https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/styles-of-dresses-for-hourglass-shape Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:27 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/styles-of-dresses-for-hourglass-shape#post-1532526 Mon, 03 Aug 2015 18:11:35 +0000 Von 1532526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hourglass here as well, and everything you said about what works and doesn't is true.&nbsp; Shirt dresses always come out frumpy, the belting just does us no favors (which is odd, because it seems like a waist cinch usually does the trick). Sheath dresses are very hard to find so that they fit, but aren't va-va voom (I have yet to find that magical fitted, not fitted sheath). I think if you're going to have an hourglass, you have to accept that the hourglass is going to do it's thing in certain dresses!</p> <p>Wrap dresses are my go-to.&nbsp; I have at least 4 or 5 at this point, and they just work.&nbsp; Banana Republic has great ones every season, and I try to buy when they're having a massive sale. </p> <p>My other choice is pencil skirts + tops. Sometimes, it's just easier to buy separates! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/styles-of-dresses-for-hourglass-shape#post-1532058 Sun, 02 Aug 2015 21:12:31 +0000 Cococat 1532058@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi again Kiwigal. I have a few Jayson Brunsdon dresses which I bought for work and they are really flattering. We can buy them here from Myer but I'm not sure about NZ. </p> <p>If you decide to try online, I find them pretty true to size. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/styles-of-dresses-for-hourglass-shape#post-1532037 Sun, 02 Aug 2015 20:30:26 +0000 Sal 1532037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Jules. &nbsp;Those are useful tips. &nbsp;I also find a light tank/cami or slip under is useful for smoothing, and a little warmth on the changeable weather days we get here. &nbsp;I will look at wrap dresses too, they are a true classic piece. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/styles-of-dresses-for-hourglass-shape#post-1531858 Sun, 02 Aug 2015 13:40:00 +0000 Jules 1531858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wrap dresses all the way - I am (or was once) a short-waisted hourglass as well. The best dresses I have had were wraps. One trick with wrap dresses is that you want to wrap them way tighter than you think you need to - don't just put them on, wrap over and tie; you want to really tightly pull the fabric to your body and suck in your waist when tying the belt. It will relax a bit over the day. I also find jersey type fabrics easier than wovens (and I don't necessarily find jersey dresses as flattering as some do otherwise, but it works in a wrap dress). Another thing I was a bit late to figure out (I'm slow!) was that you do generally need a cami underneath to reduce the vavoom factor. I even wear a turtleneck under a winter-weight wrap dress I own.<br />When it's not tights weather, I like to wear black bike-style exercise shorts underneath, so I don't have to worry about exposure on a windy day, or even having my dress come untied which has happened to me. Personally I think nude-for-me looks like underwear and black looks more like clothing.<br />Another nice thing about wraps is that they typically have sleeves, which I find helps to balance out my hips -&nbsp; basically you are creating an x-shaped hourglass shape. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/styles-of-dresses-for-hourglass-shape#post-1531800 Sun, 02 Aug 2015 09:25:23 +0000 Sal 1531800@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you would really suit them Brooklyn!! &nbsp;I hope they have them in store but I may order them online and see although I am supposed to sit out August shopping wise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/styles-of-dresses-for-hourglass-shape#post-1531799 Sun, 02 Aug 2015 09:10:56 +0000 Brooklyn 1531799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Please do! I am keen to hear your verdict on country road nos 3 and 6. I am going to try them myself when I get a chance. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/styles-of-dresses-for-hourglass-shape#post-1531789 Sun, 02 Aug 2015 07:52:00 +0000 Sal 1531789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks MS42. &nbsp;I have not seen Ellen Tracy but I appreciate your advice.