by Beckie Knowles

Created on: September 03, 2009   Last Updated: September 07, 2009

The hourglass figure is the most envied among women. When dressed correctly, it is classic, feminine and sexy. Women with an hourglass figure have equally proportioned large bust and hips, with proportionately small waist and legs. There is a skill to dressing this body type in a flattering way. As an hourglass figure myself, this is my guide to dressing to accentuate your feminine curves.

Focus

Every woman has areas of her body she is less comfortable with than others. The art of achieving the perfect figure is illusion. Nobody has the 'perfect' body, as there is no such thing. However, making the most of what you do have and drawing focus to your best features is the best way to look and feel amazing. The hourglass should focus on her neck and bust, small waist and the curve of her behind. Choose V-necklines, fitted jackets and shirts, clinching belts and trousers and skirts that grip your hips and bottom without clinging to your thighs. By using accessories correctly you can also draw the eye to the parts of your body you feel most confident about. For example, wear brightly coloured heels to focus on slim ankles or statement jewellery to draw attention to great collarbones. Point arrows to where you want other people to be looking!

Fit

Essential to looking good, buying clothes with the correct fit instantly improve your figure. Start from the basics. Properly fitted underwear provides the foundations for a comfortable, flattering outfit. Many stores provide free fittings that are well worth your time. Concentrate on a good fit rather than worrying about the size. This rule continues into outerwear. Buy the size that looks good on your body, not on the label. So much pressure is put on women to fit into small sizes that many forget that nobody will be looking at the tag. Wearing clothes too big or too small seriously effects the way that you look. An hourglass figure especially requires well fitted clothes. Material clinging to lumps and bumps, or hanging too loose, will mould your gorgeous hourglass into something far less attractive. Buy underwear and clothes that fit your body and you will already be a step towards looking great.

Fashion

Unfortunately, hourglass women are not well catered for on the high street. Recent fashions have been obsessed with boyish trends and block and smock dresses that cater only for those with a small chest. It is easy to desire a figure that looks like those we see every day in magazines, shop windows and even on the street.

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