Welcome to your guide to dressing your hourglass figure, where you’ll receive the best tips and tricks to celebrating your natural curves and feeling as confident as ever! This guide is packed with clothing recommendations and general fashion tips designed to enhance your shape and boost your style confidence, one step at a time. From elegant, form-fitting dresses to charming tailored coats, we’ll explore how certain pieces can effortlessly elevate your everyday looks and special occasions…all it takes is a little know-how! So if you have this body shape (or aren’t sure yet) and you’ve been wondering how to dress an hourglass shape, then keep reading and you’ll be on your way to looking (and feeling) like your best self.
What Is an Hourglass Body Shape?
You may have an hourglass figure if you have an aligned bust and hips with a narrower waist.
Still stumped? When you think of an hourglass body shape, think quite literally in this case, and picture an hourglass!
Does your bust/shoulder area visually “line up” (one isn’t much wider than the other) with your hip area? Does your midsection “dip in”, revealing a defined waist?
The hourglass figure offers a unique opportunity for you to explore fashion in a way that feels true to your personal style, while still working to highlight all of the right places at the same time. Understanding how to accentuate your waist and maintain the natural balance of your proportions is key!
When dressing this body shape, the key is to accentuate the waist while maintaining the natural balance of your proportions. While there can definitely be exceptions to this “rule,” keeping this general guideline in mind can already be extremely helpful when browsing in stores or online shopping.
How to Dress an Hourglass Body Shape
Ready to style your curves with confidence and sophistication? Let’s dive straight into the world of the hourglass shape, where every piece is a step toward feeling more like yourself.
Best Styles for Hourglass Figures: Tops that Highlight and Enhance
When it comes to tops, the goal comes back to that guideline I just mentioned – it’s all about emphasizing your naturally well-defined waist while balancing your bust and hips. Here are some of the best top styles to help you achieve that look:
1. V-Neck Tops
This neckline is fantastic for drawing attention in a vertical line, elongating the neck and highlighting the upper body’s curves.
Due to their design, v-neck tops draw the eye vertically, enhancing the neck area and balancing the bust, a combination that complements the hourglass figure.
Overall, this is a great style for when you are looking to go with something sleek and simple while still keeping your body shape in mind.
Style Tip: Pair your favorite v-neck top with a high-waisted skirt or pants to draw attention to your waist. If you’re still looking for a third piece or some more coverage, layer with a fitted blazer to maintain a chic, streamlined look.
This breathable and soft v-neck t-shirt is a true wardrobe staple, easily paired with tons of different bottoms for flattering and fool-proof looks.
Lightweight Cotton Cashmere V-neck Sweater
Perfect year-round, this lightweight cashmere v-neck sweater flatters your figure while keeping your look sophisticated and timeless.
2. Peplum Tops
Beyond having a cinched waist (and being a currently trendy style!), peplum tops are particularly great options for those with hourglass figures for another reason. This style adds a little volume just below the waist, accentuating the waistline itself through the contrast it brings.
Style Tip: Pair with slim pants or a skirt to keep the focus on the waist enhancement that the peplum detail provides! Pieces like this will also make for an overall balanced and cohesive look.
Featuring gorgeous trim detail and a black and white style, this peplum top helps to still define your waist and balance your proportions.
With a chic and subtle peplum design, this top enhances your best features and makes for a great, elegant staple that can work with your existing closet!
Shopping for your next summer vacation? This linen piece is just right for you. With a subtle peplum detail, this top features a slightly shorter length, perfect for pairing with high-waisted bottoms.
Related: The Best Linen Clothing Brands To Try for Spring and Summer
3. Wrap Tops
Wrap tops are known to be an incredibly flattering style for a variety of body shapes, and it is definitely true when it comes to the hourglass curves!
This design is excellent for this particular body shape as they both cinch at the waist and offer adjustable coverage for the bust area, enhancing your natural figure while still balancing your proportions and – most importantly! – keeping you confident & comfy.
Style Tip: Make sure that the tie of the wrap sits snugly on your waist in order to get the defined and flattering look you’re after!
Including elements from both the wrap and peplum style tops, this piece works beautifully with the hourglass silhouette, allowing you to find comfort and confidence as you strut down the street.
If you love the design but prefer to go with something less body-skimming, this slightly looser wrap top might just be part of the perfect outfit for you. Minimalist in design and available in 3 gorgeous shades, this top can work to subtly define your waist while still featuring a relaxed and laid-back fit.
