DRESSING FOR YOUR SHAPE : HOURGLASS

So many women are not sure about what suits their shape the best, and it's easy to understand why. Every time you open a magazine, turn on the tv or browse through a clothing catalogue - you see women that are the 'perfect' size 28 or 30. Come on media! We are real women, and we eat! And we also love chocolate and cup cakes.

I'm going to try to help you with deciding which styles to buy for your shape, which will flatter you the most. To do this, you first need to determine which shape you are. In each part of my 'Dressing For Your Shape' articles, I will focus on one shape at a time - I will discuss the characteristics of that body shape, the best way to dress that shape, as well as give examples in photo's. I hope you enjoy them, and they give you some ideas for your next shopping trip.

The first on the list is 'The Hourglass'

This body type is what most woman (and most men) consider to be ideal. You belong to this body type if your shape is curvy and balanced. Your hips and shoulders are about the same width and you have a defined waist.

Celebrity examples of 'The Hourglass' figure are below:

Kim Kardashian

Eva Mendes

When dressing, your aim is to emphasise your curves and your defined waist, without adding on any bulk. Wear fitted and tailored clothing, but not too skin-tight though, be careful of this balance - it can turn beautiful and sexy into cheap very quickly. Stick to low, or medium-to-low necklines (this draws attention to your neck and face, and lengthens your neck) and dresses with defined waistlines. Straight pencil skirts without extra detailing like pockets and ruffles (always worn with high heeled shoes), straight leg or boot leg pants are best, and clothing in soft flowing fabrics.

Any of these dress styles will suit the Hourglass shape perfectly!

An alternative dress style if you don't want
a dress that is too form fitting. Add a
darker coloured belt to define your waist.

A pencil skirt with wide belt is a good choice.

Avoid stiff, bulky fabrics and to many ruffles, especially if you have a large bust ,as this will make you look even bigger. Don't go for baggy styles or high necklines (unless you have a small bust) and stay away from skirts with pleats, pockets or frills.

Show off your womanly shape with pride, and don't listen to the media when it seems to only encourage being super skinny as the best - you are beautiful and you should be proud of it!


Dressing For Your Shape : Part 2 - Pear Shape, coming soon!