How the Hourglass Shaped Woman Should Dress

Clothes Which Look Great on Women with Curvy, Feminine Figures

Oct 25, 2008

Hourglass shaped women have always been admired by painters and sculptors. But they can find it hard to find fashionable clothes to suite them. Here's how they can do it

As explained in an article on dressing to suit one’s body shape, the hourglass shaped woman has a big bust, small waist, big hips, and generous thighs. Although throughout history the hourglass figure has been admired, many women with this body shape find it difficult to find trendy and up to date clothes to fit them, and are self-conscious about their feminine curves. But with a little care, hourglass shaped women can look fantastic and fashionable too.

Principles When Dressing the Hourglass Shaped Woman

The key for those with an hourglass figure is not to hide any part of the body, but to show it off. Hourglasses should wear fitted clothes that show off their curves, rather than trying to hide them. Pencil skirts, fitted jackets, and strapless dresses all suit those with an hourglass shape…and some of those are always fashionable. The hourglass needs to select those trendy items which suit her, and leave those designed for boyish figures to…those who look like boys.

Ideal shapes for the hourglass are deep V necks, fitted dresses, trousers in drapey fabrics, slim skirts, and shoes with heels and rounded or peep toes. However, feminine touches such as frills, flounces, and bows do not suit the average hourglass. Big decorations add volume, and the hourglass shaped woman does not need that; she should keep things simple. She should never wear big belts, batwing sleeves, smocks, flat lace-up shoes, or similar clothing.

Casual Clothing for the Hourglass Shaped Woman

The hourglass shape is too ultra-feminine to look good in many trousers. However, if she likes to wear them to relax, the way to do it is to find a pretty top that stops just below her crotch, and make sure the trousers are wide-legged and loose fitting. This outfit would look great on any hourglass.

Smart Clothes for the Hourglass Shaped Woman

An hourglass needs smart clothes that define her silhouette rather than hide it. A fitted dress is ideal, and should fit the bust first and foremost. If the dress is in a supportive fabric it will hide any lumps and bumps, as will good undergarments…most important for an hourglass. Small, neat sleeves look good on hourglass shaped women, many of whom tend to have fleshy upper arms. The dress should fit round the hips and behind – the hourglass shape is one to be emphasized!

A Party Look for the Hourglass Shaped Woman

Pretty dresses and peep-toed shoes look fantastic on an hourglass, making her look cute and feminine. A pretty fitted jacket on top of the dress will emphasise her proportionally small waist – even large hourglasses have waists small for their overall size.

Famous Hourglass Shaped Women who Look Fabulous

Nigella Lawson, Salma Hayek, and Charlotte Church are all hourglass shaped women. And of course there was Marilyn Monroe, probably the most famous hourglass of all time.

The hourglass figure epitomizes female beauty. Women who are this shape should be proud of it, not try to hide it. They can look wonderful!

Source

The Body Shape Bible, Trinny Woodall & Susannah Constantine, Weidenfeld & Nicholson 2007

The copyright of the article How the Hourglass Shaped Woman Should Dress in Women’s Fashion is owned by Helen Krasner. Permission to republish How the Hourglass Shaped Woman Should Dress in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.