If you are an hourglass shape then the good news is that women with curves are back in fashion right now as they embody the movie star glamour of the 1950s. This figure-of-eight silhouette is also a winner when it comes to what many men find attractive.
What is an Hourglass-shaped Woman?
The hourglass woman has a “womanly” body with a generous bust and hips, and a defined waistline, thereby creating the shape similar to an hourglass. It is one of the easiest of all shapes to recognise.
During the course of history, art has epitomized this curvy, Rubenesque form. Some iconic hourglasses that come to mind are Marilyn Munroe, Jane Mansfield and Sophia Loren, who were certainly not shy in showing off their curvaceous figures. This, in fact, is the secret to good dressing for the hourglass – i.e. showing off your body’s attributes rather than try to disguise them.
The positive side to having this womanly shape is that you can play on your femininity. This means wearing fitted clothes such as wrap dresses, and fitted jackets and figure-hugging pencil skirts to show off your best features. This shape actually lends itself to wearing smarter, rather than casual clothes.
Hourglass Shapes – What NOT to Wear
Hourglass-shaped women are curvy and one of their best attributes is a discernable waist. However, they may try to hide their shape, especially to play down a large bust or generous thighs. The secret is to stay away from voluminous cuts like blouson tops, batwing jackets, baggy jeans and smock dresses. In fact, any clothing with excess fabric in the bust or hip area is a no-no. Fitted is the key. It is important to steer clear of embellishments and decorations such as bows, frills and flounces on the bust or hip area, as these simply add volume.
Seven Style Tips for Curvy Women
Of all the main categories of body shapes (e.g. apple, pear and strawberry) the hourglass is the closest to my silhouette. Consequently over the years I have learned (initially more by trial and error) which styles suit me best. The type of neckline is key; so is wearing fitted clothes in firm, supportive fabrics, and choosing cuts that emphasize the waist.
These 7 style tips can help you too, in finding clothes that flatter your figure:
- Many hourglass women I know feel self-conscious about their bust and will try to divert attention from it. This means avoiding embellishments in the chest area and using jewellery, such as brooch placed near the shoulder, to deflect attention away from the bust. Try wearing a simple vest under dresses and tops, to give you some modesty. A well-fitting, good supporting bra is an essential investment, as this will thrust your breasts upwards and forwards, and emphasize your waistline, giving you a better overall shape.
- A wrap or empire-line top is a perfect cut for the hourglass shape. Choose lighter knits like cashmere rather than thick chunky knits with lots of volume. Avoid high necks such as a polo neck (which makes breasts look lumpy and larger) and go for lower, more open necklines. Consequently, you’ll need to invest instead in some long scarves to wrap around your neck and keep you warm. The length of these also serves to elongate your body , making you look slimmer. When it comes to T-shirts and tops also go for a style that is wide open at the neckline. Those that have shoulder detailing such as puffed sleeves will divert the eye to your shoulders rather than your chest.
- When it comes to the perfect dress for your body shape then one that is fitted, which will cinch you in at the waist, will make the most of your shape. A bandage dress is a typical example of this. The fabric should be firm enough to hold you in and hug your body, without being too stretchy or skin tight. A figure-hugging cut with parallel vertical seams will stretch out your waist and flatten your stomach. Avoid lightweight materials such as chiffon and silk as they will not give you enough support. The dress should have a wide open neckline such as square or scoop neck to slim down your bust. The wrap dress is a winner here and is a failsafe option for the hourglass, so is a 50s-style prom dress, which defines the waist.
- Figure-hugging skirts such as the timeless classic pencil skirt are perfect for this body shape. However, remember to keep your body in proportion so keep the overall look fitted, thereby avoiding shapeless tops. In contrast, full 50s-style skirts will also flatter this silhouette as they will skim hips and thighs and draw the eyes up to the waistline.
- A fitted coat with a deep V neckline will accentuate your waist and give the illusion of reducing the size of your chest, but avoid double-breasted styles. Pocket flaps on the hips will draw attention to the waist. Fitted jackets with a deep neckline and two vertical buttons close together will give some support. If the jacket has a belt then this will accentuate the waist still further.
- Trousers can be tricky. Looser styles with straight legs are more flattering for this figure, rather than clingy styles such as leggings or narrow cigarette pants, although avoid excess fabric around the hips. Wide-legged, high-waisted trousers are also an ideal cut, especially when teamed with a short fitted jacket. When it comes to jeans go for a straight-leg and a dark denim.
- Your shoe style can also play an important part. A curvy woman needs a curvy shoe to complement her silhouette. Shoes with peep toes, rounded toes or bows will put your body into proportion.
Posters of curvy women such as Marilyn Munro and Sophia Loren have adorned many a man’s bedroom wall for decades. If you have an hourglass figure then you are in good company as some modern day hourglass-shaped celebrities include UK TV-domestic goddess Nigella Lawson, the Welsh-born actress Catherine Zeta-Jones and Hollywood icons Salma Hayek and Scarlet Johansson.
Sources:
• Woodall, Trinny & Constantine, Susannah. The Body Shape Bible (Widenfeld & Nicholson 2008)
• Wan, Gok. How to Look Good Naked (HarperCollins Publishers 2007)
Gill Hart - Gill Hart is a fashion and image professional who specializes in women's fashion over 50.
