How to Dress for the Hourglass Body Shape (2024)

Light knits that highlight the proportionate quality of your complexion may become your absolute winter go-tos.

And, since you already boast a voluminous silhouette, you might want to ditch heavy and chunky knits that overpower your natural curvas and hide the gorgeous waist. Here at Style DNA we’re all for giving your complexion a chance to bask in the spotlight!

Best knitwear: Fine/light knit, Slim-fitting, Details around the shoulders and hips

You might want to accentuate your curves without adding more volume to the torso. Blazers with angular details that add sharpness to your soft lines may not be your best choices. Instead, you may want to choose the ones with softer lines, accentuated waist and bust.

Tailored suits and blazers can do a wonderful job of that, but if they don’t quite feel like “you” – an A-line blazer that is nipped at the waist may be the perfect alternative.
When it comes to fabrics, softer ones match the delicate lines of your features.

Best jackets: Fitted, Belted, A-line, Wrap, Fitted leather jacket

Here, too, you may want to steer clear of everything boxy, edgy, shapeless and bulky. For example, double-breasted coats that have prominent embellishments and large details (e.g. heavy buttons) can clutter the look. Instead, you may want to pick minimalistic belted coats that accentuate the bust, waist and hips without creating too much volume in your upper and lower body.

Swing coats and capelet coats can work nicely for the lovely fashionistas who dig vintage. Just make sure that the dimension they add to the torso or hips is compensated and the balance may be restored! (or long live asymmetry – we’re loving the look either way)

Best coats: A-line, Princess, Wrap, Belted, Trench, Swing, Capelet

If you’re looking to flatter the proportionate nature of your figure, remember to pick bottoms that match the rest of the outfit instead of clashing with it.

For example, an outfit that adds more volume to the torso can be balanced out with the right pair of pants, shorts or a beautifully tailored skirt. You may want to avoid the pieces that have heavy embroidery around the hips if you’re wearing a minimalistic top, since the former might make your hips visually heavy instead of gently accentuating the curves.

Ideal bottoms for the hourglass body shape are the ones that define the narrow waist, highlight the curvy hips and harmonize with the top.

Best jeans for the Hourglass Body

Mid- and high-rise jeans are your absolute besties! They can visually lengthen the legs and give prominence to the waist. Low-rise, on the other hand, can do the exact opposite.
Simplicity may be the key when picking your new favorite pair.

Nature has gifted you with a gorgeous curvy silhouette, which means that there’s no need for extravagant details to give your features a moment to shine (unless you’re building a flamboyant look, in which case: go for it!). Plain and classic jeans cuts like bootcut, wide-leg and straight-leg are your perfect fits.

Best jeans: Straight, Bootleg, Wide, Slim, Flared, High/mid-rise

Investing in a few pairs that give your hips support and accentuate the curves can be a good start for all the beauties with the hourglass body type.

As someone with the hourglass figure, you may want to pick the high-rise shorts as they define the waist (usually, with the help of a contoured waistband) and elongate the legs. Stiff fabrics are typically as uncomfortable to wear as they look, so you may want to opt for softer fabrics.

Best shorts: Tapered, Structured, Bermuda, Flared, Loose

Who doesn’t love a stunning, playful skirt that highlights the waist, lengthens the legs and accentuates the curves in all the right places? The trick to summoning this fashion superhero is to look for the high-waisted skirts from soft fabrics that end at the knee-level (or a bit longer). A pencil skirt or an A-line skirt can be perfect for defining the hips without adding more volume as they simply follow the natural lines of your figure.

For a more playful option, look to circle, gored and tulip skirts. However, you might want to dodge the pieces that are made of stiff fabrics, as well as the ones that have heavy embellishments around the hips.

Best skirts: Full, Pencil, Gored, A-line, Tulip

Dresses for the beauties with the hourglass figure are simple, clean and minimalistic. Your natural beauty is a statement in itself, so there may not be a need for flamboyant dresses with heavy details and peculiar seams. You can knock people’s socks off by just being your gorgeous self!

Best hemline is the knee-length. Here, just like with other bottoms, you might be looking to accentuate the waistline with belts, accessories, or by picking a dress that is nipped around the midline.

Best dresses: Bias, Peplum, Shift, Wrap, Corset, Sheath

This piece can do wonders to flatter the proportionate nature of the hourglass silhouette! Best jumpsuits are, just like dresses, minimalistic in appearance and nipped at the waist.

Flared-leg ones can lengthen the entire silhouette and highlight the legs, giving them a moment to shine.

Best jumpsuits and playsuits: Wide leg, Strapless, Belted & straight, Flaring

Dear lovelies with the hourglass body type, ready for your Cinderella moment? The right shoes can elevate your look to a whole nother level and add a spark to a minimalistic look. Stiletto heels with pointed toes can be your ultimate go-tos for the co*cktail look.

Or, if you’re going for something comfy and casual – sneakers and open sandals are your ideal matches. The key to finding your new favorite pair is to look for the shoes that lengthen the vertical line of your silhouette.

Best shoes: Classic sneakers, Wedge sandals, Open sandals, Pointed toe stilettos

Round accessories are your best friends! If you’re looking for a statement piece, you may want to pay special attention to the earrings since they can do a beautiful job of complementing your facial features and lengthening the vertical line.

Best accessories: round in shape

• Party time!