I’ll be the first to admit, figuring out how to dress for your body shape can feel like a challenge. But if you have an hourglass figure, I’m here to tell you that you’ve hit the jackpot!
It’s all about playing up that amazing natural silhouette. I’ve pulled together my go-to guide for styling your hourglass shape to perfection, so you can look and feel absolutely incredible every single day.
Ideal Dresses for Hourglass Body Shape
The secret to dressing an hourglass figure is to follow your body’s natural curves. You want to create a balance in your frame by highlighting that narrow waist instead of making your top or bottom appear heavy.
Want to know which dresses are a total must-have? Here are my top 5 tips to get you started.
1. Hourglass Tops Style
I’m a huge fan of fitted and structured tops for an hourglass body; they are just so incredibly flattering. I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite ways to style them so you can always look your best.
Top with Belt
I love throwing a belt on over a loose top, especially when paired with a tighter bottom. It’s such a great trick for defining the waist on an hourglass frame. If you want to make your torso look longer, I’d suggest grabbing a narrow belt or one that sits just below your waistline.
For balancing out your curves, a wide belt is always a good choice. Just make sure to place the belt a little bit above your natural waist. This little adjustment will play up your curves perfectly without drawing attention to your hips.
Fitted Shirt
You can put together such a smart, casual look with a fitted shirt, which is why I think it’s a must-have for an hourglass shape.
There are so many options to choose from, like classic white shirts, checked prints, or even striped ones. I’ve found that button-down shirts with full sleeves or ones with a simple cut that are fitted at the waist are honestly the ideal everyday top.
Wrap Top
I am seriously crushing on wrap tops. A faux wrap top with full sleeves and the right length to cross your waistline is a fool-proof choice for an hourglass body. You can pair it with some simple trousers for a really elegant outfit.
A fitted, stretchable wrap top is another amazing option that just embraces your frame so well. For a dressier vibe, a wrap top with a knot detail around the waist is also a winner.
The most important thing to remember when picking a wrap top for your curvy figure is to make sure it has a V-neck or another deep, wide neckline.
2. Sleeve Style for Hourglass Body Shape
Just like with necklines, finding the perfect sleeve style is so important for complementing an hourglass figure. Here are three options that I always find myself reaching for.
Full Sleeve
Fitted full sleeves are a fantastic choice for making an hourglass body look longer. You can also play around with a full bell sleeve or even a puff sleeve to maintain that balanced silhouette and make a fun style statement.
Sleeveless
Sleeveless tops with a good fit are another one of my faves for an hourglass shape. You just have to be sure the armholes on your top aren’t too loose, so you don’t accidentally make the middle of your body seem wider.
Cap Sleeve
A cap sleeve top that has rounded armholes and hem is also a seriously great pick.
3. Bottom Hourglass Clothes
It’s so key to select the right kind of bottoms for an hourglass figure. The goal is to flatter your top half and give a beautiful shape to your curves and defined waist. Here are a couple of options I’m loving.
Skirts
Thinking about grabbing a new skirt? If you have an hourglass figure, you want a style that puts the focus on your waist without adding any bulk to your hips. Your best bet is a skirt that is knee-length or longer and has a high waist.
I think the best types of skirts for this shape are:
- Pencil skirt
- Tulip skirt
- Full-circle
Besides those, you can also give a long A-line or gored skirt a try.
Cropped Slim Pant
If you’re looking for the perfect pants for an hourglass body, slim-fit cropped pants or a pair of classic bootcut jeans are a no-brainer. I always suggest going for a slim fit, a mid or high rise, and a simple, clean design with an indie aesthetic to really compliment an hourglass frame.
4. Dress Types for Hourglass Figure
Below are a few dress styles that I think work so well with an hourglass figure. I promise these will have you feeling comfortable and looking so chic.
Prom Dresses
If you’re heading to prom with an hourglass shape, I would totally pick a snug dress that really emphasizes your waist. Things like wrap dresses, bodycon styles, halter necks, and fit-and-flares are all amazing options. Look for soft fabrics, cozy patterns, and some bold colors.
Shirts
Fitted button-down shirts are another style that works so well for hourglass figures. They have this casual yet traditional vibe that makes them the perfect choice for the office.
5. Neckline for Hourglass Body Shape
You should definitely think about the neckline when you’re choosing an outfit for an hourglass body. A great neckline will always create balance with your natural shape and elevate your entire look. Here are a couple of my favorites.
V-neck
In my opinion, the most flattering neckline for an hourglass body is a V-neck. It draws the eye down toward the waist with its angular shape and highlights that area perfectly. It also does a great job of balancing out the bust. Trust me, even when you’re shopping for a wedding dress for an hourglass figure, a V-neck is your best friend.
High-neck
While low and wide necklines are usually the go-to for an hourglass shape, you can definitely choose a high neckline if you don’t want to show cleavage or highlight your bust. A high neck adds a bit of volume to your chest area.
You can create balance by adding a long necklace as an accessory, which gives the illusion of an open neckline on a high-neck top.
What Not to Wear for Hourglass Body Shape
Now that we’ve talked about all the cute things you can wear, here are a few styles I’d probably avoid if you have an hourglass body.
- Anything with a straight shape that completely hides your waist
- Chunky styles and really heavy designs that can make your hips and thighs look bulky
- Tops and jackets that have a boxy cut
- Short sleeves that cut off right near your bust area
- Dresses without any shape, like tent dresses, which can hide your curves and make you look heavy-built
- Clothes that are really baggy
- Outfits with too many layers or a ton of cascading volume
Conclusion
To really shine in an hourglass body, I suggest picking clothes that put the spotlight on your waist, bust, and hips in a way that’s bold but still so beautiful. At the end of the day, it’s all up to you and how you want to show off your body and what you feel amazing in.
Just choose pieces based on your comfort level and personal style. Let your clothes flatter your natural shape, and you’ll look absolutely flawless.