Style guide for
Hourglass Body Type
Hourglass
The hourglass body type is characterized by nearly equal hip and shouler/bust measurements while the waist is typically more narrow. This is what makes the body appear like an hourglass shape.
Widest Area
Shoulders and Hips
Goal
Keeping the waist defined and the upper and lower body porportionally balanced.
Focus On
The natural silhouette of the body and defining the waist.
Avoid
Adding bulk to the shoulds and hips and don’t bring extra attention to the bust area with busy patterns and prints.
Tips & Tricks
Use this body type fashion guide to find the best clothing options for your specific body type. You should always pay attention to:
Color & Texture
Focus on texture and color for the upper and lower body while staying away from busy prints and patterns in the bust area. Use this as an opportunity to play with a variety of colors, texture and patterns that excite and inspire you. Limit how much black you pick out. Get outside of your comfort zone. You might surprise yourself.
Layers
Add volume equally on the upper and lower body paying attention to define your waistline. This might mean picking out clothing items that add movement – a robe that can hang off the shoulder and be pulled into the waistline. Items that can be easily added to a look make it more versatile.
Lines
Avoid horizontal lines but rather use lines in the clothing design to elongate the body and draw the attention to the waist line in equal proportions from the upper and lower body. No matter what body type you are, the goal is ALWAYS to create a visual waistline while balancing out the shoulders and hips.
Balance
As with any body type, we want to balance out the volume and define the waistline. The HOURGLASS body type’s widest area is the shoulders and hips. In comparison to the shoulders and hips, the much more narrow waistline is what creates that hourglass shape.
Do follow the silhouette
Use the natural silhouette of the figure to accentuate the hourglass shape. Define the waistline with leading lines and belts. Use clothing – pattern, color and texture to equally balance the upper and lower body.
Don't add volume to the waist
Don’t add extra bulk to the waistline. Keep this area defined. Likewise, don’t add unecessary volume to either the upper or lower body. Keep it balanced.
Shopping
More is More
When we build your 5 outfits for the shoot, we need options to work with and build those looks. Bring MORE than just 5 outfits. If you try something on and it makes you feel good, throw it in your bag!
(This also does not mean bring your entire closet. Use your best judgement)
variety
We want to capture as much variety as possible in these 5 looks. Think about color, texture, layers, accessories, etc. We know that everyone gravitates toward black but throwing a little color into the mix can be a game changer!
Not sure what colors looks best on you? Take a quiz and then use the color pallette.
Extra, Extra!
Bring plenty of extra undergarment sets to your session. We can’t stress this enough! Again, thinking of color and texture when doing so. This will give us the potential to expand your looks and add variety very easily. Often times, in ways you may not have anticipated when you packed your bag.
As an Amazon Affiliate, I will earn money from qualifying purchases and links on this page.
Tops & OUterWear
Fitted tops
Rounded, Square, or V necklines
Corset Tops
Fitted Jackets
What’s Working in this Look?
This tight crop top accentuates the natural silhouette of her upper body while also creating a visual waistline with the juxtaposition of the t-shirt to skin. The rounded neckline shows off the lines of her shoulder.
Shop Tops & Outerwear
Here are some examples that you can use for inspiration or take out all of the guesswork and click on an image to add to your shopping cart. Remember to consider pattern and color when you’re shopping.
Do Your Own Search
Here are some keywords/phrases you can use to do your own search.
“Fitted Leather Jacket for Women“
Lingerie
Halter Necklines
Strappy Material
Sweetheart Necklines
What’s Working in this Look?
Strappy lingerie works really well for the hourglass body type. This body type naturally has a defined waistline and we want to capitalize on that. The straps on the bottom lead the eye up and out while the straps on the torso and waist define that area. The balance of fabric on the lower and upper body doesn’t overpower one another.
Shop Lingerie
Here are some examples that you can use for inspiration or take out all of the guesswork and click on an image to add to your shopping cart. Remember to consider pattern and color when you’re shopping.
Do Your Own Search
Here are some keywords/phrases you can use to do your own search.
Dresses, Skirts, & Robes
Fitted but not overly tight
Pencil skirts and high waisted skirts
What’s Working in this Look?
This dress is form fitting to accentuate her natural silhouette. The skin between the bralette and the pencil skirt create a natural waistband. The monochromatic feel of the pattern/texture creates visual interest.
Shop Dresses, Skirts, & Robes
Here are some examples that you can use for inspiration or take out all of the guesswork and click on an image to add to your shopping cart. Remember to consider pattern and color when you’re shopping.
Do Your Own Search
Here are some keywords/phrases you can use to do your own search.
Pants
High-waisted to define the waistline
Straight cut or boot cut – but hourglass can wear almost any pant.
What’s Working in this Look?
The crop top and the high-waisted jeans create a visual waistline. All of the clothing is form fitted, which accentuates the natural curves of the body and allows them to do most of the work in showing off the hourglass figure.
Shop Pants
Here are some examples that you can use for inspiration or take out all of the guesswork and click on an image to add to your shopping cart. Remember to consider pattern and color when you’re shopping.
Do Your Own Search
Here are some keywords/phrases you can use to do your own search.
Need More Help?
Could you benefit from more one-on-one help from a fashion expert?
You're in luck! Our amazing CRAVE Fashion Coach, Liz Garcia, offers various services for those who need a little more hand-holding. From private consultations to shopping lists curated for you, right down to doing the shopping for you, she is incredibly talented and our clients LOVE her. You will too!
Request Help
All fields are required
Questions?
If you have questions about this guide, your body type, or your upcoming CRAVE Session, please reach out.