4. Keyhole Tops
Subtle and simple, keyhole tops add an interesting visual element that draws the eye to the chest and neck area, balancing the proportions of the hourglass figure.
Style Tip: When shopping, choose keyhole tops that are slightly more fitted to maintain a clean silhouette that complements your curves. Of course, whatever fit you decide to go for, make sure that you are comfortable first! Even though we might be looking great, feeling our best is the most important to rocking a look with confidence.
This classic and elegant top can accompany you from the office to dinner, perfect for flattering your figure while still providing some extra coverage for those who prefer it!
Keyhole Sweater in Merino Wool Blend
Elegant, put-together, and casual at the same time – this keyhole sweater is a truly versatile piece, easy to dress up or down for a number of different occasions.
5. Wide-Leg Jeans
This particular style of denim helps to balance the proportions of an hourglass figure by adding volume at the bottom of your shape.
Style Tip: Opt for high-waisted styles to enhance your narrow waist, ensuring the jeans fit snuggly around your hips and waist.
Featuring a high-waisted fit and wide-leg, these jeans are effortless and flattering. Easy to style and match with your existing closet, this piece might just make it into the “go-to” section of your closet.
While wide-leg jeans are a great piece for the hourglass body type, it can take some getting used to for those who are used to straight-leg or even skinny styles. If you can relate, then this recommendation is for you! This slim wide-leg design features a more modern silhouette that does a great job of balancing out your proportions and isn’t too wide.
6. Belted Pants
Belted pants emphasize the waist, making it a focal point of the look. For your body shape, this style can go even further, enhancing your entire figure!
Style Tip: Tuck your top into your belted pants to avoid disrupting the waistline’s definition. Of course, there are other workarounds to this ‘hack’ if you’re not a fan of the tucked look! A half-tuck, for example, can be a perfect solution for those looking to value their natural body shape in a more relaxed, laid-back way.
Kieran Tie Waist Wide Leg Pants
Available in Emerald Green, Sage Green, and Tan, these belted pants are a great choice to have on hand when dressing for the hourglass body shape.
It features a well-defined waist that is easy to cinch through the built-in tie belt and pleats, making this style another good option for those looking to expand their wardrobe while keeping proportions in mind!
Polished Belted Jersey Wide Leg Pants
These wide-leg pants offer a similar design as the one above, available in black and navy for the true weekday staples we can never get enough of! The tie belt makes it easy to achieve the perfect fit, while a wide-leg silhouette makes this style flattering and comfortable.
7. Skinny Pants
Skinny jeans have been around for years, and they’re not going anywhere! Sure, it’s safe to say that we’ve seen a lot more jean styles get popularized, often taking the place of skinny jeans in closets all over the world.
Even though those other styles can be great to have on hand for different outfits (some of them are even included in this list!), skinny jeans are a great option for those who still love and cherish this style – especially when it comes to dressing for the hourglass figure.
Skinny jeans hug the legs and hips, showing off the curves of an hourglass figure.
Style Tip: Pair with a balanced top that isn’t too voluminous to maintain the proportionate look of your silhouette!
These simple and essential skinny jeans promise comfort and a great fit with their stretch denim. Perfect for every day and a great piece to style, these jeans are available in the petite, plus, standard, and tall versions.
For lovers of the original skinny jeans, this body-skimming design is just what your closet needs. Featuring super stretchy material, these jeans flaunt a high-rise fit that is perfect for flattering your figure.
8. Flowy Pants
If you are looking to go in the opposite direction from the skinny jeans route, flowy pants are here to save the day! This style adds a gentle and breathable volume that can balance an hourglass figure without overwhelming your natural lines – and keeping you comfortable, too!
Style Tip: Choose high-waisted flowy pants and pair them with a fitted top to guarantee a balanced and defined look.
Perfect for the warmer months of the year, these flowy pants keep you cool and comfortable no matter what your week has in store.
Made from quality linen fabric and featuring a straight-leg silhouette, this design also includes a drawstring waist detail that allows for the perfect fit. If you need any more convincing, these pants also include front pockets!
100% European Linen Wide Leg Pant
With a similar style, this version of the linen pants is available in seven different color variations (including striped versions!). Lightweight, comfortable, and available for a great price, these quality pants are the perfect spring and summer piece.
