The hourglass figure may be celebrated in fashion, but body diversity is just as stunning. If your body doesn’t fit the hourglass mould, that’s absolutely fine — style is about confidence, creativity, and embracing what makes you uniquely you.
Whether you’re straight, apple, pear, or athletic-shaped, the key is to find clothes that accentuate your favourite features and make you feel your best.
Here are five styling tips to help you embrace your shape and express your personal style with flair.
1. Define your waist with belts
Regardless of your body shape, creating the illusion of a waist can bring balance to your silhouette. Cinching dresses, blouses, or even coats with a belt helps define your waistline and adds a touch of femininity. For women with straight or rectangular body shapes, belts can give the appearance of curves, while for apple shapes, a high-waisted belt can draw attention away from the midsection.
2. Play with necklines
The right neckline can make all the difference when highlighting your best features. V-necklines, scoop necks, and wrap styles elongate the neck and draw attention to the face, while off-the-shoulder styles can broaden the shoulders, creating more balanced proportions for pear-shaped bodies.
3. Opt for structured pieces
Structured clothing adds definition to areas you want to emphasise and can help create the appearance of curves if you don’t naturally have them. Look for tailored blazers, jackets with shoulder pads, or A-line skirts and dresses that flare at the waist. These structured pieces create a harmonious balance and make your outfit look polished and intentional.
4. Embrace monochromatic outfits
Dressing in a single colour from head to toe creates a streamlined look, which can be particularly flattering for women who don’t have a pronounced waist or hourglass figure. A monochromatic outfit elongates the body and creates a long, lean silhouette. For extra style points, mix textures like wool, silk, or denim in the same shade to add dimension without breaking up the look.
5. Balance proportions with layers
Layering is a powerful styling tool that can help you add depth and create balanced proportions. For women with pear-shaped bodies, wearing a fitted top with a looser bottom, such as wide-leg pants or an A-line skirt, draws attention upwards. If you’re apple-shaped, try long cardigans or vests that skim over the midsection without clinging.
Fashion is about feeling confident in your skin, regardless of the shape or size of your body. These tips are designed to highlight your unique beauty, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what makes you feel fabulous.