysis and body shape style guide, a live wardrobe edit, a personal shopping and a curated Lookbook
  • Personal Styling – 
  • A personalised Colour Analysis, a Body Shape Analysis And Style Guide, a Live Wardrobe Edit
  • A wardrobe Edit – A 20-minute zoom call to discuss your needs and to highlight any particular problems you want to address in the wardrobe edit. A private Pinterest board to pin styles and colours you love. A 60 minutes live video wardrobe edit
  • Colour Analysis And Body Shape Styling –

  • 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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**Please Note This Post Contains Affiliate Links

Capsule Closet Stylist is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Program, Shopstyle and LTK, affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn commission incomes by advertising and linking to Capsuleclosetstylist.com 

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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!'
Rachel
UK
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. 😊
Helen
Australia
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.
Sisse
Denmark
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