When dressing for an hourglass figure, there are certain styles and garments to avoid in order to flatter your shape. Here are some common recommendations from the search results:
- Necklines: Avoid wide necklines, square necklines, boat necks, high necklines, and turtlenecks, as they can add volume to the bust area. Instead, opt for slimming necklines like V-necks1.
- Shapeless and Boxy Styles: Avoid anything that is shapeless and boxy, as it can hide your natural silhouette and make you look bigger than you are. Look for clothes that offer a defined silhouette and highlight your curves2.
- Skirt Styles: Avoid boxy and straight skirt styles, as well as skirts with big voluminous pockets, ruffles, darts, or other embellishments around the hips. These can unbalance your outfit. Also, stay away from low-waisted skirts, as they can add bulk to the lower body. Instead, opt for skirts that draw focus to the waist without adding extra volume to the bust134.
- Heavy Prints and Flounces: Avoid heavy prints or flounces around the chest area, as they can distract from your curves. Opt for simpler patterns and designs that complement your shape4.
- Baggy Styles: It can be challenging to master baggy clothes with an hourglass shape, so it’s generally recommended to avoid them. Opt for fitted or tailored styles that accentuate your curves3.
- High Necklines: While an hourglass figure can be flattered by a variety of different necklines, it’s best to avoid high necklines. If you must wear a high neckline, create balance by wearing a necklace that gives the illusion of an open neckline2.
This image is property of global-uploads.webflow.com.
Introduction
When it comes to dressing for your body shape, knowing what works and what doesn’t is essential. If you have an hourglass figure – characterized by a narrow waist and balanced proportions between your bust and hips – there are certain styles that can either enhance your curves or do the opposite. In this article, we will delve into what dresses you should avoid wearing with an hourglass figure, so you can make more informed choices and feel confident in your fashion choices.
Avoiding Shapeless and Unstructured Dresses
As someone with an hourglass figure, it’s important to steer clear of shapeless or unstructured dresses. These styles can hide your natural curves and give the illusion of a less defined waistline. Opt for dresses that cinch at the waist or have some form of structure, such as a seamed bodice or a defined waistline. This will help accentuate your curves and create a more flattering silhouette.
Staying Away from Bulky Fabrics
Bulky fabrics can add unnecessary volume to your frame and make you appear larger than you are. Avoid dresses made from thick or heavy materials, as they can add bulk to your hips and bust area. Instead, opt for lightweight fabrics that drape gracefully over your curves, such as silk, chiffon, or jersey. These fabrics will cling to your body in all the right places and create a more streamlined look.
Avoiding Excessive Detailing
While details like ruffles, bows, and embellishments can be fun and add visual interest to a dress, they can also overwhelm an hourglass figure. Avoid dresses with excessive detailing around the bust or hips, as this can draw unnecessary attention to those areas and detract from your overall shape. Instead, opt for dresses with simpler designs that highlight your natural curves without overwhelming them.
This image is property of gabriellearruda.com.
Avoiding Horizontal Stripes
Horizontal stripes can be tricky for hourglass figures, as they can create the illusion of more width in the bust or hips. While there are no hard and fast rules, it’s generally best to avoid dresses with wide horizontal stripes, especially if they fall across your widest points. Instead, opt for vertical stripes or smaller, more subtle patterns that can create a more elongated and slimming effect.
Steering Clear of High Necklines
High necklines, such as turtlenecks or high collars, can create a boxy or unbalanced look for hourglass figures. They can also draw attention away from your natural waistline and make your torso appear shorter. Instead, opt for dresses with more flattering necklines, such as V-necks, scoop necks, or sweetheart necklines. These styles will highlight your décolletage and draw attention to your curves in a more flattering way.
This image is property of global-uploads.webflow.com.
Embracing Knee-Length Dresses
Knee-length dresses are a great choice for hourglass figures, as they hit at the narrowest part of your legs and highlight your curves. However, it’s important to choose the right fit and silhouette. Avoid dresses that are too tight or too loose, as they can either cling to your curves in an unflattering way or hide them completely. Look for knee-length dresses that have a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette, as this will accentuate your waist and create a balanced look.
Maximizing the Appeal of Midi Dresses
Midi dresses, which typically fall between the knee and ankle, can be a stylish choice for hourglass figures. However, it’s important to be mindful of proportion. Avoid midi dresses that hit right at the widest part of your calf, as this can create a boxy or unbalanced look. Instead, opt for midi dresses that hit just below the knee or mid-calf, as these lengths will elongate your legs and create a more balanced silhouette.
This image is property of global-uploads.webflow.com.
Flattering with Fit-and-Flare Silhouettes
Fit-and-flare dresses are a classic choice for hourglass figures, as they emphasize your waist and highlight your curves. However, it’s important to choose the right length and proportion. Avoid fit-and-flare dresses that are too short, as they can make your torso appear shorter and your hips appear wider. Opt for styles that hit just above or below the knee, as these lengths will be the most flattering and create a balanced look.
