The Dress That Gives You An Hourglass Shape
Do you have an hourglass-shaped body (similar width in the hips and bust, with a narrow waist)? Apparently, very few of us do. Most of us lean towards a triangle, an inverted triangle, or a round shape (so we’re bigger on the bottom, top, or middle). But if you like the balanced look of an hourglass shape, we can create the illusion with certain dress styles. Let me show you…
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Midi Dresses That Have An Hourglass Shape
This button-front midi dress has wide sleeves and pleats at the bust to create volume at the top. Combined with the nipped-in waist and full skirt, it gives you that hourglass shape. It’s also available in black, tan, and orange in regular, tall, and petite sizes. (I’m wearing the 4P).
What you’ll love about this dress:
- The wide sleeves make your arms appear slimmer (and who doesn’t want that?)
- The low V-neck allows you to show off your favorite necklace.
- It’s cinched in above the waist, so if you have a round tummy, the dress is more roomy in that area.
I didn’t end up keeping this dress (hence the wrinkles) as the V-neck came down lower on my shorter torso than I was comfortable with. But if you are taller (I’m 5’4″) or have a longer torso, it might be the perfect spring and summer style for you. Wear it with pointed-toe heels or flats in the spring, and switch to wedge sandals in the summer.
If you’re looking for a sleeveless dress, take a look at Anthropologie’s Tommie Cap Sleeve Dress. The cap sleeves and flared skirts are visually a similar width. The wide, smocked panel defines the waist. This dress is available in Regular, Petite, and Plus sizes.
Maxi Or Mini Hourglass-Shaped Dresses
Another option for an hourglass shape is Anthropologie’s Somerset Dress, which comes in Maxi or Mini lengths. The Somerset dresses have loose puff sleeves and voluminous skirts with smocked waists.
Related Post | Anthropologie’s Somerset Maxi Dress Review
Hourglass-Shaped Dresses Under $100
If you’re looking for more affordable options, take a look at these long and short-sleeved flared midi dresses:
Wear these with ballet flats or Mary-Janes, or your favorite summer sandals. Add a cute straw bag.
Other Ways To Create A Balanced Look
While a dress can’t change your natural body shape, there are ways to create illusions.
Can you create this look with separates? Yes! Full skirts and puff sleeves are both trending styles. Add a wide belt and you’ve created that balanced hourglass shape.
How about with color? Dark colors tend to make something look smaller, while light colors tend to look bigger. So, try a white dress with a dark brown belt.
Will you be wearing an hourglass-shaped dress this spring/summer? I’ll definitely be wearing my Somerset dress, and will keep looking out for more options!
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This is great styling advice! I love that button front midi dress.
Hi Courtney, Me too, especially in that blue. I was so sad that it was too low cut for me but I have a short torso so it happens sometimes even in petite sizes. xo Nipa
I love this style of dress! Great options.
Thanks Tonya, lately it seems like most dresses are body-hugging on top (like smocked styles) or have cut outs. So I was really happy to see some more modest options with a beautiful shape. xo Nipa