Ok ladies, let’s talk body shape.
Specifically hourglass. It’s the shape I am and the feedback I receive from many of you is, “Help! I think I’m a similar shape to you and I have no idea what looks good on me!”
But don’t worry. I’m here to help.
So let’s get started, because this styling session is jam-packed and we have A LOT to get through.
the secret to dressing for your hourglass shape
If you’re an hourglass you’ll typically have
- big boobs
- a tiny waist
- shoulders and hips of similar proportion
You’ll usually complain about
- your big boobs
- your short waist
- your wide hips
Am I right?
Thought so. I mean, I get it. When you’re an hourglass shape, the struggle to not look like
a) a parachute
b) Jessica Rabbit
c) Frumpy McFrumpy
on a daily basis is VERY real.
I know I said I had the secret to dressing for your hourglass body shape, but in fact there are two. Are you ready? Here we go!
secret #1 – Embrace your shape
The hourglass is a hard shape to dress. Fitted is what looks best on us, but that’s not always an option.
I mean, what IS a girl to do when she wants to hit the buffet?
Wear fitted denim with stretch, that’s what.
But seriously, embrace and accept your gorgeous hourglass shape.
It doesn’t matter what size you are – 10 or 20, your shape is pretty much here to stay.
Don’t fight it by trying to cover it up or wishing you were an entirely different body shape.
Love your shape and it will love you right back. Sounds a bit woo woo, but it’s true. Be kind to yourself and dress for the shape you were born to be.
secret #2 – wear styles that suit an hourglass
After many, many years of trial and error, here is a list of what I now look for whenever I’m making a new purchase for my hourglass body shape.
I’m very strict with these requirements, as I know they’re exactly what suits me. Sometimes I do try new trends – hello drop waisted frocks – but very rarely do they work.
Styles that do work:
Simple, clean lines
Classic, fitted pieces
DRESS: MONICA dress from Pin Up Girl Clothing, available in a range of colours, sizes XS – 4XL. I *think* I’m wearing a L (purchased it a few years ago and can’t find the tag!)
CLUTCH: Beaded clutch in antique silver from Seed Heritage
*
Hourglass Style Tip: ruching in fabric is your friend. It hides pesky lumps and bumps and often means shapewear isn’t required. YES to that!
V-necks, scoop necks, boat necks
TEE: Signature Star Tee from Ruby and Lilli (gifted) Size M*
SKIRT: Meow skirt (long) from Augustine by Kelly Coe Size 12
SNEAKERS: MONTREAL from Airflex Shoes
Hourglass Style Tip: Worried about losing your waist while wearing a tee? Give it a quick half tuck and you’ll add instant shape to your outfit.
off the shoulder anything
DRESS: , size 14
SHOES:
Hourglass Style Tip: If you’re not entirely comfortable with the whole fitted look, it’s ok to size up. I did that with this off the shoulder dress and I felt so much more comfortable in it.
pencil skirts
SKIRT: corduroy pencil skirt in blush from Whitehaven Emporium, size L*
TEE: Zara – picked up during our holiday in Hawaii.
DENIM JACKET: , size 14
BOOTS:
Hourglass Style Tip: Look for a pencil skirt with a bit of stretch and if possible, a high waist. That way it won’t cling too much and will hug – and smooth – your shape from your hips through to your waist.
I’ve searched high and low for a denim jacket that isn’t shaped like a square. The range available from Katies are my pick. They’ve got a good amount of stretch to their denim and they have a slight shape through the waist. Keep an eye out for their denim sales and you’ll be able to pick one up at a great price.
skinny jeans
high-waisted pants, jeans and shorts
pants with a side zip
blazers that nip in at the waist
a single breasted trench coat
supportive bras
wrap dresses and shirts
maxi dresses with a high waist/under the bust detail
DRESS: Amalfi Maxi Dress by Ruby Yaya from House on Oxford, size L* (would wear a M now)
DRESS: peak front maxi dress in black from Whitehaven Emporium, Size S/M* A variety of colours and patterns available in sizes S/M – CURVE
DRESS: Scarlet Wrap Dress in Pink Mojito from Renee Loves Frances, Size S/M*
Hourglass Style Tip: Can you spot the two things all three of these maxi dresses have in common? That’s right – they all have a v-neck and they all have a high waist. Look for those two things in a maxi and you’ve found the free-flowing maxi for you.
fitted dresses
DRESS: empress miracle dress in inked from Whitehaven Emporium, free size*
SHOES: last season from Airflex Shoes
Hourglass Style Tip: Up until now I’ve avoided the Miracle Dress. It’s oversized and full of fabric, which all know, is a less than ideal style for those of us who need shape in their fashion.
BUT…this clever style features an eyelet and tie design, which can be worn a couple of different ways. I threaded mine through the back of the dress, like a belt and BOOM! Instant shape was achieved.
There’s still a good amount of drape situation happening around the arms and you can relax the tie if you want to. Which basically means, there’s finally a fitted dress that allows hourglass girls to enjoy a big lunch too!
jumpsuits
playsuits (shorts version of a jumpsuit)
shorts with a zip
denim with stretch
TEE: Bodice Tie Tee from Seed Heritage, size S
SHORTS: Luxe Denim Shorts in Indigo from Loobie’s Story, Size 12. Plenty of stretch in these gorgeous shorts – I could’ve sized down.
SNEAKERS: MONTREAL from Airflex Shoes
Why are these pieces the secret to dressing an hourglass body shape?
- They fit and flatter your shape.
- Anything that pulls in at the waist gives the illusion of a longer torso and legs.
- Anything high-waisted provides support around the tummy area and provides great shape.
Regardless of what size you are, a fitted style will always look more flattering than anything oversized or boxy. I promise.
size 16 hourglass, 2015 | Dress from City Chic. No longer available but they do have a very similar style in stock. Find it here.
Styles to avoid:
pants with side pockets
high necklines
turtlenecks
frilly necklines
anything oversized
boxy, square or baggy shaped t-shirts, shirts and/or jackets
boyfriend blazers/jackets
bomber jackets
dresses or tops that flare out from above the bust
dresses with a full skirt
full skirts
button up shirts
Why don’t these styles suit an hourglass shape?
- Anything oversized or baggy might be comfortable, but it will add volume and size to your frame.
- High and/or frilly necklines do nothing except make your boobs look long and awkwardly placed on your body.
- Full skirts hide that tiny waist of yours and make your lower half appear larger than it actually is.
- Bomber jackets, boyfriend blazers (straight up and down in style) give no shape – we need to show our shape! We’re an hourglass, not a barrel.
Need more hourglass inspo?
Head to my Instagram feed. You’ll find it here. I share daily outfits and style advice there that will help you.
There’s also a hashtag that the Kirsten and co community use: #sharedmystyle If you scroll through that, you’ll find over 13,000 outfits from everyday women of all ages.
Not on Insta? That’s ok. Come and join us on Facebook. We chat about all things style over there too.
Oh and FYI, if you’re wondering about length and fit of the pieces in this post – I’m 164cm tall and a chunky size 12.
Are you an hourglass body shape? What is your go-to outfit of choice?
* items gifted for editorial consideration as per my disclosure policy. This post contains affiliate links.
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