Body Shape Styling - Hourglass

One word can describe the hourglass body shape – curves. Most women envy the womanly shape that is hourglass. This shape is defined generally as a woman with similar bust and hip measurements and sometimes a curvy bottom. An hourglass shape can be a size 6 to 26, the size doesn’t matter – it’s the shape that defines this body type.

Celebrities with hourglass shapes include Jessica Simpson, Marilyn Monroe, Salma Hayek, Mariah Carey and Beyonce Knowles.

threadsandstyle.com.au’s number one style rule is to emphasise your assets. Hourglass shapes should emphasise those girls, opt for slightly plunging or v-shape necklines. You should also avoid being colour top-heavy as this can emphasise the bust. Instead, lengthen your gorgeous hourglass figure with light colours on top and dark colours on the bottom.

The first rule in styling is to start with your undergarments. You must have a well fitting bra. Your bra should be professionally fitted and you will find your size will vary from a regular fit to strapless.

You should also have a range of underpants for all occasions. Underpant staples should include boy leg and standard knickers in a range of basic colours.  The most gorgeous clothes can look terrible if your undergarments are not well fitted.

Follow these tips to help hourglass shapes create a more balanced look:

• V-neck tops will flatter your chest better than round and accentuate your bust line. With the right bra, you can support a large chest. Ensure the top is not too tight or too loose. Only wear a tight fitted top if you are wearing high waisted bottoms.
• Avoid loose, baggy bottoms. Ill-fitting track pants, cargos or jeans do nothing to accentuate your figure. In fact this style of clothing can make you look bigger than you are. Opt for wide legged or flares bottoms that balance out your hips. You are also blessed to be able to wear low-rise pants.
• Wrap-style tops, skirts and dresses are your new best friend. A wrap-style will showcase your small waist. You also look great in fitted waist tops such as bustier style.
• Avoid empire waists (these are low cut dresses with high waistline and short bodice), they will make you look dowdy and can create the illusion of pregnancy. Instead, go for floaty or flowing dresses that skim your curves.
• Maxi length dresses and skirts are also a great option for slimming the rear, just make sure they are a right fit, not too floaty but not figure hugging.

Shop for clothing to suit your hourglass figure with these fabulous pieces:

Honey and Beau On the street pant
Talulah We Danced Silk Top
Ladakh Bad Romance Dress
Talulah Imagining Knit Cardigan
Billion Dollar Babes Shirt Maker Gown
Ivy Purple Velvet Pumps
Midori Strappy Heels
Betty Basics Tank

Post by Claire Boulton, threadsandstyle.com.au

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Graphics by Katelyn Hague.

MAY MUST-HAVES

May is that time of year when we must face the fact that summer has left us and it’s time to start layering up. And even though we’re sad that the temperature has dropped, it’s also nice to start getting cozy with some yummy scarves, cardis and flats and boots.  Autumn doesn’t have to be a massive drag if you treat yourself to some key pieces to mix and match to create different looks.

Layering up is a great way to keep warm and look fashionable with a great scarf, we like this Spotty Time Scarf from Seafolly, or this Restore Cardi from WISH.

A new season and a new pair of sunnies. Loving the pinstripe in these Raen The Myopia Sunglasses.

A new pair of statement black pants are a must, we like these Stand And Delivery Pants from Pilgrim Clothing.

Add some sparkle with this Sue Sensi The Simple Things Ring or the New York New York Bracelet Set from SanCerre.

Autumn is the perfect time for a smoky eye, and this Black Pearl Eye Palette from Bobbi Brown has all the colours you’ll need to make your eyes pop.

These super stylish Bree boots from Senso make even the chilliest days ok.