Hourglass Shape: Styling Tips to Highlight Your Curves
I’m not gonna lie. I’m a little jealous of those of you who are most interested in this post. Curves? What are those, lol? Today I’m sharing about the Hourglass Shape, and Styling Tips to Highlight Your Curves. I always think of Ginger from Gilligan’s Island when I think of an hourglass figure. Hey, if you’ve got curves, let’s show them off!
An hourglass shape is all about balance, so the key is to highlight that waist and let your natural shape do the talking. Whether it’s a wrap dress that hugs just right or a fitted blazer that defines your middle, the right outfit can make you feel unstoppable. Let’s get into some fabulous styles that will have you looking and feeling your best!
I’ve already looked at rectangle and pear body shapes. You can check out those posts here:
- Pear Shape: How to Balance Proportions with Style
- Rectangle Shape: Adding Curves with the Right Clothing
If you’re unsure of your shape, check out How to Identify Your Body Type in 3 Simple Steps!
What Is An Hourglass Shape?
An hourglass shape is when your bust and hips are about the same width, and your waist is well-defined and significantly smaller. This creates a naturally balanced, curvy silhouette.
Key Characteristics of an Hourglass Shape:
Defined waist – Your waist is the narrowest part of your body.
Balanced upper and lower body – Your shoulders and hips are similar in width.
Curvy silhouette – Your body has natural curves, with fullness in the bust and hips.
Proportional shape – Weight is evenly distributed, making it easy to emphasize your curves.
If you have an hourglass body shape, your goal is to highlight your natural curves by defining your waist and maintaining balance between your upper and lower body. Hourglass figures typically have a well-defined waist, balanced shoulders and hips, and natural curves. The key is to embrace fitted styles without adding unnecessary bulk.
Best Tops For an Hourglass Shape:
- Wrap tops – Accentuate the waist and enhance curves.
- V-neck or scoop neck tops – Flatter the bust without adding volume.
- Fitted button-down shirts – Define the waist without gaping at the bust.
- Peplum tops – Highlight your natural hourglass shape.
- Soft, draped fabrics – Complement curves without adding bulk.
- Avoid boxy or oversized tops – They can hide your shape.
A fitted button-down shirt is a must-have in any wardrobe, especially for an hourglass body type. This style hugs your waistline just right, showing off that narrow waist without feeling restrictive. The structured shape draws attention to your upper body while keeping things sleek and polished. Pair it with high-waisted trousers or a pencil skirt for a sophisticated look that flatters your curves. Bonus points if you add a belt to emphasize your waist even more! Whether dressed up or down, this classic piece works wonders for all body types.
A peplum waist is basically magic for an hourglass figure! The cinched waist design naturally highlights your waistline, and the peplum bottom flows away and enhances your curves. It’s stylish and gives that elegant, put-together look—perfect for layering over a camisole or t-shirt. The v-neckline elongates your upper body, making it extra flattering.
Even though I’m a rectangle, this cardigan would work for me since it helps to create curves.
Best Dresses For an Hourglass Shape:
- Wrap dresses – Flatter your curves while defining the waist.
- Fit-and-flare dresses – Maintain balance and highlight your shape.
- Bodycon dresses – Accentuate curves while keeping a sleek silhouette.
- Belted dresses – Further define the waist for a flattering look.
- Avoid shapeless or baggy dresses – They can make you look boxy.
Talk about an easy way to look polished! This wrap sheath dress is designed to hug your curves in all the right places while defining your waistline. The neckline is a personal stylist’s dream for enhancing your upper body while keeping things classy. Whether you’re heading to work or a dinner date, this dress pairs beautifully with accessories like a statement necklace or a sleek belt. It’s seasonless, meaning you can wear it all year long—just switch up your layers!
For those days when you need to look put together with minimal effort, a sheath dress is your best friend. This one is structured enough to accentuate your hourglass shape but comfortable enough for all-day wear. The tailored fit follows your natural curves while giving a polished, professional look. A well-placed belt can take it up a notch, and a pair of nude-colored heels will elongate your legs. This dress is the definition of effortless elegance!
Best Bottoms For an Hourglass Shape:
- High-waisted jeans/pants – Emphasize the waist and elongate the legs.
- Bootcut or flared jeans – Maintain balance and highlight curves.
- Straight-leg or skinny jeans – Work well when paired with a fitted or structured top.
- A-line skirts – Flow beautifully over the hips and keep proportions balanced.
- Pencil skirts – Hug curves in all the right places.
If you want to look modern in your jeans, straight legs jeans are the way to go! These straight leg jeans hug your curves while providing just the right amount of stretch. The high-rise waist defines your midsection, keeping everything looking smooth and streamlined. Tuck in a fitted button-down or a wrap top, and you’ve got a classic, figure-flattering outfit. For a casual yet chic vibe, add ankle boots and a structured jacket.
A pencil skirt is the definition of a sophisticated style for an hourglass body type. The fitted design skims over your hips and thighs while emphasizing that narrow waist. If you want a little extra definition, throw on a belt to enhance your shape even more. This is one of those garments that never goes out of style! You can’t go wrong with classic black, but this skirt is available in a ton of other colors.
Best Outerwear For an Hourglass Shape:
- Tailored blazers – Cinch at the waist to enhance curves.