</p> <p>Angie, I need to get in store and do some trying on. &nbsp;I wish more NZ retailers did tall sizings here; whilst I am probably on the fringe of tall and regular sizing I like a lot of dresses but want them longer on me. &nbsp;I promise to get in store and experiment.</p> <p>Coco, yes I think all these shapes would work. &nbsp;I love the last two in particular, I am going to look further at that label. &nbsp;That is the sort of vibe I like; elegant with a gorgeous shape, but not too dressy. &nbsp;These dresses I could see with heels for a night out, or with peep toe booties or even the right flat sandal for every day where.&nbsp;</p> <p>I will try and take some dressing room pics when I get out to the wild!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/styles-of-dresses-for-hourglass-shape#post-1531275 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 12:05:27 +0000 Cococat 1531275@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm an hourglass and short waisted too. Dresses that I would try for my shape would be</p> <p>A wrap<br /><a href="http://www.davidlawrence.com.au/DL-product-detail.html?styl=18145&amp;clr=BLACK%20/%20WH&amp;cat=168#.VbyzGbfLDhA" rel="nofollow"><a href="http://www.davidlawrence.com.au/DL-product-detail.html?styl=18145&#038;clr=BLACK%20/%20WH&#038;cat=168" rel="nofollow">http://www.davidlawrence.com.a.....38;cat=168</a>...</a></p> <p>A fitted V neck<br /><a href="http://www.saba.com.au/paige-ponte-dress-9321143809277.html#start=1&amp;cgid=womenswear-dresses" rel="nofollow">http://www.saba.com.au/paige-p.....ar-dresses</a></p> <p>A boxy funnel neck (60s vibe and should be flattering)<br /><a href="http://www.seedheritage.com/dresses/funnel-neck-dress/w1/i12803328_1001333/" rel="nofollow">http://www.seedheritage.com/dr.....8_1001333/</a></p> <p>Asymetrical hem shift with flattering cut in shoulder<br /><a href="http://www.jaysonbrunsdon.com/jayson-brunsdon-black-label/russet-print-inverted-pleat-dress#.Vby4E7fLDhA" rel="nofollow">http://www.jaysonbrunsdon.com/.....by4E7fLDhA</a></p> <p>This double layered sheath could also work. <br /><a href="http://www.jaysonbrunsdon.com/jayson-brunsdon-black-label/dresses-1/maple-print-doubke-layered-dress#.Vby2OLfLDhA" rel="nofollow"><a href="http://www.jaysonbrunsdon.com/jayson-brunsdon-black-label/dresses-1/maple-print-doubke-layered-dress" rel="nofollow">http://www.jaysonbrunsdon.com/.....ered-dress</a>...</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/styles-of-dresses-for-hourglass-shape#post-1531084 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 00:16:32 +0000 Angie 1531084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Be a devil and try on those boxy dresses <b><i>too.</i></b> At the right length and with the right footwear - they are a great way to refresh your frock capsule for Summer.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/styles-of-dresses-for-hourglass-shape#post-1531053 Fri, 31 Jul 2015 23:24:37 +0000 ma342 1531053@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a fairly curvy hourglass--9 inch difference between bust and wait, 12 inch difference between hips and waist. I don't do dresses that require me to surrender the waistline--I like my waistline! For me, the key with sheath dresses is to find ones that aren't too tight in the hips while still fitting at the waist--which is tough, and why I only own one sheath dress. A high neckline also cuts down on the sexiness factor, obviously.&nbsp;</p> <p>I really like faux wrap dresses (real wraps are too fussy for me). They tend to not be cut as tight at the hips as sheaths, and to have more room for the bust. They do typically require camisoles for coverage, but I can live with that.&nbsp;</p> <p>I've had a lot of luck with Ellen Tracy, but don't know if that brand is available in New Zealand (I'm assuming from your username that that's where you are). It's not a trendy brand, but the fit is right if you're looking for something more conventionally flattering. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/styles-of-dresses-for-hourglass-shape#post-1531049 Fri, 31 Jul 2015 23:12:19 +0000 Sal 1531049@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Brooklyn.</p> <p>That is a pretty dress and agree that tunic styles can just be too short, and there is a horrible length on me just above the knee, I either like knee length or midi or funnily enough quite short!! &nbsp;</p> <p>Smittie, you have something, some of my sheaths are knit which is a bit more casual and body con. &nbsp;Maybe the right fabric could change that.