Dress to Flatter Your Short, Hourglass Shaped Figure

By Paula Darnell, About.com Guide

The first thing to remember when selecting a top that will be flattering to your hourglass shaped figure is that the top shouldn't have elements that would over-emphasize bust or wide shoulders to the point that you would look top-heavy. So avoid features such as large ruffles, puffy sleeves, and thick shoulder pads, and look for flattering and elongating necklines, such as V-necklines, U-necklines, or sweetheart necklines. Avoid cowl and jewel necklines.

You want to follow your natural shape as much as possible because it's nice and curvy, so look for the more fitted styles and avoid straight, shapeless cuts in tops. The length of your top is another factor to consider. Avoid tops that are too long and end at the widest part of your hips.

Select sleeveless tops or tops with sleeves depending on your personal preferences, climate, and whether or not your arms are toned. If your top has straps, they shouldn't be too small in proportion to your size. Spaghetti straps are usually not a good idea for women who have hourglass figures because they look too tiny contrasted to wide shoulders and an ample bust.

Best styles to wear are those with:

• surplice construction.
• V-necklines.
• wrap styling.
• princess seaming.
• close-fitted or semi-fitted styling.

In our example pictured above, the print blouse is fitted for a flattering shape, has a V-neckline, which helps short women look taller, and a print design that doesn't over-emphasize a full bust.

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• An Hourglass Shaped Figure Is Ideal
• Dress to Maintain Your Hourglass Shaped Figure's Natural Balance
• Tops to Flatter Your Hourglass Shaped Figure
• Jackets That Flatter Your Hourglass Shaped Figure
• Skirts That Flatter Your Hourglass Shaped Figure
• Pants That Flatter Your Hourglass Shaped Figure
• Dresses That Flatter Your Hourglass Shaped Figure

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