The hourglass figure is commonly known for the defined waist, large hips and voluptuous bust, creating the silhouette of an old fashioned hourglass. This body shape is meant to be the perfect feminine shape of beauty and you should definitely show off your curves at every given opportunity.
Hourglass figures have often been used in works of art and a lot of women have actually starred in burlesque performances. During the 1800s there was many a woman that desired this figure and use to go to all sorts of extremes to achieve it (mainly wearing a corset).
This figure is all about the curves and how to show them off – not hide them! Make sure you stay away from anything that is straight, as this will miss your waist, which you need to define to show off the rest of your curves. However if needs must, you can always team a straight dress with a belt to bring out your curves. Your best type of clothing is fitted styles. A wrap around dress is the perfect style, as you can pull it in tight around your waist to accentuate your curves. Try to avoid anything that has puffy sleeves, ruffles or pleats as these are made to create the illusions of curves, which you already have. You don’t want to spoil your curves by going over the top. Even if you do feel large, it is a lot better for you to wear fitted clothes than hide behind baggy clothing, which makes you look shapeless. This is a perfect dress to show off your curves, as it is figure hugging and will help to show off that perfect waist:
