Body Type Guide — 3 of 5
The Hourglass
Balanced curves and a naturally defined waist
About Your Shape
Your Shape, Celebrated
The Hourglass body type is defined by balanced bust and hip measurements with a significantly narrower waist — one of the most celebrated silhouettes in fashion. Your curves are symmetrical and your waist is your greatest asset. The key to dressing an Hourglass figure is showcasing that waist, choosing styles that follow your natural curves, and avoiding anything that hides or boxes in your beautiful shape.
Key Characteristics
- Bust and hips roughly equal in width
- Clearly defined, narrow waist
- Rounded shoulders and hips
- Naturally curved and symmetrical
- Curves are the defining feature
Styling Advice
Your Styling Principles
Dressing the Hourglass figure is about one thing above all else: showcasing the waist. Every styling choice should either highlight your natural waist definition or follow the curve of your silhouette.
01
Necklines That Flatter
Almost any neckline works beautifully on the Hourglass figure — your balanced proportions mean you can wear styles that other body types struggle with. V-necks and sweetheart necklines frame your décolletage beautifully. Wrap necklines follow your curves. Avoid boxy, structured necklines that hide your shape.
- V-necks and sweetheart necklines frame the décolletage perfectly
- Wrap necklines follow your natural curves
- Scoop necks are elegant and flattering
- Off-shoulder styles showcase your balanced proportions
- Avoid boxy, structured necklines that hide your shape
02
Silhouettes That Work
Fit-and-flare and wrap dresses are made for your shape — they follow your curves and highlight your waist. Mermaid silhouettes are dramatic and stunning. Belted styles at the natural waist are always a showstopper. Avoid boxy, oversized silhouettes that hide your curves and straight-cut styles that don't follow your shape.
- Fit-and-flare dresses follow your curves beautifully
- Wrap dresses are made for the Hourglass figure
- Mermaid silhouettes are dramatic and stunning
- Belted styles at the natural waist are always flattering
- Avoid boxy or oversized silhouettes that hide your shape
03
Bottoms and Trousers
High-waisted styles are your best friend — they sit at your narrowest point and showcase your waist. Pencil skirts follow your curves elegantly. Straight-leg and wide-leg trousers work beautifully when paired with a fitted top. Avoid low-rise styles that cut across the widest part of your hips.
- High-waisted skirts and trousers showcase your waist
- Pencil skirts follow your curves elegantly
- Straight-leg trousers with a fitted top are always chic
- Wrap skirts highlight your waist and hips
- Avoid low-rise styles that cut across the hips
Materials
Fabrics and Cuts
Best Choices
Fabrics to Avoid
Color Strategy
Color and Pattern Strategy
You can wear almost any color and pattern beautifully — your balanced proportions mean you don't need to use color strategically to create balance. Focus instead on using color to express your personality and highlight your best features.
- Monochromatic outfits create a long, elegant line
- Bold, saturated colors showcase your confidence
- Color-blocked outfits with a waist detail are stunning
- Prints in any scale work beautifully on your balanced frame
- A contrasting belt in any color highlights your waist
- Avoid color blocking that cuts across the waist horizontally
Ready-to-Wear
Outfit Formulas That Always Work
Wrap dress in jersey + strappy heels + statement earrings
High-waisted pencil skirt + fitted blouse + pointed-toe heels
Fit-and-flare dress + belt at the waist + block heels
Stretch crepe trousers + fitted turtleneck + ankle boots
Mermaid midi skirt + tucked-in silk blouse + heeled mules
Get Your Complete Hourglass Style Guide
The full Hourglass Body Type Style Guide includes detailed outfit formulas, a complete what-to-wear and what-to-avoid breakdown, shopping tips, and a curated capsule wardrobe — all beautifully designed and instantly downloadable.
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