25 Outfit Ideas for the Hourglass Body Shape (2024)

In the current realm of thin models dominating the industry, the curvaceous hourglass body shape is often overlooked. However, their disregard is their own detriment. The hourglass figure, which is both common and challenging to dress, sadly lacks representation from fashion brands.

Let’s change that with this blog post and capsule video, shall we?

First, let's explore how to leverage your beautiful curves as a stylish advantage. The insights and principles shared here provide a glimpse into what you can learn in The Body Harmony Class.

The Power Of The Hourglass Body Shape

First, let's delve into the art of transforming the beautiful curves of the hourglass body shape into a stylistic advantage. The methods and principles outlined here offer a glimpse into the valuable insights awaiting you in the comprehensive Wonder Wardrobe Course.

In this concise post and video, you'll discover techniques to achieve optimal proportions for the hourglass body shape. I'll guide you on selecting flattering clothing, avoiding pitfalls, and utilizing colors strategically to accentuate the full potential of your hourglass figure.

With over 14 years of dedicated research, I have extensively studied how to dress every classical body shape. It's essential to recognize that your personal measurements extend beyond a defined waist or the characteristics of an hourglass body type. Your hourglass figure possesses its distinct set of proportions that must be considered.

Enhancing The Hourglass Body Shape With The Perfect Fit

To discover the most flattering fit and suitable cuts that accentuate your features, such as form-fitting garments or waist-defining styles, I highly recommend enrolling in The Body Harmony Class.

Now, I will show you the ideal way to dress for a woman with an hourglass body shape. This approach ensures that your body, curves, height, and overall physique are impeccably represented through the art of outfit coordination.

Each of the clothing pieces showcased in these outfits is sourced from sustainable brands, perfectly complements each other, and creates a fully interchangeable wardrobe.

By following these recommendations, you can effortlessly create a minimum of 25 unique outfits using just 6 tops, 4 bottoms, and 1 dress.

For additional styling tips, free guides, and advice on sustainable fashion, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.

Analyzing The Proportions Of The Hourglass Body Shape

The hourglass body shape is renowned for its exceptional proportionality, regardless of size. Your hips and shoulders are about the same width. Your waistline shape is very well-defined, so is the shape of your bust. You have beautiful curves and that makes you look very feminine and delicate.

Remember, when dressing for your hourglass body shape, choose clothes with rounded, soft shapes, cuts, and patterns. Opt for soft to medium soft fabrics that beautifully complement your curves.

To enhance your hourglass body shape, focus on outfits that highlight your waistline while creating balance between your hips and shoulders, especially if they appear slightly heavier. This can be achieved through the strategic use of color and vertical lines. I will guide you through these techniques shortly, but first, let's discuss the types of clothing items that are best suited for your body type.

Tops For The Hourglass Body Shape

When it comes to tops, I recommend choosing form-fitting, straight, or wrap cuts. The round neckline adds an elegant touch to your body, while a slight V-neck brings a playful vibe. On the other hand, a wider and rounder neckline offers a more casual look.

Embrace the comfort and versatility of soft and medium-soft fabrics, as they will become your best friends. Consider opting for materials such as lyocell, linen, medium-thick silk, organic cotton, soft and thin wool, soft denim, or velvet. These fabrics not only provide ample support, but also drape gracefully around your body, enhancing your overall look.

This step means that you need to think of all possible activities you will take part in. No matter how long or short your trip, you shouldn’t skip this step.

Once you have these activities in front of you, you can understand what outfits you need.

If you're wearing high or medium-waisted bottoms, it is recommended to consider tucking your top in. This styling choice helps highlight your waistline and create the illusion of longer legs, further enhancing your well-defined hourglass figure. However, if you prefer not to tuck in your tops, there's no need to worry as it is really up to your comfort and preference.

Make sure your tops are shorter than your mid-hip line to avoid creating the illusion of shorter legs and disrupting the harmony of your hourglass body shape.

