It’s All About Balance
Look, wear whatever you want, okay? We just want to try and help you find outfits that work well with what you have going on. Especially when you have an hourglass shape, which is arguably the most sought-after shape by literally everyone. Ultimately, you will wear what you feel most comfortable in, but if you need a little help, consider following this list of dos and don’ts.
1. Slightly Rounded Necklines
Your oval, jewel, and sweetheart necklines are excellent options for anyone who has an hourglass shape. This is due to these particular necklines emphasizing your upper half while balancing out your lower, and keeping things feeling classy or romantic.
2. Fitted Sleeves
Keep your sleeves nice and tight against your body; your proportions will thank you for it. Wearing large or otherwise imposing sleeves will disrupt the natural curves you have and make your shoulders and arms appear larger than they actually are.
3. Belts
A belt is the perfect way to accentuate your waist, especially if you need your clothes to fit you a little better. Belts can be a bridge between your clothes and accessories, and add a proper separation between your top and bottom half.
4. Heavy Knits
If you’re looking to survive the colder weather, a heavy knit is a good way to go. We say heavy, not bulky, as too much fabric can throw off your body’s balance. Opt for a heavy knit that fits your body type and nips in the midsection.
5. Single-Breasted Jackets
A single-breasted jacket is a great way to add cohesiveness to an outfit without adding too much padding. This allows for room in the shoulders while still fitting the waist nicely. Just make sure to get a jacket that hits around your hip length.
6. Puff Sleeves
A puff sleeve can help to define your shoulders without taking too much attention away from the rest of your outfit. Structured shoulders can do wonders for your shape, as they actually create a truly balanced visual look.
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7. Wrap Dresses
A wrap dress can show off your curves in all the right ways and is gorgeous to boot. This style of dress offers freedom in neckline, strap placement, and length.
8. Wide-Legged Pants
Wider pant legs keep the lower half of your body balanced with your upper half, while still flattering your waistline and hip area. Keeping the legs wide can also help you to find a more snug size for your waist without sacrificing comfort in the hip region.
9. Mid/High-Waisted Pants
A mid or high-waisted pant is the ideal pant style for folks with an hourglass shape. You guessed it, it has to do with where your waist naturally falls. If your waistband sits around or just above your navel, you’ll be able to keep your upper and lower halves balanced.
10. Pencil/Full Skirts
Yes, you can definitely rock a pencil skirt with an hourglass figure, and the same goes for a classic A-line skirt. In both instances, you’re able to flatter your hip area while still showing off your waist.
1. Narrow Necklines
We know that slightly open necklines are good, and too open necklines are bad, so it only makes sense that a narrow neckline is also bad. You don’t want to cut off the natural curve of your bust or make your shoulders seem smaller than they are.
2. Ruffles
If you like a little adornment on your outfit, be our guest. Just know that you’re probably drawing attention to your bust or hips, and not in a good way. Any large designs will throw off your body’s balance.
3. Boxy Fits
It shouldn’t even have to be said, but a boxy fit really only works for rectangular body types. Your natural waist curve will completely disappear in a boxy shirt or dress, and sadly won’t do you any favors.
4. Wide Necklines
Opposite to a rounded neckline, a wide neckline will just throw your whole top half off. The cut of the neck will make your waist look disproportionate to the rest of your body. To avoid this, stay away from boat necks, high turtlenecks, or even square necklines.
5. Wide Sleeves
If you have an hourglass figure, tighter sleeves are where it's at. As we mentioned before, a flappy long sleeve or a loose short sleeve can really throw off how your outfit looks on you. If you’re wearing a tank top, make sure the armpit holes aren’t too baggy.
6. Drop Waists
We know they’re chic, but drop waists won’t look good on someone with an hourglass figure. Your waist naturally curves around your navel, so a waistline that sits lower is just going to make you look boxy and unbalanced.
7. Empire Waists
Similarly to drop waists, if you have a figure, you should show it! Empire waists completely remove any type of shape you have from the bust down, and will also make you look a little too square for your liking.
8. Low-Rise Pants
Yes, you may have the stomach for low-rise pants, but that doesn’t mean they’re the best pants for you. Pairing low-rise pants with wider hips can lead to some wearing issues, such as potential underwear exposure, but it will also draw unwanted attention to your lower half.
9. Stiff Fabrics
For the purposes of your body shape, you want your clothes to mold to you, not the other way around. Stiff fabrics won’t move smoothly with your body, and can cause some awkward bumps or sags where you don’t want them to be.
10. Straight Shorts
A straight leg short isn’t doing your hips or legs any favors. It diminishes the curve of your lower half, making you look a little top-heavy. Opt for a high-waisted short or something more wide-legged.
