How to Dress to Flatter an Hourglass Body Type

An hourglass body type has moderate to large bust and hips, and a small waist—generally 10 inches smaller than the bust and hips. The hourglass is the most highly desired body type for women due to its femininity. Dressing to flatter the hourglass body type focuses on proportion, since the top and bottom half balance out so well.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose tops that define your small waist. Wrap tops, tie waist tops or belted tops are great examples of this.

2. Show off a great bust. Scoop necks tops and V-neck tops are examples of tops that accomplish this for an hourglass body type.

3. Try wearing single piece outfits. They don't break up the figure like a two piece outfit, which flatters an hourglass body type's curves.

4. Wear straight leg or slightly flared bottoms. Baggy pants give the appearance of more roundness, so opt for the pants that are fitted at the top that help define and flatter the slim waist.

5. Avoid necklines that hit high on the neck like turtlenecks. They draw attention away from the waist—the main asset of the hourglass.

6. Select skirts that hit right above the knee or lower. While shorter skirts draw attention away from the waist, the longer lengths show off legs while still accentuating the waist area on an hourglass body type.

7. Find jackets that hit either above or below the rear. Anything that hits directly on the bottom will make an hourglass figure appear larger.