Any other hourglass shaped woman?

Francl27

I got a dress today and looking at the picture (my profile) I just want to cry. I hate my hips so much, but really there isn't much for me to lose there anymore (maybe one inch each side?)... it's just my genetics.

For other hourglass shapes out there, what kind of dress do you wear that doesn't look too awful?

alyssajayds40

I personaly love ModCloth's dresses. They have a veriety of dresses to compliment your body shape. I alwasy go for the dresses that flair after the waistline and hand off my hips not on them. Like this one;

http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/teal-away-dress-in-check

http://www.modcloth.com/

teamnevergoingback

I have the hips and the booty, plus big thighs... I am loving the maxi dresses and skirts... Always very flowy dresses. You might like something that is fitted on the top and once it gets to your hips, flows outwards. Possibly pleats and layers also help.

nini2_5

I got a dress today and looking at the picture (my profile) I just want to cry. I hate my hips so much, but really there isn't much for me to lose there anymore (maybe one inch each side?)... it's just my genetics.

For other hourglass shapes out there, what kind of dress do you wear that doesn't look too awful?

These are the type of dress I wear that will flatter your waist and make your hips disappear

http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/lady-love-song-dress-in-emerald-velvet

sjaykay13

E Shakti, KiKi La Rue, Zulily - all sites that cater to women with curves!! embrace them, try out a bunch of styles and cuts and find what works for you!! My biggest fear when I get to goal is that I will be straight and rail-y. I work every day to keep my curves the healthy way - squats, leg press, dead lifts, etc.

Also, feel free to order a size or two above to make sure a dress fits in the hips and have it altered in the waist/arms!

shellsies93

spanx is my best friend...my hips disappear and i can wear most dresses

kristen6022

Hips and a booty here - even at 5'11 and 147. My bone structure will always be curvy. At 190 (SW), I was just a larger curvy girl...

I was so surprised when a friend and I (new friend, wife of a guy at my BF's work) went shopping and she wore the same size jean at the Gap that I do, 28. But she carrys all her weight in her mid section and her top (no hips or booty to be had). Where I'm a size S shirt, even with 34DD's...She's also 140lbs at maybe 5'4 (so 7lbs under and 7" shorter than I). It's about where you store your fat I guess...

A-line skirts are my best friend. I always feel very bottom heavy (even if I'm really not) with a pencil skirt on. I typically don't have issues with pants, unless they have those darn pockets on the hips that slit on an angle and stick out (no matter if they fit everywhere else or not). I have a very short torso (compared to my 37" inseam) so I have to be careful with tucking in or belts, but other than that I've never really had issues with my shape.

lmojoallen

Seconds to the Mod Cloth dresses and what's really great is many real people post pictures of themselves in the clothes along w/ measurements so you can really see how they look on a body comparable to your own.

Francl27

Thanks, I'll definitely check it out!

sunglasses_and_ocean_waves

It's not your body that sucks, it's that dress. Hour glass is the best shape so show it off. Get something tighter. That baggy thing makes you look heavier than you are.

shell_mc

The dress in your profile pic isn't made for your body type.

I find that draped dresses work really well for me (I also have an hourglass shape), but in a more 'straight' shape. I like dresses that are empire waisted as well. My tummy is a problem area, and the tight bodice and flowing skirt hides that area I'm self conscious about.

Calvin Klein dresses always fit me to a T. They really know how to make a dress that fits a woman's body.

roxylola

You can rock a pencil skirt with an hour glass figure.

Also, you look a bit like me pretty busty with a short waist and longish legs. I go for lower waisted stuff other wise I feel uncomfortable and look lumpy.

Baggy is not a good look. Well fitted is far more flattering, you want to show off your figure not hide it.

Finally because this will make such a difference, get a well fitting bra - go spend some money on your upholstery. When your boobs are right the rest of you will look 100% better. If I had to guess in that picture I would say your band size is too big and therefore not supporting the girls. Get measured, get some underwire and it will make all the difference (sorry don't mean to be rude but I can spot someone with the same problems as I have)

Francl27

Yeah I haven't bought bras in a while, it's on my list of things to get soon. The dress does look better in real life, but still. Bleh.

k8eekins

I got a dress today and looking at the picture (my profile) I just want to cry. I hate my hips so much, but really there isn't much for me to lose there anymore (maybe one inch each side?)... it's just my genetics.

