Hi there, thank you for reading Styling with Esther.
This week we will review the discussion of how to best dress different body shapes, and as such, we’ll be talking about the Hourglass body type.
Basically, you are an Hourglass if your shoulders and hips have similar measurements and your waistline is well defined.
However, do not take this as a final statement, since you could also be a combination of two different body types, meaning you could have an Hourglass shape as your primary body type, and an Apple shape as a secondary one. Or you could even be an Hourglass with some Rectangle characteristics. You see, there are plenty of possibilities.
If you, like most women, have a combination of two body types, take a look at our previous entries to understand yours better. It will do wonders for you!
As an Hourglass body type, your upper and lower bodice measurements are well balanced, but you still have to pay attention to the clothes that best fit your height.
If you are a tall woman – 5’9” and up – and buy a dress made for a woman who is of average height – between 5’4” and 5’8” – it will affect the fit of your waistline.
The main difference in a dress made for tall and average heights is the length of the torso. Since Hourglasses have a defined waistline, stick with clothes made for your height.
If the dress you always wished for is on sale, but is not available in your height, resist the temptation and save your money. Better to find something else that will enhance your beauty way better.
So, how to dress an Hourglass woman?
As an Hourglass, you were born to wear dresses. Soft fabrics with drapery on top will help to bring attention to your waistline. Dresses and skirts that have a moderate pencil shape and are at knee length will elongate your figure in a very elegant way, giving more emphasis to your waistline.
Wraps, and fake wrap dresses, will also enhance your waistline.
Skirts in all shapes are acceptable, however, keep in mind that tulip skirts only bring harmony to women that have narrower hips. If you are a combination of Hourglass and Pear, or a combination of Hourglass and Apple body types, please ask the opinion of a trusted friend before wearing a skirt that has a fullness at hipline, such as the tulip.
Besides that, A-lines, flared, fit and flare, straight skirts… they all suit you very well. Personally, I think 50’s styled dresses that have a big structured, flared shape look amazing on Hourglasses.
Belts, belts, belts. You have full freedom to play with them.
Any shape of belt fits you well. Just keep in mind that not all shapes might fit your height. For example, if you’re a petite person – 5’3” and under – who is an Hourglass type, then wearing a thick and bulky belt won’t be very flattering. Actually, the belt will stand out too much and break the harmony of your look. On the other hand, an Hourglass of average and tall height could wear this belt without giving it a second thought.
For embellishments such as embroideries, fringes and any other extra details found in garments, give preference instead to simplicity. Embellishments are an excellent way to bring attention to different parts of the body in order to create a balance in the overall look, but since your upper and lower halves are already well balanced, you really don’t need to use this trick.
Also, give preference to tops with U and V necklines, as it will elongate your neck and focus attention better on your beautiful waistline. If you have necklaces that have U and V shapes, use them to create the same effect.
Regarding boat necklines, do be careful, as using them could give the impression that your bust line is larger than it actually is.
Also, be aware that some waist-less tops and dresses could possibly alter your side view, making you look larger, especially if you have an Inverted Triangle secondary body type.
Also, cropped and boxy jackets will not show your waistline. You don’t need to avoid them completely, but just be aware of it. Again, you have to look at yourself in the mirror carefully and, if possible, ask the opinion of a trusted friend before buying one of these styles. Of course, if you love it anyway, you should go ahead and buy it.
Also, avoid accumulating “more or less” items, especially jackets. Save the money you would spend on them and, instead, invest in a single jacket that you really love and feel confident wearing it.
If you want to enhance your shape, wear tailored and fitted jackets with hems finishing at, or a little below, the hipbone.
Another point to consider when investing in a well tailored jacket is a perfect sleeve fit.
Sleeves always speak the truth about the quality of a jacket. A badly fitted sleeve is often attached to a badly fitted shoulder line, which is then connected to a badly fitted back that has a back neckline which usually does not conform to the human anatomy.
The result of all this is a jacket which will certainly hike up. Salespeople will try to excuse the hike by saying that your bust line is large, but that’s simply not so. Jackets hike because they are not well made. As a pattern maker, I know that for sure.
A well tailored jacket does most of the styling job. It accentuates the curves beautifully, slims the figure when used with the buttons open, gives an elegant and classy look, and allows you to go from work straight to a cocktail party feeling confident.
Thank you again for reading our fashion blog.
See you next week!