how to dress AN

Hourglass Body Shape

an image of the hourglass body shape to show the proportions

A Defined Waist

With Balanced Curves

Meet “Sofia”, the hourglass body shape. An hourglass body type is perfectly proportioned.  

Your hips and bust are beautifully balanced, almost exactly or very close in width, with a smaller, shapely waist. This balance is what gives you your unique look.

Because you have such great curves, you don’t want to hide them. Less is more when it comes to the question of how to dress your body shape! Minimalist styles focus on showing off your shape without overwhelming it. Remember: the only thing to watch is overdressing your frame. Your body shape is versatile and can carry off a variety of styles beautifully. 

dresses for hourglass body shapes

Your Flattering Fits

hourglass body shape dress with cinched in waist

Opt for styles that complement your figure, such as snug-fitting, a-line, and wrap dresses. These styles are especially flattering for hourglass body shapes, as they highlight your natural curves. Dresses with belts really accentuate your waist, as do styles that cinch at the waistline, further enhancing the balanced proportions of an hourglass silhouette.

hourglass body shape dress with belt in beige

tops for hourglass figures

Curves
On
Show!

v-neck top for an hourglass body type
wrap shirt with buttons for an hourglass figure

Tops that flatter an hourglass body shape are styles that maintain proportionate curves. Fitted tops, classic wrap tops, and v-neck styles can elongate your frame. Shirts that have seams, like the back view here, highlight your waistline beautifully.

best jeans for hourglass figures

Denim
Styles

jeans with flare
Flared leg
7 for all mankind bootcut darker denim with a high waist
Boot-cut style

When choosing denim styles, it’s best to opt for ones that are not too baggy. These classic styles work the best for your hourglass shape: straight-leg, bootcut, and wide-leg jeans look great, but make sure they remain fitted around your butt. High-waisted styles are also a good choice as they fit well around the waistline.

Straight leg

skirts for hourglass figures

Your
Skirt
Finds

black pencil skirt with belt
black full skirt from banana republic

There is a wonderful variety of skirts that suit your hourglass shape. Today, I have chosen these styles: the pencil skirt with a belt to show off your waist, the fuller skirt, which will make your waistline look even shapelier, and the bias-cut skirt, which has a flare at the hem. These skirts highlight your curves without hiding them and show off some of your best assets.

brown skirt from forever new bias cut style

jackets for hourglass figures

Simple
Styles

Peplum pinstriped jacket by Tanya Tailor

Don’t be fooled by the heading “Simple Styles” because a simple style looks incredible on you. Look for styles that highlight the waist, such as those with one or two buttons. These styles will best compliment your shape. You can also wear styles that finish at the waist and those with belts, as they will highlight your waist and show off your beautiful figure rather than just the jacket’s style.

off saks 5th grey jacket with a belt

What's Next?

Let’s start with something easy so we can get to know each other better. I enjoy reading magazines and I hope you do too. I’m creating a great magazine specifically for people with hourglass body shapes. If that sounds interesting to you, please click the button below, sign up, and I’ll notify you of the launch date.

a beautiful body shape magazine example image