</p> <p>Angie, thanks, I agree. &nbsp;I do love some of those Cos dresses in particular 1,4, and 10. &nbsp;I would have thought 3,5,7,8,9 would be very boxy on me, but I may be unnecessarily discounting a whole lot of dresses.</p> <p>Ann, those are all very pretty dresses and the right shapes. &nbsp;Possibly the fabrics are too delicate for my lifestyle.</p> <p>Alaska Girl, yes wraps can work. &nbsp;I just donated a wrap dress to a cousin because she borrowed it once and it looked better on her. &nbsp;Not many around here at the moment in retail.</p> <p>Diana, yes I am shortwaisted too, although I tend to take a similar size top and bottom. &nbsp;Some of your dresses would work on me, &nbsp; I have a trapeze top that I think works. &nbsp;I love you in that black trapeze one, it is really fun (and it looks cool and breezy too). &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/styles-of-dresses-for-hourglass-shape#post-1530994 Fri, 31 Jul 2015 21:04:44 +0000 Diana 1530994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So I think you are also quite short waisted, like me, right?&nbsp; I find that even though I have a defined waist, I can't really do most dresses with a waist seam or waist band, because a)it's never in the right place, which causes weird bunching and poofing, b) the wider bands are just too wide and there's nowhere for them to go and c) the way a skirt is usually gathered below the waist band means it will poof too much at my high hip.&nbsp; So, I prefer things with no waist band, like a trapeze shape or a princess cut fit-and-flare.&nbsp; The latter is probably the most conventionally flattering but unfortunately very hard to find, probably because they're harder to make.&nbsp; A trapeze with a back tie (like the one in photos 1-2) works well too.&nbsp; If I want more waist definition, I do much better by adding a skinny belt to a trapeze or sack style.</p> <p>I don't do sheaths in general both because they are automatically super bombshelly on me, and because most of them just plain don't fit (I am a size larger on the bottom).&nbsp; Wrap dresses are nice in principle but the vast majority of them are too low because of my short upper body.</p> <p>I love sack/shift dresses like #3 (realistically I need either a very sack-like one, or something with a slight A-line to fit my butt) but they're probably not the most conventionally flattering for hourglasses.</p> <p>I think a shirt dress with the right cut could work as well, although I have yet to find one.&nbsp; </p> <p>ETA: I just posted photos of all my summer casual dresses on <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses" rel="nofollow">museumgal's thread here</a> if you want to take a look.&nbsp; (That's not including fancy dresses or cold weather ones).&nbsp; I just realized that they're all pretty much variations on a theme, but hey, it works for me. &nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/styles-of-dresses-for-hourglass-shape#post-1530948 Fri, 31 Jul 2015 20:27:58 +0000 catgirl 1530948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wrap dresses are the quintessential hourglass dress to me, although maybe that's too vavoom also. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/styles-of-dresses-for-hourglass-shape#post-1530834 Fri, 31 Jul 2015 17:23:24 +0000 Ann Refaa 1530834@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Kiwigal !<br />What would you say about those picks?<br />1.<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/Piggy2gether--Elastic-Waist-Chiffon-Loose/dp/B00K4EGIHG/?tag=refaa147-20">http://www.amazon.com/Piggy2ge.....efaa147-20</a><br />2.<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/Piggy2gether--Bohemia-Elastic-Pleated-Chiffon/dp/B00M9ECV9I/?tag=refaa147-20">http://www.amazon.com/Piggy2ge.....efaa147-20</a><br />3.<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/Leshery-Summer-Elegant-Chiffon-Flowers/dp/B00N79T6NS/?tag=refaa147-20">http://www.amazon.com/Leshery-.....efaa147-20</a><br />4.<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/Casual-Summer-Dresses-Womens-Chiffon/dp/B011O3LZJG/?tag=refaa147-20">http://www.amazon.com/Casual-S.....efaa147-20</a></p> <p>My favourite one is number #3 ! Perfect for summer and you can wear it in so many ways. It's elegant but perfect for everyday occasion as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/styles-of-dresses-for-hourglass-shape#post-1530706 Fri, 31 Jul 2015 13:30:18 +0000 Angie 1530706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the idea of some pretty fit and flares and handkerchief hem dresses. Or a few architectural designs. Do check out COS. They do excellent Summer dresses - of which I linked to a few here.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/styles-of-dresses-for-hourglass-shape#post-1530684 Fri, 31 Jul 2015 12:23:39 +0000 Anonymous 1530684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is it maybe the fabric that's making the sheath dresses look too va va voom?<br />Sheath in cotton seems very versatile. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/styles-of-dresses-for-hourglass-shape#post-1530625 Fri, 31 Jul 2015 07:46:24 +0000 Brooklyn 1530625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi. I don't think no 4 would be unflattering. I think that style would suit an hourglass. No 5 is a bit boxy and no 6 could be problematic because you are tall and broad shouldered. I am very drawn to that style of dress in no 6 but I often find because I am tall also that they just look too short for me and I kind of look like I have outgrown my dress! I really like nos 1 to 3 (especially 2 and 3) and think they would work for you. No 2 is a bit body con of course but I say go for it!<br /> Do you like wrap dresses? I know they are not exactly fashion forward but I think they are classic and would really suit you. Also, anything a bit A line in the skirt but more fitted around the waist. I bought a metalicus dress recently in a style that I think would suit you. It is not midi but is knee length. I will attach photo just to give you an idea of the style I mean (sorry just a bad change room photo). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/styles-of-dresses-for-hourglass-shape#post-1530607 Fri, 31 Jul 2015 05:43:19 +0000 Maneera 1530607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Kiwigal and Firecracker. </p> <p>I agree with you KG, in a male dominated working culture, a fitted sheath that's 'sexy' will either be your best friend, or will be the reason you are taken less seriously. Sad....but true....especially for us hourglass women. </p> <p>I love options 3&amp;4 from your finds. Do you have a Dorothy Perkins store where you live? I ask because the dresses you've liked on me are DP. It's a very affordably priced brand (hence easy to experiment around with) and has a wide wide range of dresses, most of which look really good on hourglass figures. In Pic 4, both me and my sister are wearing Dorothy Perkins dresses, and both of us have an hourglass body but her figure is more similar to yours. </p> <p>Several of my dresses are cotton knits and hence very comfortable for summer. </p> <p>I think both 3&amp;4 from your finds will look stunning on you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/styles-of-dresses-for-hourglass-shape#post-1530593 Fri, 31 Jul 2015 04:35:36 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1530593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maneera, you've got some great dresses!<br />Kiwigal, I really like the black one in your picks (#3). It reminds me of an Eileen Fisher dress I have (mine is sage green, sleeveless), and I can see it going the places you describe. I like the interesting hemline, and it seems like your style. </p> <p>eta: Here's <a href="http://www.eileenfisher.com/EileenFisher/collection/ShopByCategory/Dresses/PRD_S5HN-D2641M/Ballet+Neck+KneeLength+Dress+in+Silk+Crepe+de+Chine.jsp?bmLocale=en_US" rel="nofollow">one from the Eileen Fisher site</a>--very cool design with a waist seam in back and gentle shaping on the sides. And it's on sale, in the "alabaster" color. <br />Mine is nothing like this one, btw; it's a cotton knit, more casual looking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/styles-of-dresses-for-hourglass-shape#post-1530589 Fri, 31 Jul 2015 04:21:17 +0000 Sal 1530589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Maneera, you have some lovely summer dresses. &nbsp;I especially like 1 2 3 4 7 8 9!! &nbsp;You wear dresses very well.