- Belted trench coats – Define the waist and keep proportions in check.
- Fitted jackets – Maintain your natural shape without adding bulk.
- Avoid oversized coats – They can overwhelm your figure.
A belted trench coat is the perfect finishing touch for any wardrobe, especially for an hourglass figure. The belt cinches your waistline nicely, keeping your shape defined even when you’re bundled up. Whether you layer it over a fitted dress or a t-shirt and trousers, this coat adds instant elegance. Plus, it’s a classic piece that works for every season—stylists always recommend it for a reason!
Best Shoes For an Hourglass Shape:
- Pointed-toe heels – Elongate the legs.
- Ankle boots with a slight heel – Keep proportions balanced.
- Strappy or nude-colored shoes – Maintain a sleek, feminine look.
- Avoid clunky or chunky shoes – They can disrupt your natural balance.
These ankle boots are a must-have for balancing out your curves while keeping things comfortable. The low heel gives just the right amount of lift without sacrificing stability. Wear them with skinny jeans, trousers, or even a knee-length dress to create a streamlined look. Plus, they’re available in multiple colors, so you can pick the perfect pair to match your outfits. If you’ve ever struggled to find stylish yet practical footwear, these are the answer!
A great pair of nude-colored heels is a game-changer for any wardrobe! They elongate your legs, balance out your curves, and work with just about any outfit. The block heel provides extra stability (so you’re not wobbling around—ha!), making them perfect for all-day wear. Whether you’re pairing them with a sheath dress, a pencil skirt, or even jeans, these heels give your outfit a polished finish.
Okay, hourglass Gurls. Let me know your go-to for showing off those curves!
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To GOD Goes The Glory!
Verse Of The Day
1 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
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I love the light blue trench coat
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Found it! Only wish I had a defined waistline.
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Hmmm, there are stars in my heart today! Great post very helpful,
I am an inverted triangle. First time I ever heard it is from you.
I’ve always used the hour glass as a standard, and could not figure out why it didn’t work?
because I have no hips. I can’t wait to see your tips on the inverted triangle.
and… found them?
Check out Thursday post.
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Found it! I’ve always liked the peplum style for my inverted triangle shape as well.
Found it. very sneaky
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😂😂 FINALLY… “found it”
Thought I was going to have to go to the eye doctor before my annual appointment!
Thanks for the post Tania. Always inspiring.
Julie
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I found a heart but not a smiley!
It is a heart today, not the smiley.
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Found it 🙂 I ordered the last grey peplum in large—-yeah!!!
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Though I am technically an inverted triangle, many of these tips for hourglass work really well for me, because I do have some curves. I definitely can embrace nearly all of these styles, except not peplum tops, pencil skirts, sheath dresses. Great post, thank you so much!
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Found It! very nice post! Thanks and have a wonderful day!
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I am really enjoying this series on how to dress different figures. I am hoping in the future you will address best styles for short waisted women. Thank you.
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I am an hour glass shape. Thanks for showing all the different styles for various shapes.
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Tough one.
Found the heart!~
I have never heard of an all meat diet. Maybe I’m old fashioned but I’m not sure you can be healthy if you skip your vegetables!
Kathy, I’m like you, I was used to the food pyramid that we were all taught. When you look into that, you’ll find that it was created by the Agricultural Department, which explains a lot about why we are supposed to eat lots of fruits and veggies.
Found it – its a heart today
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Great Post!! Pencil skirts and sheath dresses are in my closet 😊 I need to update my denim now.
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Hi Tania, I think I found it. Can I ask u a question?
Found it. Have a great day
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found it. Have a good day
Found it! Pretty tricky today!!
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I’m really enjoying this. FOUND IT
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Love the gray jacket. Didn’t find the smiley 😊
I changed it up. It’s a ❤️ today.
if its the heart shaped emoji
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Rah
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Found it. Sheath dress is nice. Wondering if that would work for a rectangular shape.
Yes! I love a sheath dress! 👗
Found it! Love all your posts, especially the verse of the day, Thank you!
Found it! Different shape.
Did NOT find it but enjoyed the info ( Looked multiple times!!.) This is my shape. I like the idea of a peplum.
Patti, it is a heart shape today. ❤️
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Found it! Short hourglass here thanks!
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Found it – so cute!
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I have the gray cardigan with peplumyou featured and it’s great! I bought the wine color and went back and bought black. I highly recommend this sweater. It’s a nice light to medium weight and made well. the bone buttons are interesting and different.
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Yay! I have it in order to try.
Glad to hear this. I just ordered it in grey.
Found it – cute!
I found both! I loved the surprise!
Thanks for this post. I agree with all of your suggestions but I have to be careful with anything double breasted as it can look bulky and overwhelm my small frame. The stores that seem to work best for me are J Crew and Banana Republic especially for pants, they tend to be smaller in the waist as compared to Talbots or Chicos. I also try to avoid loud, large prints as they can overwhelm….
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Found it! Thank you from an ⌛️
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love that peplum sweater!!
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Found it! cute
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Thank you so much for the body-shape fashion tips. It seems that float back and forth from pear shaped and hourglass. Is that ok?
My dolman top (Monday’s post) arrived….its so soft!
I’m glad you liked the dolman sweater! I agree that it is very soft!
Found a heart but no smiley face.
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tricky : )
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