Hourglass figure... How to dress well?
Are you curvy, with a defined waist, aligned hips and shoulders, and a rounded bust? No doubt about it, you have an hourglass figure!
Your motto: learn to love and embrace your body!
If you look at yourself objectively in the mirror, you see a generous figure that remains soft and harmonious. Your shoulders and hips are aligned, all curves and femininity. Your waist creates a graceful shape between the upper and lower body. Your beautifully feminine proportions give your look a touch of sensuality and softness.
If you see yourself in this description, there's no doubt: you have an hourglass figure.
It's a stunning silhouette, often celebrated in film and art. It embodies the idea of a star woman, with assets that deserve to be celebrated and more than make up for any little imperfections.
And yet, not every woman feels at ease with it, as this curvy silhouette often comes with a fuller bust and soft curves... In short, it's full of charm but not always in line with fashion's strict standards.
Don't hide away in oversized clothes or baggy pants. Instead, discover fashion tips that highlight your best features while keeping you comfortable and true to yourself!
And if you sometimes feel frustrated with your hourglass shape, remember that this voluptuous, truly feminine silhouette has been embodied by some of the greatest beauty icons throughout history.
Celebrities who embrace their hourglass figure
Marilyn Monroe
The ultimate icon of Hollywood glamour! With her voluptuous curves, defined waist, and graceful posture, the irresistible Marilyn is often cited as the perfect hourglass figure. And yet... it's said she disliked her thighs and curvy hips! More recently, Monica Bellucci has also made her mark on screen and in life with her striking presence and impressive curves, all in service of her radiant beauty and extraordinary personality.
Scarlett Johansson
An actress with magnetic charm, Scarlett is one of those women with a unique aura and style: a radiant face, balanced shoulders and hips, and a beautifully defined waist. She embraces her body with elegance, expressing a modern sensuality. Her signature pout and innocent gaze have brought vintage pieces like the Peter Pan collar and white cable-knit tennis sweater back into the spotlight, while for interviews and cocktail events, she effortlessly switches to long dresses, chic suits, or casual looks.
Kim Kardashian
Kim has reignited the public's love for spectacular beauty. She boldly wears plunging necklines and form-fitting, eccentric outfits—often in dazzling white or provocative nude tones—to highlight her curves and generous bust, creating an electrifying fashion statement that's impossible to miss on social media.
Ashley Graham
A 'plus-size' model and passionate body positive advocate, Ashley is an inspiring example of a confident hourglass figure. She proves that this silhouette can be embraced in every clothing size and style, with no need for self-doubt.
These iconic women each have their own style, personality, color palette, and unique way of dressing to highlight their figures.
What unites them is their ability to embrace their curves with confidence and inspire other women to do the same.
That's why Elora is here to help you create an outfit inspired by their style choices... Or maybe even build a whole new wardrobe just for you, filled with pieces that reflect your own version of the hourglass shape. If you're lucky enough to join a private shopping session with Elora, you'll enjoy a free makeover—boosting your self-confidence along the way.
Hourglass figure: the clothes to choose
The good news is, there are plenty of ways to dress and find the perfect balance—by playing with cuts, fabrics, and styles that suit you, all while respecting your natural lines.
By dressing for your body shape, you showcase your figure and its proportions. With an hourglass silhouette, you can try out so many styles.
The goal, for your body type, is to highlight your waist while keeping a balance between your upper and lower body.
Are you curvy, with a truly feminine silhouette? Embrace it and go for outfits that follow your shape, without restricting it. Here are some must-haves to dress well, feel beautiful, and stay comfortable:
Fitted or wrap tops
Choose tops that hug your waist without feeling tight. Wrap styles are perfect for elegantly accentuating the bust, while creating a beautiful line across your chest. Tuck them into your trousers or skirts for a guaranteed wow effect.
High-waisted trousers and skirts
High-waisted styles are your best friends: they highlight your slim waist and perfectly balance your hips. Whether you go for a chic pencil skirt, an A-line for extra comfort, or classic trousers for everyday wear, you'll always look your best.
