The Hourglass Shape Embrace that waist!
What is an hourglass figure? Curvy hourglass ladies go in at the middle with a fuller bust and bu m in contrast to your waist. Y our body has a figure of 8 look. LOOK OUT FOR... Tops and dresses with shapes that cinch that waist. Embrace those curves. properly fitting bra is a A must. It will make the most of your bust while showing off your waist. Buying the correct size is so Important as it will give the correct balance to your shape. A top that is too big will only make you look bigger and clothes that are too tight will also make you look larger. Remember every brand is different so always bring in two sizes to try. If conscious of your tummy as an hourglass always go for wider waistbands in skirts and trousers, which give more comfort and then make it easier to feel comfortable showing off your waist. Wear fabrics that hug your curves but you have to be comfortable so go for good tailoring if you don t like belts for example. Choose lighter weight fabrics without extra bulk like cashmeres and jersey cardigans Tailored shirts and suits that define the waist. Floaty tunics and wrap-over tops and dresses. Think carefully about fabrics. Opt for fabrics that work with your curves and are not too rigid. Look for very clever tailoring in your clothes, from dresses to tops, they must show off your waist. Don t be afraid of skinny Jeans. Its all about how you style them. Opt for longer layers on top, keep to tonal colours that won t break up your body and use accessories to individualise your outfit The wrap dress will be a great addition to your wardrobe. Great for showing off those curves If you don t feel comfortable wearing a belt, then don t. Opt instead for neat tailoring and well fitted Items. If you are conscious of your tummy (which most women are.) you may think you don t have an hourglass figure but remember most women don t see what s right in front of them. If your waist is your most defined feature, you are an hourglass. TROUSERS Boot cut and flared jeans will be a great choice for you as they create a great balance with your hips. Opt for a wider waist band which gives much more comfort around the waist and tummy Avoid tapered trousers that get narrower towards the ankles, especially if you are a very curvy hourglass as they can make your bum look bigger. Hemlines should finish just above or just below the knee depending where you are most comfortable. This creates maximum length in your leg. 50 s style dresses can be great but you have to try on. To much material and fuss can make you look bigger. Judge when you try. Dresses with sweetheart necklines, V necklines or halter necks are great on the bust and for showing off curves. Trousers should have subtle side pockets that sit properly and don t add bulk. Classic tailoring like chinos with a wide belt will be great on you An hourglass has lots of freedom with styles. You must try on different looks to see how it feels on your individual shape. Just remember to keep that balance. For example if you wear flared jeans, try a top with a wider sleeve or use more layers to keep both halves similar in width Chinos can be a classic alternative to jeans for daytime. SKIRTS & DRESSES The pencil skirt is a really good choice as it shows off your curves while also skimming. Dress up or down for work or play. Line skirts are great A for comfort. Team with tops tucked in or out as long as you can see your waist. hirt dresses, wrap dresses, shift dresses, S cocktail dresses try them all just make sure they feel right for your curves and show off your waist. Experiment with belts worn around the waist. This can help a loose-fitting dress go from baggy and shapeless to feminine and enhancing. Ultimately look for dresses which define the waist but skim over the hips as this is more flattering and helps to slim the figure. W h en y ou try Top T i p... on so m et hi n g d o I fe e l co ma lwa ys a sk you rself fo rt a ble C omfo rt u su a lly m sh owin g of f w ea n s g ood ba la n ce.i s th e it em h at y ou wa nt to sh ow of f.
Top Tip... Style is all about fun. It is not all about rules. Always try on one item that scares you. Most it is usually this item that surprises most women! TOPS Simple fitted t-shirts, shirts with open necklines, feminine sweaters with low V necklines, wrap-over tops, tank top t-shirts the choice is endless. Have fun with details such as sleeve style and length, necklines, shoulder detailing, prints and colours. Just keep good structure & shape to your outfit. Statement necklaces, jewel embel lished necklines all draw the eye up. Colourful statement shoes draw the eye down. Cinched in waist with a belt! Fabulous balance outfit! When choosing shirts, always go for tailored styles, perhaps with darts, which define and enhance the waist. Wrap-over tops are perfect for enhancing the defined waist of an Hourglass and are flattering for the bust. Any style which has shape at the waist and is well fitted. If you prefer looser tops around the middle keep the fabric light so you can see your shape. COATS Jackets should always have a clearly defined waist and structured shoulders. They might also ideally feature seams & tailoring that follow the natural curves. Peplum jackets with structured shoulders are great. Belted trench coats are fabulous. Tailored suits are great for work. They provide good balance top & bottom. Just ensure that the leg length is not too short. Opt for light to medium weight fabrics that show your shape off and don t add bulk. Log onto stylefish.ie for more inspiration for your shape
FABRICS AND PATTERN ACCESSORIES Accessories for any outfit should be used to enhance an outfit and add Individuality. Accessories can be cleverly used to draw attention to parts of the body you love. Neckline for example The Hourglass has great freedom when it comes to shoes, bags and accessories. Let your imagination and creativity flow. You have to be strict when it comes to shapely clothes so use accessories as your blank canvas. The best fabrics for the Hourglass are those which are light to medium in weight and texture, for example: cotton mixes, light to medium weight wool and jersey, cotton and linen, raw silk, satin, cashmere, georgette and crepe, velvet, plaids. As a rule of thumb, go for how you feel in different patterns. However, some women who are very fair can feel a little lost in too much pattern whereas is you have very dark features it can look better. Also, remember you will tire of pattern more easily than other items. The best wardrobes are made up of really good basics enhanced by colour, pattern and accessories In the case of denim, always go for medium weight fabrics, perhaps with some lycra content which will work with your curves! Top Tip. The best wardrobes always have quality over quantity. It is worth spending more on key items like denim, a great coat and good fabrics for a wardrobe that works harder for longer.! Mix and match these more expensive items with high street items to create your own unique look. Avoid clothes that Have no shape and disguise your fab features. Too many ruffles & pleats can drown your shape. Straight up & down dresses with no shape add on unwanted pounds. Skirts which are too full as they bring imbalance. Tapered trousers as they put too much emphasis on the hip area and can make your bum look bigger. Style with a longer top if you find a pair you do like Baggy t-shirts or oversized clothes hide all shapes and don t allow you to make the most of your waist and overall shape. Boxy collarless, shapeless jackets.
Top Style Advice What you look for in your friends you should also look for in your clothes. Those that compliment who you are, let you have fun, make your feel good about yourself, stick by ou in ups and downs and they will tell the world how confident and great you are before you ve even had a chance to speak. www.stylefish.ie