Related: The 10 Right Tops to Wear With Linen Pants for an Effortlessly Chic Look
If you’re looking for luxury and ultimate comfort, these silk trousers are the ones to go for. Full of charm and personality, these gorgeous brown flowy pants are incredibly flattering for your hourglass figure, enhancing your waist while still bringing balance and movement to the rest of your outfit.
Washable and available in three different colors, this piece is the perfect way to elevate your look while still prioritizing comfort in your day-to-day.
9. High-Waisted Jeans
As one of the most popular and best jeans out there today, high-waisted denim naturally allows those with the hourglass shape to enhance their natural waistline by accentuating the narrowest part of the torso.
Style Tip: Tuck in your shirt or choose slightly shorted tops in order to show off the high waist and complement your figure in your day-to-day!
This popular Everlane best-seller has earned its reputation over the years of amazing reviews, and it’s clear why! Featuring a straight leg fit and high-rise fit, these jeans are designed to flatter and elongate your figure.
If you’re not into the straight-leg or wide-leg jeans look, then this super high-waisted pair of skinny jeans might be the best option to consider! Ideal for both a dressed-up and a more casual look, these jeans definitely qualify as a closet staple for your hourglass shape.
10. Wrap Dresses
Wrap dresses are perfect for hourglass figures as they define your small waist and allow for adjustments to fit snuggly around your curves.
Style Tip: Choose wrap dresses with ties that sit at the waist and opt for knee-length or midi styles to balance out your proportions in elegant ensembles!
Silk-Linen Wrap-Effect Midi Dress
This wrap-effect dress is perfect for those who love the wrap dress look without the effort (or at least less of it!). Featuring all of the features of the wrap style that flatter the hourglass figure, this dress is easy to throw on for a chic and sophisticated ensemble.
11. Fit & Flare Dresses
These dresses have a fitted top and a flared skirt, which naturally emphasize the waist and accommodate wider hips for a flattering, balanced look.
Style Tip: When shopping for your perfect fit and flare dress, make sure the flare begins at the waist (rather than the hips!) to accentuate your narrowest point. Choose styles that skim the body rather than adding bulk!
Flaunting feminine flair and style, this fit-and-flare dress makes for a perfect day outfit during the spring. Available in two neutral and light colors, this piece flatters your figure with a belted waist detail, flaring out at the lower body and making for a breathable and comfortable ensemble.
12. Belted Jacket
Like belted dresses, belted jackets cinch at the waist, highlighting the hourglass shape and providing a structured silhouette.
Style Tip: Ensure the belt ties at your natural waist and consider a tailored fit to enhance your body’s curves.
Belted Single Breasted Trench Coat
We know the trench has earned its reputation as one of the best coats out there for spring (especially with our Parisian friends). With a traditional belted detail at the waist area, this coat also serves as a great example of a bigger piece that still flatters the hourglass figure by cinching in at the waist & giving your overall look more shape!
13. Ruched One Piece
Swimsuits can be tricky to shop for, especially when you don’t know what you’re looking for! A ruched one-piece swimsuit is a good choice, as it can beautifully contour the body; ruching detail provides texture that both enhances and defines the waist.
Style Tip: Look for a swimsuit with ruching across the midsection to visually slim and accentuate the waist, creating a stunning beach-ready look that will have you looking and feeling amazing.
Subtle and intentional ruching gives this timeless bathing suit design a flattering edge, enhancing your natural waist and keeping you comfortable as you enjoy your day by the water.
With a scoop back detail and good back coverage, this bathing suit promises to sculpt and smooth during your beach day.
14. Underwire Bikini Top
Underwire bikini tops provide support and shape to the bust, enhancing the upper body while balancing the overall proportions of the hourglass figure.
Style Tip: Pair with high-waisted bikini bottoms for a retro look that screams beach glamour while keeping your waist highlighted.
For those who need more support when it comes to bikini tops, this underwire option is a great way to go. Offering a flattering fit and great support for those with larger breasts, this top simultaneously flatters your figure and keeps you comfortable throughout your day.
15. High-Waisted Bikini Bottoms
This particular style of bathing suit bottoms is a great option for those with an hourglass figure as they emphasize the waist and smooth the hips, naturally enhancing your natural shape.
Style Tip: Opt for a high-waisted style that offers good coverage and pair it with a supportive top to stay comfortable and keep your look proportional.
Featuring cheeky back coverage and a high-waisted fit, these bikini bottoms bring attention to your waist, elongating your legs, and balancing out your proportions subtly at the same time.