Skirts for the Hourglass Body Shape

If you're wearing high or medium-waisted bottoms, it is recommended to consider tucking your top in. This styling choice helps highlight your waistline and create the illusion of longer legs, further enhancing your well-defined hourglass figure. However, if you prefer not to tuck in your tops, there's no need to worry as it is really up to your personal comfort and preference.

Make sure your tops are shorter than your mid-hip line to avoid creating the illusion of shorter legs and disrupting the harmony of your hourglass body shape.

Opt for tight and straight pencil skirts, flare designs, gored skirts, or wraparound styles. Look for skirts with a high waist or a medium-high waistline. Aim for a length that falls above the knee, 2 centimeters above the knee, or opt for knee-length, midi, or even maxi skirts. These shorter skirt lengths will accentuate your curves and create a harmonious look that highlights your hourglass figure.

Pants For The Hourglass Figure

For pants that enhance your hourglass body shape, shorter lengths can be particularly flattering. Consider choosing cropped slim-fitted pants, cropped straight styles, or even shorter versions of straight and long pants. Additionally, culottes and soft palazzo pants with a shorter length can create a chic and balanced look. When it comes to jeans, consider boot cut styles with a shorter inseam. Look for pants that are high-waisted or have a medium-high waistline to maintain harmony with your hips and thighs. These shorter pant options will showcase your curves and highlight your hourglass figure with style.

Best Dresses For Hourglass Shapes

The most flattering dresses for the hourglass body shape are those that define your waist, or the ones that have a close-fitted shape or straight cut wrap dresses. The only two types of dresses I suggest avoiding are the ones that have a very high empire waist or very low waistlines. An empire waist dress will make your torso look shorter and wider, while the low waist design will make your legs look shorter.

Jackets and Coats for the Hourglass Body Shape

Using jackets, cardigans, and coats in your outfit can help you visually elongate the silhouette of your hourglass body shape. Your jackets and blazers should also have a soft shape and fabric. The best ones are slim-fitted and have two buttons.

Go for the ones that aren't longer than your middle-hip line as they will look the best on your hourglass figure.

If you prefer cardigans, I would advise choosing either short ones or very long ones. Whatever in between might change the proportions of your hourglass body shape. I’ve also noticed that coats that have round shoulder lines look very flattering on any hourglass shape.

As for the cut, go for the wrap style, trench, straight or slim-fitted coats to create beautiful and long silhouettes for your hourglass figure.

Capsule Wardrobe For The Hourglass Body Type

Now that you have a better understanding of the items, cuts, shapes, styles, and fabrics that flatter your hourglass shape, let me guide you through a Wonder Wardrobe. This curated collection will demonstrate how these elements come together to create stunning and flattering outfits in practice.

This capsule wardrobe allows you to create at least 25 interchangeable outfits for the hourglass shape, using only 6 tops, 2 skirts, 1 pair of pants, 1 pair of jeans, and 1 dress. I also added 2 jackets, 2 pairs of shoes, and 1 bag that effortlessly fit everything else. Any outfit can be worn with or without a jacket.

The fashion style of this hourglass shape capsule can be described as classic with a touch of drama.

The color of your jacket or cardigan plays a significant role as well. Opt for a solid color that either contrasts with your outfit or matches the color of your bottom.

All the items in this capsule wardrobe feature soft shoulder lines, rounded shapes, and medium-thick fabrics. These design elements are carefully selected to create a perfect harmony with your natural, curvy hourglass body shape.

If you’d like to learn more, join the Wonder Wardrobe Course to find out how to create a fully interchangeable wardrobe that suits your style and flatters your shape. It covers color selection, styling techniques, and building a cohesive wardrobe. Let's chat for more details!

Do you have an hourglass shape? What’s your current favorite piece of clothing?

If you know someone who has this body shape, please help them out by sharing this video with them.