Fitted dresses
The sleeveless sheath dress and the wrap dress, draped at the bust, are perfect for highlighting your body's proportions—without being provocative. Choose soft, stretchy fabrics that move gracefully with you, and accessorize with belts.
The best jean cuts
Elora has created a Jeans Bar where you'll find personalized advice and a wide variety of stylish designs.
The main idea, for an hourglass figure, is to find trousers that flatter your curves. The goal is to enhance and elongate your natural silhouette, without weighing it down or making it look boxy.
Classic, high-waisted
Your best ally! It highlights the waist and hugs the hips without creating a gap at the waistband. It shapes your silhouette and elongates your legs.
Slim or skinny stretch
If well-tailored, it follows your body's lines without feeling tight. It's best to choose a flexible style with a bit of elastane for extra comfort and a flattering 'second skin' effect.
Straight jeans
Classic and timeless, it's perfect for the figure 8 shape. It became a staple in the USA in the 60s and remains ideal for a chic yet relaxed look.
Bootcut or flare style
Fitted at the hips, slightly flared at the bottom, it visually lengthens your lower body and legs. Even better with heels or ankle boots!
"Curvy fit" or contoured waistband
These styles seem specially designed for the figure 8 woman: they don't gape, while still letting you move freely. A real joy to wear!
Essential basics and accessories
Short jackets and cardigans
A well-structured jacket or cardigan, cinched at the waist, with a wide open collar and fluid sleeves for extra comfort, shapes your silhouette and adds a sophisticated touch to any outfit. It's the little extra that makes all the difference. The same goes for coats!
V, square, or round necklines
These necklines enhance your posture and bust without overdoing it. The V-neck is especially flattering for elongating your silhouette.
Belts to highlight the waist
Whether they're narrow or wide, worn over a dress, skirt, blouse, or even a jacket, belts elegantly shape your look. Never underestimate the power of this ultra-feminine accessory!
Flowy and comfortable fabrics
Choose light, soft fabrics that gently caress your skin without feeling tight. Flowing materials add movement and softness to your silhouette.
Don't fall into a fashion faux pas!
Because every body deserves to be highlighted, it's just as important to know which cuts may be less flattering for the figure 8 woman. These aren't strict rules, but rather caring advice to help you preserve your natural curves... and bring out what makes you beautiful.
To avoid... low-rise bottoms
Even though some trends are bringing them back, low-rise pants or skirts tend to shorten the silhouette and hide the waist. Unless you're particularly tall, opt for straight cuts and high waists, which elongate your figure and highlight your femininity.
When choosing colors, go for solid or even dark shades around the hips... But feel free to wear white and bold colors at the neckline.
Focus on jeans
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Low-rise waists and cargo pockets: Best to avoid, as they break up your silhouette and make you look shorter.
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Non-stretch cuts that don't fit well: too tight at the hips or saggy at the waist, they throw off the whole look.
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Shapes that are too wide or too straight, without structure: trying to hide small imperfections can actually amplify them and draw attention to the wrong places!
Clothes that are too loose
Coats, cardigans, or jackets that don't define the waist can create a uniform volume, hiding what makes your hourglass shape so beautiful. If you like wearing oversized tops, try belting them or pairing them with a fitted skirt or slim pants.
Horizontal stripes
While they can be very stylish, horizontal stripes tend to visually widen certain areas. If you love them, go for well-structured pieces and avoid colors that are too contrasting.
Ruffles, pockets, and voluminous frills
Bold details, especially around the hips or chest, should be chosen sparingly and placed strategically to draw attention where you want it.
Leggings
Even though they're comfortable and practical, leggings can sometimes throw off the balance of an hourglass figure, especially when worn with long, loose tops. If you love them, pair them with more structured pieces or tall boots to elongate your legs and balance your look.
Feeling good in your own skin, in harmony with yourself!
The most important thing is to feel good in your clothes, free to move, and to express your style and personality. All these tips and tricks are here to guide you, but your comfort and confidence always come first.
Would you like Elora to suggest a selection of outfits or combinations, playing with your favorite color palette? It's best to choose them based on what suits your complexion, by determining your color profile. So, follow the guide and discover our stylists' tips: read our article on color analysis.
