What to Wear If You're Hourglass-Shaped, by Elizabeth Blackwell
Eliza
Tips on how to flatter a curvy figure.
By Elizabeth Blackwell
Your Best Pieces
Back in the Marilyn Monroe era, your curvy body was the feminine ideal.
In these days of wafer-thin models, finding clothes that fit your body
type is more of a challenge. But, your curves aren't something to hide.
The key is finding tops that enhance your voluptuous chest without
overpowering the rest of you. If you've got a curvy set of hips as
well, check out more pants and skirt recommendations for pear-shaped
figures.
Can't Miss Pieces:
Smooth tops: You want pieces that will hug your curves without adding
unnecessary volume. Sweaters should lie flat, not bulk up. And stay
away from blouses with breast pockets!
Belted and shaped jackets: A coat that hangs straight down from your
chest can make your midsection look huge. Give your waist some
definition and your body will look curvy, not colossal.
Shapely sleeves: To minimize thick arms, try three-quarter-length
sleeves, which cover the wide top of the arm and leave your
comparatively thin wrists on display. Fluted sleeves (which are wider
at the end) have the same effect as boot-leg pants: they make the top
half of your arm look slimmer in comparison to the flare at the bottom.
Vertical necklines: Covering your whole neckline with fabric makes your
upper body look like one huge mass. Break up the line of your chest by
wearing V-neck tops and blouses with the top two buttons undone. The V
shape draws attention toward your face, and away from your chest.
Two-piece bathing suits: A tiny bikini won't offer much-needed support
on top, but an athletic racerback style will keep you lifted. A
one-piece, full-coverage suit can make you look larger than you really
are.
Unflattering "Don'ts"
Skip It:
High-neck, sleeveless tops: Skinny models can pull off the sleeveless
turtleneck look, but it makes any gal with a generously endowed chest
look like one bulky mass.
Chunky knits: Thick, textured sweaters add to the volume on top --
exactly what you don't need.
Big bracelets: The wrists are the thinnest part of your arms, so you
should show them off. Covering your wrist with a wide bracelet makes
your whole arm look thick. If you want to wear bracelets, try delicate
bangles or thin strands of beads.
Super-size T-shirts: You might think an extra-large T is the perfect
way to cover up your top, but the shapeless cotton only makes you look
larger. You want shirts that follow your curves, not tops that hang
over you like a tent.
Snug tops: Remember what we just said about baggy tops? Too-tight
shirts will put your breasts on full display. Unless that's the only
part you want people to look at, go a size up.