Work With Your Body Shape

 

 

Wearing clothes that work with your body shape rather than against it is key to looking and feeling great.  This week’s focus is the hourglass.

 

If you watched my Instagram stories yesterday you will have seen that my Style Surgery helped viewers  identify if they were an hourglass and gave some tips on what to look out for when shopping.  You can still watch it in my highlights here.

 

Meanwhile, I’ve done an online shop for an hourglass ‘client’ and want to share with you a few key pieces.  Of course, we’re all individual, we have different body shapes.  You could be a narrow hourglass, a petite, or a tall hourglass.  For a bespoke fitting work with me, but do take a look at the full shop on my Pinterest board for ideas.

 

My Top Three Tips below…

 

The Trench.

Okay, so first off, it’s raining.  We’re in the middle of a storm, but hey it’s the UK, there’s always a shower heading our way.  So what better way to stay showerproof and stylish than with a trench coat.

What I love about the hourglass body shape is that you can really tune is to the classic trench cut – fitted, neat, and belted.  You can see from my example below, that this style ensures you don’t lose your waist.

Avoid cape style, oversized trench trends.  They’ll drown you.

A double breasted Trench Coat currently in Marks & Spencer.

 

 

The All Occasion Dress.

There is definitely a trend for dresses with a built-in cinched waist this season that I would make the most of if an hourglass is adding to her wardrobe this season.

Some retailers call it a knot, but you’ll notice a gathering around the waistline and it’s just brilliant for anyone who has a narrow waist, or for someone who wants to create more of a defined waist.

Zara has some great options, but I’ve focused on this design from Hush.  I’ve seen this dress in real life and what I love about it for an hourglass figure is that it also has a small print so it won’t overpower the silhouette.  Hourglass figures are one of the few body shapes that can wear one colour or print from top to toe, because they have balanced proportions.

Hush, Saskia Twist Shirt Dress.

The Cute Knit.

A wrap style is the easiest top for an hourglass to wear, as long as it’s covering the bust.  On the latter point, size up, or use hidden fastenings to ensure you don’t have gaping necklines.

This season, knits are a key look and to narrow it down further, a cardigan is THE piece to wear.  The retailer, & Other Stories has introduced a range of soft, fluffy cardigans that are perfect for the hourglass figure.  See below, Turquoise wrap cardigan.

 

 

Really fluid and effortlessly pretty, this aqua coloured top will softly support those fabulous curves, and, as you can see, works really well with denim.  I’d also love to see it with culottes, worn with knee-high boots underneath.

I hope you’ve enjoyed these key pieces.  Got the bug to shop some more?  Head to my Pinterest board for other ideas.  Want more help?  Please see my in-person and online services here.  I offer a free half hour consultation, so make the most of it and let’s have a chat about your wardrobe frustrations and how I can help.  Drop me a line info@notgivinin.com and let me help look and feel great.

Have a great weekend.

 

 

Gail xx