Dressing for Your Hourglass Body Shape

Do you find yourself looking in the mirror after getting dressed and frowning? You're not alone. So many people struggle with getting the right look, or more specifically the look that flatters their unique body. When it comes to clothes and clothing styles one size definitely does not fit all. All you need is a little knowledge about your body and then a few simple tips.

First things first, you need to know a little something about your body shape. This article focuses on the "hourglass" body shape. This is the body type that most women wish they had. It is a body that's described as being curvy but proportional. Hourglass bodies have well defined waists with hips and shoulders that are well balanced and approximately equal in measurement. When a person with an hourglass shape gains weight, it will deposit evenly throughout the body. The hourglass figure is probably the easiest to work with so count yourself one step ahead of the game here. Nothing needs to be hidden or enhanced since your shape is already proportional. Even so, there are a few tips that can make your great shape look that much better.

Let's take a look at top choices first. Hourglass figures have plenty of options to choose from and not much to avoid. Your goal is to draw attention to your well-defined waist. A really great top choice for you is going to be a wrap top that sits just at the waist. You should choose semi-fitted clothes instead of those too tight or oversized styles that will overpower your frame. Too many accessories or prints can also be overwhelming to your shape. Be aware that bold stripes and plaids may flatten your curves, whereas soft, delicately patterned fabrics will accentuate your great figure. When looking at necklines, v-neck and boat neck tops work well for an hourglass figure.

For your bottom half, again you want to accentuate your waistline. Wear pants that have defined waists with belts or contoured waistbands. Straight or wide legs will showcase your curves as will soft pleats and darts. Flat front pants will also look nice. Feel lucky that you don't have any real "off limit" areas when it comes to the pants and skirts you wear. That being said, baggy jeans aren't going to do your figure any justice, and tapered jeans don't look good on most people generally.

When looking for a dress, you can pull off just about anything. Two-piece dresses and corset bodices look great with this body shape since they work to enhance your natural curves. A corseted bodice will work well for your bust as well. Accentuating your waist is always a good idea for this body shape so you may want to go with a ball gown. A strapless or off-the shoulder neckline is perfect for an hourglass shape. Really, you have a lot of options so feel lucky to have been blessed with such a well-balanced shape. One word of caution, stay away from heavily beaded dresses since they tend to make you appear heavier than you actually are.

For swimsuit choices, once again, you can wear pretty much anything you want. There are a few tips for you however so that you can accentuate what you've already been blessed with. You can try a suit that is going to keep the eye busy or accentuate your waist line. All-over prints and patterned waistlines look great with this body type. Also, wide strap tops or underwire bras with soft cups are going to give you the best support. If you want to minimize your cleavage however, go with a straight or high neckline. Many tankinis and bikinis offer enough support to provide you with plenty of lift. Halters and triangle bikinis are really going to look great on you also. You have plenty to choose from though so feel lucky!

Hopefully these tips have helped you hourglass shaped girls out there. By applying just a few of these tips you can transform your look into something you smile about when you look in the mirror. That being said, keep smiling everyone!