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How to dress if you have an hourglass figure.

The hourglass shape is one of the most appreciated body shapes by women. This figure is characterized by having shoulders and hips of the same width, while the waist is thin and well defined. If you are lucky enough to have this body shape, you have many clothing options available. However, you may feel confused about how to best enhance your curves without overdoing it. In this article, we will give you some practical tips on how to dress if you have an hourglass shape.

Know your body type

Before we start talking about how to dress if you have an hourglass shape, it's important that you know your body type. Every woman has a unique and different physique. Knowing your own body type will help you choose the right clothing items that highlight your best features.

  • Hourglass shape: shoulders and hips of the same width, thin and well-defined waist.
  • Rectangular shape: shoulders and hips of the same width, poorly defined waist.
  • Triangular shape: narrow shoulders compared to hips.
  • Oval shape: prominent belly compared to other parts of the body.
  • Apple shape: narrow shoulders compared to hips and prominent belly.

Now that you know what your body type is, you can start understanding which clothing items suit you best if you have an hourglass shape. Keep reading to discover all our tips!

Understanding the hourglass shape

The hourglass shape is characterized by a balanced silhouette, with shoulders and hips of the same width and a defined waist. This body type is often considered the most desirable, as it allows you to wear many types of clothing.

To determine if you have an hourglass shape, measure your shoulders, hips, and waist. If the measurements are similar, you most likely have this body shape.

Women with an hourglass shape can wear many different things, but there are some general guidelines that can help enhance this figure. Here are some tips:

Choose waist-fitted clothes

Since the hourglass shape has a defined waist, it's important to choose dresses and tops that highlight this point. Waist-fitted dresses or those with a waistband are perfect for this body type.

Choose cigarette pants or skinny jeans

Cigarette pants or skinny jeans are ideal for women with an hourglass shape because they highlight slender legs without adding volume to the hips.

Choose flared or full skirts

Flared or full skirts are perfect for women with an hourglass shape because they create beautiful movement and accentuate the waist. Choose a length that makes you feel comfortable, but avoid skirts that are too short or too long.

Choose tops with V-necklines

V-neck tops are ideal for women with an hourglass shape because they elongate the neck and highlight the décolleté. Avoid tops that are too loose or shapeless, as they don't enhance this figure to the fullest.

  • Remember to always wear clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and cuts of clothing until you find what works best for you.

Choosing the Right Fabrics

When it comes to choosing fabrics to dress an hourglass shape, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it's important to choose fabrics that are soft and fluid, so they can adapt to the curves of your body without squeezing or creating unwanted folds.

Avoid rigid or too heavy fabrics like denim or leather, as they can add volume to the hip and thigh area. Instead, opt for lightweight fabrics such as silk, cotton, or linen.

In addition, look for fabrics that have some elasticity, such as jersey or Milano knit. These fabrics fit perfectly to your body and allow you to move freely without feeling tight.

Finally, when choosing fabric colors, remember that dark colors have a slimming effect while light colors tend to widen shapes. So if you want to minimize certain parts of your body, go for dark colors like black, dark blue or dark brown.

  • Soft and fluid fabrics are ideal for an hourglass shape
  • Avoid rigid or too heavy fabrics
  • Look for elastic fabrics like jersey or Milano knit
  • Dark colors have a slimming effect, while light colors widen shapes

Enhancing the Waistline

The waistline is the narrowest part of your body and if you have an hourglass shape, you should try to highlight it. There are several options to do this:

Belts

Belts are a great choice for highlighting the waistline. Choose a belt that is wide enough to draw attention but not so wide as to completely cover your figure. Place the belt just above the waistline and wear it with high-waisted pants or a skirt to maximize the effect.

Fitted Dresses

Fitted dresses can be used to emphasize your hourglass figure. Choose dresses or tops that fit your figure without being too tight. The curved lines of your hips will be enhanced and your waistline will be highlighted.

Wrap Dresses

Wrap dresses are another option for highlighting the waistline. These dresses gently cling around the waist, creating an attractive silhouette. Choose a soft and lightweight fabric to ensure that the dress fits perfectly to your curves.

  • Choose a belt that is wide enough to draw attention but not so wide as to completely cover your figure
    • Wear fitted clothes that adapt to your figure without being too tight
    • Choose wrap dresses that gently hug around the waist, creating an alluring silhouette

    Always remember to choose clothes based on your personal taste and comfort. No matter which option you choose, the important thing is to feel comfortable in your own skin.

    Choosing the right clothing

    To enhance the hourglass shape, it's important to choose the right clothing. Here are some tips:

    • Fitted clothes: Fitted clothes highlight the curves of the body and help create a feminine and sensual look. Choose dresses that fit perfectly to your figure without being too tight.
    • Belt: To accentuate the slim waist, use a belt. You can choose a wide or thin belt depending on your personal style.
    • A-line skirts: A-line skirts are perfect for the hourglass shape because they highlight the waistline and then fall softly on the legs. Choose a medium-length skirt that reaches above the knee or just below it.
    • Slim-fit pants: Slim-fit pants are perfect for those with an hourglass shape because they follow the line of the body without squeezing too much on the hips. Avoid loose pants or pants with side pockets that can weigh down your figure.
    • Low-cut tops: If you want to highlight your décolleté, opt for low-cut tops but don't overdo it! A little bit of skin showing can be sexy but be careful not to fall into vulgarity.
    • High-heeled shoes: High-heeled shoes elongate the figure and make you look taller and leaner. Choose a pair of medium or high-heeled shoes, but avoid heels that are too high as they can damage the health of your feet.

    Remember that the goal is to create a balanced and proportioned look, so try to balance the elements of your outfit. For example, if you wear an A-line skirt, pair it with a fitted top to create an interesting contrast. If instead you choose a fitted dress, you can add a belt to better define the waist.

    Recommended accessories and shoes

    To complete your hourglass look, there are some accessories and types of shoes that you can consider:

    • Thin belt: A thin belt can help highlight your waist. Choose a belt in the same color as your skirt or pants to create an elongating effect.
    • Crossbody bag: A crossbody bag can balance your curves and create a more harmonious look. Avoid bags that are too big that could cover up your figure.
    • Dangling earrings: Dangling earrings can help elongate the neck and create a slimming effect. Choose earrings with geometric shapes to add a modern touch to your look.
    • High-heeled shoes: High-heeled shoes can help elongate the legs and create an illusion of height. Choose shoes with a wide heel for more comfort and stability.
  • Ankle strap sandals: Ankle strap sandals can highlight your legs and create a fresh summer look. Make sure the strap is positioned at the thinnest part of your ankle for a slimming effect.

Remember that the right accessories and shoes can make all the difference in completing your hourglass look. Experiment with different styles and find what works best for you!

Conclusion

Being a woman with an hourglass shape can be an advantage when it comes to dressing up. Always remember to highlight your natural curves and choose clothes that enhance your waistline. Experiment with colors, textures, and accessories to create a unique and personal look. By following these tips, you'll be sure to look fantastic every time you step out of the house!

Ruggero Lecce - Consulente senior di personal branding in Italia

Michael Anderson - Software Engineer

My name is Michael Anderson, and I work as a computer engineer in Midland, Texas.

My passion is sharing my knowledge in various areas, and my purpose is to make education accessible to everyone. I believe it is essential to explain complex concepts in a simple and interesting way.

With GlobalHowTo, I aim to motivate and enrich the minds of those who want to learn.