</p> <p>A style like 1 may work on me or even 9. &nbsp;I am not going to give up the sheath, they were made for us hourglass women!! &nbsp;But I work in a male dominated industry, spend lots of time at meetings for my role as Board Chair at the local primary school, and sometimes I feel something less "sexy" is needed, if that makes sense!! &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/styles-of-dresses-for-hourglass-shape#post-1530582 Fri, 31 Jul 2015 04:14:35 +0000 Maneera 1530582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As another hourglass, I can tell you that shirt dresses do not work for me either. Even the belted kinds. </p> <p>I do wear sheath dresses the most. Shift dress with a tie-waist work too. This summer, my favourite casual style is fit and flare dresses. Trust me, they look wonderful on hourglass bodies. They fit till the waist and then gently flare out, so they are comfortable and not vava vroom! You can also add a cropped topper on these. </p> <p>However, you look so stunning in sheath dresses. Just add a printed scarf, and you're good! </p> <p>I'll show you the dresses I've had most success with this summer by adding photos. Hope they help! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/styles-of-dresses-for-hourglass-shape#post-1530578 Fri, 31 Jul 2015 04:01:09 +0000 Sal 1530578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Firecracker.</p> <p>I love shirt dresses but being short waisted I can look a little bunchy between my bust and hips...if it was well shaped though and not too blouson (I think that is the word) it might work &nbsp;A lot of the shirt dresses here have been above the knee..I would love a longer 70s style one, I think Inken had a great one that I admired. </p> <p></p> <p>The Lord and Taylor one is beautiful :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/styles-of-dresses-for-hourglass-shape#post-1530576 Fri, 31 Jul 2015 03:56:31 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1530576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think a shirtdress with a tie waist or one that you could belt at the waist would be perfect for the kinds of situations you describe. A chambray one would be nice and casual, and something silky could go more dressy. Having the option to belt at the waist would be great for an hourglass figure; you could also leave the belt off, if you wanted to try that look. </p> <p>I've added a couple of Finds that I found in the YLF Finds collection, for ideas. The silk one is shorter than you want, but you could look for something like it that is longer.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/styles-of-dresses-for-hourglass-shape#post-1530572 Fri, 31 Jul 2015 03:51:20 +0000 Sal 1530572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love dresses!</p> <p>I have several sheath style dresses that are flattering, but for some occasions they can look a little too va va voom! &nbsp;I have had good success with maxi dresses too, but these are true summer holiday and barbeque wear for me. &nbsp;When I wear shifts or looser tunic style dresses they can be terribly unflattering. &nbsp;I have tried several shirt dresses on over the years and also found them a challenge. &nbsp;</p> <p>For summer I would like to add a couple of dresses to my wardrobe. </p> <p>At 45 I want something elegant but fun, and not too dressy, but that could take me from a casual work setting to the sports sideline or to lunch with friends without looking mad in any of those places.</p> <p>&nbsp;While I will probably buy locally, I wondered what styles had worked on others. &nbsp;</p> <p>I have added some pics from Country Road, an Australian retailer who has a store near me just for reference. &nbsp;I don't have my heart set on any of these, but they show a range of day dresses broadly in the type of dress I would like.</p> <p>I prefer a midi length to a mini, I am happy to wear sleeveless as long as I can wear a bra, and a slightly lower neckline is best on my neck/shoulder/bust area.</p> <p>From the pics I would think 1-3 would suit me figure wise, although the neck on 3 is not my best. &nbsp;I think 4-6 would be unflattering. &nbsp;</p> <p>I actually like 1 3 4 and 6 the best, 2 is similar to a body con Bailey 44 dress that I have, and I think 5 is very boxy.</p> <p>Interested to see what styles other people would think would work on me or what styles other hourglasses have had success with. &nbsp;</p> <p>The other option is I just get over the vava voom nature of the sheath dresses......</p> <p>Thanks in advance,</p> <p> </p>