Do not do this if your body is Hourglass Shape!

If you have an hourglass body shape, avoid these 15 fashion mistakes that can hide your natural curves. Enhance your figure by learning what not to do!

donts hourglass body shape

If you have an hourglass body shape, lucky you! Your natural curves are beautifully balanced, with a defined waist and proportional bust and hips. But even with such an enviable figure, some styling mistakes can hide your curves rather than enhance them. To help you look your best, here are 15 things you should avoid if you want to flatter your hourglass silhouette.

1. Don’t Wear Baggy, Shapeless Clothing

Why: Loose, shapeless clothing hides your curves and makes your figure look boxy and undefined.

What to do instead: Opt for tailored clothing that accentuates your waist and highlights your natural curves, like fitted dresses or cinched blouses.

2. Avoid Overly Tight Clothes

Why: While it’s tempting to show off your curves, overly tight clothes can appear uncomfortable and unflattering, emphasizing areas you may want to downplay.

What to do instead: Choose clothes that skim your body rather than cling to it, creating a more elegant, polished look.

3. Don’t Forget to Define Your Waist

Why: Ignoring your waist is one of the biggest mistakes you can make with an hourglass figure, as it’s your most defining feature.

What to do instead: Wear belts, high-waisted styles, or tops that taper at the waist to emphasize your natural curves.

4. Don’t Choose Boxy Jackets

Why: Boxy, oversized jackets can make your hourglass figure look bulky, hiding your waist and creating an unflattering silhouette.

What to do instead: Go for structured jackets that nip in at the waist or are belted to maintain your natural shape.

5. Avoid Straight-Cut Dresses

Why: Straight-cut dresses do nothing to highlight your waist and can make your body look more rectangular.

What to do instead: Look for wrap dresses, fit-and-flare styles, or bodycon dresses that accentuate your waist and flow over your curves.

6. Don’t Wear Low-Rise Pants

Why: Low-rise pants can make your hips appear wider and do little to define your waist, which is a key feature of the hourglass figure.

What to do instead: Opt for high-waisted pants or skirts that sit at your natural waist and balance your proportions.

7. Avoid Heavy, Bulky Fabrics

Why: Thick, stiff fabrics can add unnecessary bulk to your frame and make your curves less visible.

What to do instead: Choose fabrics that drape smoothly over your body, like silk, jersey, or light wool, to maintain a sleek silhouette.

8. Don’t Overdo Layers

Why: Layering too much can obscure your waist and make you look larger overall.

What to do instead: Keep layers light and fitted, or use a belt to define your waist when layering clothes.

9. Avoid Clothes with Extra Volume at the Hips

Why: Peplums or skirts with too much volume at the hips can make your lower body look disproportionately large.

What to do instead: Choose skirts and dresses that follow the natural curve of your hips without adding extra bulk.

10. Don’t Wear Clothes with Too Much Detailing at the Bust

Why: Heavy detailing, like ruffles or large embellishments, can make your bust look out of proportion and unbalance your figure.

What to do instead: Stick to simpler designs at the bust and let the overall silhouette of your outfit speak for itself.

11. Avoid Dresses and Tops That Are Too Loose at the Waist

Why: Loose-fitting clothes at the waist will hide your curves and make your figure look less defined.

What to do instead: Choose fitted tops and dresses that hug your waist and flare out slightly to accentuate your hourglass shape.

12. Don’t Forget About Balanced Proportions

Why: Wearing clothes that throw off the balance between your bust and hips can distort your figure.

What to do instead: Focus on maintaining balance by wearing outfits that emphasize your waist while keeping your bust and hips in proportion.

13. Don’t Wear High-Neck Tops Without Defining the Waist

Why: High-neck tops can make your upper body look wider, especially if your waist isn’t clearly defined.

What to do instead: If you prefer high-neck tops, be sure to pair them with a belt or high-waisted pants to define your waist and balance your figure.

14. Avoid Cropped Jackets That End at the Waist

Why: Cropped jackets that cut off at the waist can widen your hips and shorten your torso.

What to do instead: Opt for jackets that extend just below the hips to elongate your frame and keep your proportions balanced.

15. Don’t Wear Clothes That Obscure Your Waistline

Why: The key to flattering an hourglass shape is emphasizing your waist. Clothes that hide your waist will make your body look less curvy and more boxy.

What to do instead: Always choose clothes that highlight your waist, like wrap tops, belts, or tailored pieces that cinch in the middle.

Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll be well on your way to enhancing your natural curves and looking fabulous in any outfit! Remember, your hourglass figure is all about balance, so focus on styles that accentuate your waist and keep your silhouette defined.