For other hourglass shapes out there, what kind of dress do you wear that doesn't look too awful?

Always opt for a size bigger, then get it altered for what you're garnering for ~ a comfort fit (drape/slightly loose) or a tailor-fitted (form-fitted/body-fitted) look/fall, where you want it for the one piece (dress) or the alternative, more fitted top with a comfort bottom, vice-versa, customised to accommodate your shoulder line, your breast line, your waistline, your hip line, your knee line and your ankle line depending on the length. *If you'll consider this option, kindly make certain you instruct the dressmaker/tailor well enough, so that s/he may make the alterations to suit your comfort-levels, your personal preferences, maintaining the integrity of the style of dress*

Additionally, with fitted dresses and whether one is shoulder to waist to hips hourglass or shoulder with bustline to waist to hips hourglass or simply, bustline to waist to hips hourglass, jackets and overcoats in the Chanel and St John cuts are Friendlies. Lanvin and Leger are another 2. They are good cheat, sure finds. You will find one piece you can work into your wardrobe, minimum. Leger is affordable for that quick no-fuss date or for that last minute cocktail dress. Perfect cheats for the hourglass. Just because a dress is fitted, does not qualify the dress or outfit as being purely for the rectangles. Safe ready-to-wear off-the-rack.

The real real affordable cheat for hourglass would be anything Maggy London. *My sister's just reminded me :laugh: Typical* In all my years, I never ever purchase any formal or dressy items for my wardrobe without involving my sister, so my advise to you is a 2nd set of eyes, who knows you*

Take the time to try things on before purchasing.

Good luck :flowerforyou:

ETA: sp

Francl27

I should add though... I don't typically spend a lot in clothes. I have a cat, and that means I can't have nice things. And altering is something I pretty much never do really... I guess it sounds a bit silly when you spend $35 on a dress.

But something to keep in mind when I'm at my goal weight though.

Chain_Ring

Looks great to me. :-)

CheeksBryant

A few things with the dress:

1) it doesn't flatter you at all. find something more fitted
2) with more fit you need a really good fitting bra, and spanx helps as well (for me anyway, I have huge hips and thighs)
3) Try to find a pencil skirt with a great fitting top

My faves are maxi dress with a cute shrug, and pencil skirts with a fitted top (boots or heels too)

If you look at my profile, I have several pics in dresses/skirts

777Gemma888

I should add though... I don't typically spend a lot in clothes. I have a cat, and that means I can't have nice things. And altering is something I pretty much never do really... I guess it sounds a bit silly when you spend $35 on a dress.

But something to keep in mind when I'm at my goal weight though.

In that case, as you'd stated earlier, a brassiere is more important than finding new styles of dresses, which may suit your body type within the hourglass parameters. Using your profile pic as a guide, I have the following suggestions:

1 As stated, the brassiere.
2 A body shaper to further define your waistline which is obviously hiding beneath the low bustline and the weight you're carrying around your hipline from having had your twins plus genetics.
3 You need a control-top pair of knickers .
4 Spanx (I agree with one of the above-posters)

All these suggestions should help you look great in anything you can afford. Have you considered shopping in Boutiques and Department Stores catering to the Latina Community? I purchase them for my casuals. They're cute with quality cuts, feminine and super super cheap. Oftentimes, some Designers shop at swap meets, relabel then resell at marked up prices. I know for certain that I'd purchased what i'd thought was a cute kimono styled blouse for$2 only to enter into Bergdorf and spot my blouse that I had on, on the rack with a humongous label, selling for $500. Cha-ching ~ I'd saved myself $498 + tax. But I do agree with many on here. Even if you go to more affordable stores, try it on but don't buy anything before addressing and prioritising #s 1 -> 4 or #s 1,2 & 4.

Your canvas needs to be taut. Before draping fabric on anything, what is beneath that, needs to be as close as possible to the real body model the outfit was fitted on. Deviate from that and anyone will look bad in any outfit. It's the gamble you make and the price you pay for buying off the rack.

If you know where to buy, even at the Swap Meet, you can get body-shapers. Oriental girls go wild in there, as do the Latinas and they have being feminine down to a Science. They know how to up a cheap dress.

ETA: add word

Francl27

What kind of spanx do you all use? I'm a bit confused with all the types out there!

And where to get a good bra fitted?

I don't think there are any stores in the area catered to the Latina community... I'm in NJ.

CheeksBryant

What kind of spanx do you all use? I'm a bit confused with all the types out there!

And where to get a good bra fitted?

I don't think there are any stores in the area catered to the Latina community... I'm in NJ.

I do not use the spanx brand I use Catherine's Store brand I wear the high-waisted knee length

777Gemma888

What kind of spanx do you all use? I'm a bit confused with all the types out there!

And where to get a good bra fitted?

I do not use the spanx brand I use Catherine's Store brand I wear the high-waisted knee length

^ Agree with this suggestion@high waist knee length. It'll control everything you'll need controlled for you and if you get this particular one or one similar, you can do without the control top knickers.

777Gemma888

And where to get a good bra fitted?

I don't think there are any stores in the area catered to the Latina community... I'm in NJ.

I don't and neither have I ever worn spanks for I disfavour layering over much with my undergarments (but my Mum did). She was part of the girdle to waist-cincher club :laugh: With undergarments, even a petticoat is pushing it for me. Tights in Winter ~ Gag.

There are sites you can go to online to fit yourself, however I would recommend you head for a Bridal Boutique or a Lingerie Boutique or better yet, the Lingerie Department at a Department store and request they measure you for your brassiere.

New Jersey. They wouldn't call it Latina, but moreso Colombian and Cuban. Years (yonkers) ago, an Aunt did take us there, when we'd only just arrived on the East Coast, to shop for clothing items we'd needed to ship back to the islands following a Hurricane or a Flood, enough to fill up a shipping container. Its exact location (I don't know), only that I remember being in the car for hours from Metuchen. Possibly 2 hours away.

There is one in Queens, which is a better one I think. It covers Asian (Oriental and Indian) and Brazilian, Argentinian and Spanish Fashion. The wonderful thing about this particular one in Queens, is that it is very much like an Expo (in China). You can even get fabrics (the luxury varieties which are worthy of Italy) there. Granted you're paying $15 per yard, which is still better than coughing up $100+ per yard. I sew (tailoring standards), so this is my thing ~ a hobby of sorts. I don't know if you remember that when Oscar De La Renta was heavily into his white eyelet Collection, I went there to choose my fabrics then designed my own, for me and my sister. The funny thing was, there were Ladies of Leisure (in Manhattan) who'd bought it off our bodies ~ right there. $10K for one eyelet ball skirt, for example. Cost to me $10.

The Swap Meets of Miami and the Outlet Stores in Miami, are simply out of this world ~ amazing; The choices. The dresses. The footwear. So feminine. (Where I'd opted to shop along the East Coast years ago).

You can do this! Look around! Once you're done and are ready with your basics, you'll look banging!:flowerforyou:

seltzermint555

Try closeout stores (1/2 of 1/2 Name Brand Clothing, Ross, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, etc). Try on ALL OF THE DRESSES until you find what flatters your figure best.

I don't know about you, but when I was larger I had a great handle on what worked for my figure. Now that I have a new figure somewhat, I have to relearn all of that stuff again. The old styles that flattered me in a size 22 do not work in a 16. I can't wear the same stuff to highlight my best features. At my heaviest (307) I felt like an hourglass with a big belly. Then for awhile around 230-250 lb I thought I was a pear. Now at 213, I see I really am an hourglass after all. I asked a couple of friends and my husband to tell me honestly if they thought my figure was apple, pear, or hourglass and every single one laughingly told me yes, hourglass 100%.

As for the cat being an issue - maybe don't wear your clothes at home. That's what I do. I strictly wear tees and shorts or yoga pants around the house and wash 'em regularly so it never matters if it gets cat hair or whatever on my clothes.

ruggedBear

At 5'2", and after 70lbs lost, 2 kids and hitting the big 4-5, I've got so much happening around the hip area that I won't even go dress shopping without the right foundation garments on! Must haves are:

1. Underwire bra (band snug, fits in a straight line parallel to the floor, wires lay flat against your breastbone between nicely separated girls - no gaps on the sides and no "top shelf" spillover of the cups)

2. Spanx - I have two kinds - high-waist, knee-length for fitted sheath-style dresses, and a high-waist, regular panty bottom for skirts that flare out from the waist. Bought both of them at Kohl's. You should be able to tuck the waist band under your bra to avoid a back/side roll between them if you have extra skin there.

One good thing about being short-waisted is that the spanx-style underwear + bra combo practically become a bodysuit! If they're matching colors, they look like I'm wearing a bathing suit (but MUCH easier when you have to pee)

UrbanLotus

Actually you look more like an apple to me - that might be the problem. The dress looks like its hanging from your tummy and off of your upper hip - something that is fitted at your actual waist and then flares out or floats away from your body would work on you.

Also, you need a better fitting bra to lift the girls up and show your waist - go to Nordstrom or a lingerie boutique (NOT VS) and get fitted, you'll be surprised at what a difference it makes!

Francl27

Possible... I don't know! Just always assumed I was hourglass because I have large shoulders and pretty sizable breasts...

There's no store I can think of here that could fit me for a bra though, that's the problem I think... The department stores have non existent personnel and the only lingerie store is VS. I guess I could try a lot to see if I can find one that fits well...

Lindaspencer

i agree with some of the above - this dress is making you look bigger than u probably are
i know its our first instinct to hide it - but when doing that - we can make it look worse - bigger - frumpier - whatever adjectives you want to insert lol - just experiment more with styles and u will start to see what will work for you:)
my favorite dresses are Adrianna papell - google it - they are beautiful and fit amazing with my big hips

UrbanLotus

Possible... I don't know! Just always assumed I was hourglass because I have large shoulders and pretty sizable breasts...

There's no store I can think of here that could fit me for a bra though, that's the problem I think... The department stores have non existent personnel and the only lingerie store is VS. I guess I could try a lot to see if I can find one that fits well...

Nope, that just means you aren't a pear, but you could be an apple too - your lower hips look much narrower than your shoulders.

NO do not go to VS, that will be a waste of your time. You're in NJ...I'm *sure* there are higher end department stores that can help, or if you're close to NYC there are a number of specialty lingerie boutiques there.

honoralexandria

Girl, be happy! Most hourglasses will gain weight a bit more easily than other types, but we distribute it more evenly! It took me a while to be grateful for my figure.. it really hit home when several friends independently told me how much they wished they had my figure and how much money and effort they have to spend to emulate my figure. I am a bit overweight and really need to lose 10-15 lbs, but because my weight is evenly distributed (mostly, i have the big booty too), others consistently guess my weight at 10-15 pounds lighter than I actually am. (and they aren't flattering me either).

There are some things we can't wear, but plenty of styles and cuts that we absolutely rock. Flared skirts work really well, as well as A-lines and pencil skirts. Look for things that emphasize the waist and bust (yes, really!)


You can do a google search for "styles that flatter hour glass figure" to get some good information and ideas.

We can actually rock more svelte/body hugging items better than some other types. Stay away from items that "pouf" in the middle.

I changed my main profile picture to one that was taken last week for a halloween party. I am 150lbs (5'4") in this picture. That is a real corset, but it is not cinched tightly at all. I got comments all night and no one thought I was more than 135. My point is to 1. show that you have one of the most coveted body types and 2. show an example of what works) "

also, you don't look nearly as bad as you thnk you do. SERIOUSLY.

Chain_Ring

" I have large shoulders and pretty sizable breasts... " <

---

W00T!

blue04711

I agree with the empire waist. I love showing off my hourglass figure as well. Girls gotta rock the curves!