How to: Style hourglass figures

Your celebrity inspo: Sofia Vergara, Beyoncé and Scarlet Johansson.

Hourglass figures are considered the 'ideal' body type by many women. If your bust and hips are approximately the same size and you narrow at the waist, then you my friend have an hourglass figure. I am going to discuss how you can style your lovely curvy body and things you should avoid!

Let’s get into it! 

Main thing you want to do is reduce bulk, so the fabrics and styles you choose need to reflect that. Your narrow waist is where you wanna draw all the attention because this is most flattering. Tailored and snug fitting pieces are ideal for this body type. Stretchy material such as knit or silk blends is going to hug and drape over the body’s curve and accentuate the narrow waist. Solid colours are best for hourglass figures as it keeps your bust evenly balanced with your hips.

Wrap blouses and dresses are a great style to wear as the fabric is pulled to the slimmest part of the body. However if you have a short waist or petite figure you may not like the way the wrap looks because it falls out at the wrong part of the waist. 

Low necklines are going to be your best friend! V necks, V neck halters, Sweetheart and scoop necks are the most flattering because it draws eyes closer to your narrow waist.  Ruffles, bows or any other dimensional detailing are going to be your enemy so try to avoid these! If you are in a climate that you need to wear coats or jackets, pick one that is belted and draws in at the waist (avoid bulky jackets). 

I cannot stress to you enough the importance of correct under garments (this goes for every body type). No one likes to have a VPL (Visible Panty Line) so please ensure that if you are going to be wearing tighter or clingier fabric to wear the right underwear! Also the right colour as well!! Not hot to wear a black bra or g string under white clothing (shakes head)

Getting to the bottom of things (no pun intended), the most flattering skirts to wear are high waisted full circle skirts, A-line and pencil styles. Keeping things streamline is the goal with tighter style skirts. Full circle skirts synch in at the waist helping to draw attention there.  Jeans or pants can be tricky because skinny jeans can make you look stout. The best option is to go with a wide leg or boot cut so that it balances out your hips and bust. Also mid rise or high rise are the most flattering, so the pants or jeans sit up on the waist. Avoid bulky pockets or detailing around the hips of the pants or jeans, this will only make you look wider than you are.

It’s also important not to forget about accessories. Jewelry and belts can make or break an outfit depending on the situation. Belts should be skinny to sit around the waist. If you have a belt that is too thick you may end up making yourself look wider than you would like because you are cutting into your hip and bust area. Necklaces can be short or long. Longer necklaces that sit in the V neck of your top or dress is ideal but the key is to keep them thin and delicate. Long and wide necklaces can make your chest look unbalanced so just beware. Heels are going to elongate your legs so when possible to wear them I highly recommend you do!!

I hope this post has cleared up any questions you might have had and inspired you to look into your wardrobe and make a list of things you need. Nothing makes a girl feel better quite like a new outfit!


Love,  Rhiannon