Tailoring Your Look: Petite, Tall, and Plus Size Considerations
Just like any body shape, every hourglass figure is unique, not just in proportions, but also in height and overall size. Recognizing these variations is extremely important when it comes to shopping for the right pieces – we know how much clothing that fits just right can elevate your overall style and figure!
At the end of the day, it’s all about finding the right pieces that not only fit your curves but also your stature, ensuring that every outfit you put on looks like it was made just for you. With all of this in mind, this section is all about diving into tailored advice for petite, tall, and plus-size hourglass figures. Ready to get into it? Here’s how you can fine-tune your wardrobe to celebrate your hourglass figure.
Petite Hourglass
If you are petite, certain tips can help you create the illusion of height while accentuating your curves – all without overwhelming your frame!
Style Tips
Scale and Proportion: Look for clothing with smaller prints or more delicate details that won’t overpower your frame. Petite-specific options, like those from Banana Republic and Madewell, ensure that items like jackets and dresses have shorter hemlines and higher waistlines to match your proportions.
Elevate with Heels: A pair of heels can elongate your legs, especially when paired with high-waisted skirts or pants. This not only adds some height but also enhances your hourglass figure by elevating your waistline.
Tall Hourglass
Tall hourglass figures can pull off longer lengths and larger prints that might overwhelm shorter statures, but finding the right fit is essential to maintain the balance of your proportions. Of course, it’s also about staying comfortable – nobody enjoys finding out a certain piece is just too short to work!
Style Tips
Tailored Fits: Ensure your clothing choices, especially pants and dresses, are long enough to accommodate your height. Again, brands like Madewell and Banana Republic offer special sizing, specifially tall ranges that provide adequate length in the body and sleeves, so your clothes fit perfectly from the shoulder to the hem.
Smart Layers: Use layering to plan with proportions without cutting off your waist. Long vests, dusters, or trench coats can add style without obscuring your hourglass figure.
Plus Size Hourglass
Dressing your plus-size hourglass figure is all about learning to emphasize your curves in a way that feels comfortable and right for you. All in all, clothes that fit well and provide good support are key!
Style Tips
Structured Pieces: Opt for clothes with good structure and stretch. Avoid oversized pieces that hide your shape and instead go for pieces that hug and accentuate your curves like wrap dresses or belted jackets.
Highlight the Waist: I’ve been repeating this mantra a lot, but trust me on this! Always look for ways to draw attention to your waist, whether it’s with high-waisted pants, skirts, belts over dresses, and even coats. Brands like Madewell, ASOS, and Nordstrom offer fantastic plus-size options that will make your choice that much easier!
By taking your specific needs into account, you can make sure to dress in the most flattering and comfortable way for your hourglass figure – regardless of your height or size. It’s about making the clothes work for you, allowing your natural silhouette to shine through. Whether you are petite, tall, ’standard,’ or plus size, embracing your hourglass shape with the right style choices is a great way to achieve an amazing result!
Dress Right, Feel Right!
Congratulations on discovering how to dress your hourglass shape! This balanced and beautiful shape offers a fantastic canvas when it comes to fashion, allowing you to play up your beautiful curves with style and confidence. Emphasizing your waist and choosing garments that highlight your proportions aren’t just style choices – they’re affirmations of your personal aesthetic and a celebration of your gorgeous figure.
As we’ve seen and discussed, there are a few key tips and guidelines that can really help you in the process of finding pieces and outfits that work for you. The key to dressing your hourglass figure is selecting items that enhance your natural silhouette; from sleek skirts to belted jackets, each piece you choose is another step into redefining your wardrobe in a way that works best for you. V-neck tops, wrap dresses, and high-waisted jeans are not just clothes; they are tools to help you showcase your shape with elegance and flair.
Remember, fashion is not just about following trends – it’s about creating a look that feels right for you. It’s about walking out the door knowing your outfit not only looks great but also makes you feel like the best version of yourself. So, embrace those curves, highlight your waist, and let your hourglass figure shine with timeless grace and contemporary style.
Want to learn how to flatter your figure even more? Read more: Fight the Frump: 12 Easy Ways You Can Fix Your Frumpy Outfits
Hi Carolyn, love your posts. I am wondering if you could give us 60+ gals some advice on what to wear to assist with “covering” or making our tummy areas less noticeable. thank you!