How to dress an Hourglass body shape

Hourglass body shape is often thought of as the ideal female body shape. To make the most of your gorgeous figure, read on for tips on dressing an hourglass.

Unfortunately, not all styles will flatter curvy bodies. High-fashion stores in particular can be a frustrating experience for hourglass women - the clothes often seem designed to fit 'straight-up-and-down' figures.
"Hourglasses may feel frustrated at not being able to wear ultra-fashionable styles, but certain items will always suit you, whether that's a fitted jacket, strapless dress or crisp shirt (you fill it so well)," says stylist Emer Dewar. "And if you want to make a nod to fashion, you can do it with colour, fabric and accessories."

• Use puff-sleeves or epaulettes on a jacket to emphasise your shoulders.

• An A-line skirt teamed with a fitted top will mirror your fabulous hourglass shape. Make like Marilyn Monroe and use some 50s-inspired accessories to complete your look.

• A peplum detail on a skirt creates a line down from the waistline to the hip, which will exaggerate your curvy hips.

• You can wear any shape skirt, but the pencil skirt is the most flattering on you. Team with a simple shirt, tucked in and unbuttoned to reveal a little cleavage.

• Straight-legged jeans that skim your thighs and are cropped at the ankle work well for you. Bootcut jeans will balance your curves - look for darker shades and ones with large pockets on the bum.

• High-waisted, wide-legged trousers will emphasise the curve of your hip without making your bottom half look big.

• Use draping to your advantage. Not only will it accentuate your curves - look for diagonal draping from the waist to hip area - but it will also disguise the tummy area.

• Wear fitted clothes but make sure they're not too tight. Consider going one size up so your clothes really mirror your figure, rather than pull at it.