How to dress an hourglass body shape
Understanding balance, proportions and how to highlight your natural silhouette
If you have a balanced silhouette with defined curves, you might hear people call it an hourglass. It is often used as a shorthand, but at Very YOU, we prefer to look at the reality of your frame. Dressing an hourglass figure is all about working with the balance you already have rather than trying to hide or change it.
What do we mean by an hourglass figure?
Usually, an hourglass refers to a body where the bust and hips are about the same width, with a narrower waist in between. It is a helpful way to describe a visual balance, but it does not account for everything. Your height, shoulder width and how your frame carries bone structure are just as important as your general shape. Very YOU does not use fruit labels to define you. Instead, we use a Kibbe-inspired system of body types to look at your proportions and bone structure in detail. A person who looks like an hourglass might actually be a Romantic with a shorter, rounded frame, or perhaps a Soft Dramatic with more length and angularity. Your body type guide gives you far more specific advice on what silhouettes will look right on you.
Why the right fabric changes everything
When you have a defined waist, the fabric you choose is often more important than the cut. Rigid, stiff fabrics can sometimes hang straight off your bust or hips, creating a boxy look that obscures your natural curves. If you want to show your shape, look for materials with a bit of drape or stretch. Jersey, silk blends, fine knits and soft wools tend to follow your body lines without adding bulk. If you love a structured piece, like a blazer or a coat, look for options that feature internal darting or a waist seam so the piece mirrors your proportions rather than fighting against them.
How to approach waist definition
Many people with balanced proportions like to highlight their waist. You do not have to wear skin-tight clothing to do this. Often, a slight adjustment is all it takes to shift the focus. A wrap dress naturally pulls in at the narrowest part of your torso, or a high-waisted trouser can sit right at your natural waistline. Belts are a common tool, but you can also use simple styling tricks. Tucking a shirt into a skirt or opting for a knit with a ribbed waist band can provide exactly the same effect. If you prefer a relaxed style, you can still lean into this by pairing a slightly oversized top with a skirt or trousers that fit snugly at the waist.
Creating hourglass figure outfits with necklines
Your neckline frames your face and shoulders, helping to manage how the eye moves across your outfit. If you feel your top half is getting lost, V-necks and scoop necks are excellent for drawing attention to your centre. They also help to break up the space between your shoulders and your waist. If you prefer something higher, a boat neck or a sweetheart neckline can be just as effective. These styles emphasise the width of your shoulders, which can create a nice counterpoint to your hips. The best neckline for you will depend on your personal style identity, perhaps you lean towards the Graceful aesthetic or prefer something more Minimalist.
Does my colour season matter?
Your colour season matters as much as your body type. An outfit might be the perfect shape, but if the colour makes you look tired, you will reach for it less often. Combine the two. Once you know your palette, look for clothes that fit your proportions in colours that make your skin look clear and rested. If you haven't yet, take our Very YOU quiz to get your personalised profile. It will help you see which colours from your season will work best for your everyday outfits, and you can even filter your shop by your specific body type to find clothes that match your proportions.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to wear belts to show my waist?
Not at all. While belts are a common tool, they can sometimes feel uncomfortable or fussy. You can achieve the same effect by choosing tops cut to sit closer to the waist or by tucking in your shirts.
Can I wear oversized clothes if I have an hourglass figure?
Yes. Fashion is about what you enjoy wearing. If you love the look of oversized items, try balancing a loose top with a more fitted bottom, or vice versa, if you find the overall volume overwhelming.
How do I know my specific body type?
Our body type system uses 13 categories to assess your frame and proportions. You can find out which one you might be by reading our body type directory or by filling out your profile in our quiz.
If you have a balanced silhouette with defined curves, you might hear people call it an hourglass. It is often used as a shorthand, but at Very YOU, we prefer to look at the reality of your frame. Dressing an hourglass figure is all about working with the balance you already have rather than trying to hide or change it.
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BROOKE SHIRT - THE TAILORED - Black, Cotton Twill - 16
The Shirt Company
-£95.00TAILORED V-LINE SILHOUETTE — BROADENS THE SHOULDERS, NARROWS THE WAIST Flattering fit designed for real women No gaping at the bust Premium, breathable fabric Designed in London, made in limited pieces Featuring structured waist-to-shoulder panels, the Brooke blouse offers a sophisticated nod to the 80's while sculpting a flattering trapezoid silhouette that slims the waist and defines the shoulders. Crafted from medium-weight cotton twill, this crisp black blouse boasts precision shirt-making with front and back waist darts and a perfectly structured classic collar. Tuck it into high-waisted tailored trousers or denim for an effortlessly cool 80’s power dressing vibe and uber flattering silhouette. Model is wearing a size 10, height is 5'9" === Available in back only Limited quantity - small batch production Tailored fit 100% cotton twill, medium weight and structured Side panels creating a trapeze shape to slim waist and define shoulders Button front placket Standard two button cuffs Roomy across the bust Mind the gap button hidden inside the placket at bust point to prevent gaping Gathers at top of sleeve head Gentle gathers at cuffs Body length front: sizes 6-8: 66 – 66.5cm, sizes 10-12: 67 – 67.5cm, sizes 14-16: 68 –68.5cm, size 18: 69cm Body length back: sizes 6-8: 64 – 64.5cm, sizes 10-12: 65 – 65.5cm, sizes 14-16: 66 –66.5.cm, size 18: 67cm Machine wash, warm iron Model is wearing a size 10, height is 5’9"
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No sleeves needed for this awesome All Over Print Tank Top! This tank is made with 100% Premium Polyester and hand-finished to ensure your graphic is aligned, complete, and totally brilliant. Machine wash as much as you like - our tanks undergo sublimation printing that utilizes a special heat-dye application that resists fading and bleeds. Comfort & Style 100% Premium Polyester. This fabric is incredibly strong and durable as well as resistant to wrinkles, shrinking, abrasion, and mildew. Machine washable and easy to care for. Vivid & Original 360 Design High-definition sublimation printing technique covers the entire front, back... everything! Each fabric panel of the tank top is printed with the graphics before sewing to ensure the design is flawless and the construction is perfect. Quality - Hand Made in the USA Each tank is created and hand-finished in the USA. High construction quality with great attention to detail ensures it won't ever fade, crack, or peel! - On Cue Apparel Squirtle Men's Tank Top in Black - 3XL by iEDM
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No sleeves needed for this awesome All Over Print Tank Top! This tank is made with 100% Premium Polyester and hand-finished to ensure your graphic is aligned, complete, and totally brilliant. Machine wash as much as you like - our tanks undergo sublimation printing that utilizes a special heat-dye application that resists fading and bleeds. Comfort & Style 100% Premium Polyester. This fabric is incredibly strong and durable as well as resistant to wrinkles, shrinking, abrasion, and mildew. Machine washable and easy to care for. Vivid & Original 360 Design High-definition sublimation printing technique covers the entire front, back... everything! Each fabric panel of the tank top is printed with the graphics before sewing to ensure the design is flawless and the construction is perfect. Quality - Hand Made in the USA Each tank is created and hand-finished in the USA. High construction quality with great attention to detail ensures it won't ever fade, crack, or peel! - Set 4 Lyfe Metatronic Men's Tank Top in Black - 2XL by iEDM
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This hoodie is made with 100% Premium Quality Poly-Fleece Fabric and hand-finished to ensure your pullover hoodie graphic is aligned, complete, and totally brilliant. Machine wash as much as you like - our hoodies undergo sublimation printing that utilizes a special heat-dye application that resists fading and bleeds. Comfort & Style 100% Premium Quality Poly-Fleece Fabric. This fabric is incredibly strong and durable as well as resistant to wrinkles, shrinking, abrasion, and mildew. Machine washable and easy to care for. Vivid & Original 360 Design High-definition sublimation printing technique covers the entire front, back, hood, sleeves - everything! Each fabric panel of the hoodie is printed with the graphics before sewing to ensure the design is flawless and the construction is perfect. Quality - Hand Made in the USA Each hoodie is created and hand-finished in the USA. High construction quality with great attention to detail ensures it won't ever fade, crack, or peel! - BrizBazaar Dreamy Ohm Unisex Hoodie in Black - 2XL - Pullover by iEDM
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