Accentuating Your Curves with Wrap Dresses
Wrap dresses are a versatile and flattering choice for hourglass figures. They cinch at the waist and accentuate your curves, creating a feminine and elegant look. However, it’s important to choose the right fit and fabric. Avoid wrap dresses that are too loose or have too much fabric, as they can hide your natural shape and create a bulky look. Opt for wrap dresses that have a slightly stretchy fabric and cinch at the waist, as these styles will accentuate your curves and create a beautiful hourglass shape.
This image is property of global-uploads.webflow.com.
Balancing Your Upper and Lower Body
As an hourglass figure, it’s important to maintain balance between your upper and lower body. Avoid dresses that create a disproportionate look, such as those with oversized sleeves or exaggerated ruffles on the top. Instead, opt for dresses that have more subtle detailing on both the top and bottom, or choose styles that have an interesting focal point that draws attention to your waist, such as a belt or a wrap detail.
Avoiding Dresses with Disproportionate Hemlines
Dresses with disproportionate hemlines can disrupt the balance of an hourglass figure. Avoid dresses that hit at the widest part of your calf or those that are too long and overwhelm your frame. Instead, opt for dresses with hemlines that hit at or just above the knee, as these lengths will create a more balanced look and highlight your curves in the most flattering way.
Avoiding Dresses with Excessive Volume
While volume can be fun and add drama to an outfit, it’s important to be mindful of how it affects your hourglass figure. Avoid dresses with excessive volume, such as oversized skirts or puffy sleeves, as they can make you appear larger than you are and hide your natural curves. Instead, opt for dresses with more structured silhouettes that accentuate your waist and flatter your figure.
Opting for Structured Fabrics
Structured fabrics can work wonders for hourglass figures, as they provide shape and definition to your curves. Avoid dresses made from flimsy or clingy fabrics, as they can either hide your natural shape or cling in all the wrong places. Instead, opt for dresses made from thicker materials, such as tweed or jacquard, that provide structure and create a more polished and sophisticated look.
Highlighting Your Shape with Vertical Patterns
Vertical patterns, such as pinstripes or vertical stripes, can elongate your silhouette and create a leaner appearance. Avoid dresses with horizontal patterns or large, bold prints, as they can draw unnecessary attention to your curves and make you appear wider than you are. Instead, opt for dresses with more subtle vertical patterns or small, delicate prints that accentuate your shape without overpowering it.
Choosing Subtle Prints and Tones
When it comes to prints and tones, it’s best to opt for subtle and understated choices for hourglass figures. Avoid dresses with large, bold prints or overly bright colors, as they can overwhelm your frame and detract from your natural curves. Instead, opt for dresses with smaller, more delicate prints or muted tones that complement your figure and create a more balanced and sophisticated look.
Accessorizing to Enhance Your Figure
Accessories can play a crucial role in enhancing your hourglass figure. Avoid bulky or oversized accessories, as they can overpower your frame and hide your natural curves. Instead, opt for accessories that accentuate your waist, such as belts or cinching details. This will draw attention to your curves and create a more defined and flattering silhouette.
Choosing the Right Undergarments
The right undergarments can make a world of difference in how your dresses fit and flatter your hourglass figure. Avoid ill-fitting bras or underwear, as they can create lumps and bumps that disrupt the smooth lines of your dress. Instead, invest in high-quality undergarments that provide support and create a seamless look. Consider getting professional bra fittings to ensure you are wearing the correct size and style for your body shape.
Considering Tailoring for the Perfect Fit
One of the best ways to ensure that your dresses flatter your hourglass figure is to have them tailored to your specific measurements. Avoid settling for dresses that are too loose or too tight, as they can hide your natural curves or create unflattering lines. Instead, invest in tailoring to achieve the perfect fit. Whether it’s taking in the waist or shortening the hemline, a few adjustments can make a world of difference in how your dresses look and flatter your figure.
Embracing Confidence and Self-Expression
While it’s important to consider certain guidelines when dressing for an hourglass figure, it’s also essential to embrace confidence and self-expression. Experiment with different styles and looks, and don’t be afraid to break the rules and wear what makes you feel good. Ultimately, the most important thing is to feel confident and comfortable in your own skin, regardless of what dresses you choose to wear.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dressing for an hourglass figure involves understanding and accentuating your natural curves. By avoiding shapeless dresses, bulky fabrics, excessive detailing, and certain necklines, you can enhance your hourglass shape and create a more balanced and flattering silhouette. Choosing the right lengths and silhouettes, understanding proportions, and opting for the best fabrics and patterns are also key factors in finding dresses that complement your figure. With the right choices and a touch of self-expression, you can celebrate your hourglass figure and feel confident and empowered in your fashion choices.