I Have Curves—and These Outfits Actually Show Them Off Without Doing Too Much
Photo Credit:Filipa Matos
If your bust and hips are about the same width and your waist is more defined, you’ve probably been called “curvy” or “hourglass”—which sounds cute until you try to find clothes that actually work.
Everything either clings too tight, feels overly “va-va-voom,” or hides your shape altogether. You want your curves to show—but not in a way that feels like too much.
Read This Next: Not Sure if you have a hourglass figure? Definitely Read This Article
These are the pieces I recommend reaching for when I want to feel confident and styled, without having to suck anything in or constantly adjust. They follow your shape, don’t fight it, and make getting dressed a lot less complicated.
Want a full outfit playbook for your shape? Grab my Hourglass Style Guide for outfit combos, fit rules that actually make sense, and zero body-shaming.
1. When You Want to Highlight Your Waist Without Looking Overdone
Try: Wrap tops or belted blouses
They follow your natural curve without feeling stiff, and give definition without squeezing.
ASTR the Label
Devin Top
$88
Nasty Gal
Double Zip Bardot Rib Top
$23.00
2. When Pants Fit Your Hips But Feel Loose at the Waist
Try: High-rise stretch trousers with a defined waistband
This style gives you a smooth fit without a weird back gap. Structured enough to hold shape, stretchy enough to move with you.
Abercrombie
Curve Love High Rise Wide Leg Jean
$90
Abercrombie
Pull-On Pant
$80
3. When Dresses Either Feel Too Tight or Too Tent-Like
Try: Fit-and-flare midis or structured knit dresses
Look for seams at the waist and flow through the hips. Bonus points if the fabric has a little weight to it—it skims instead of clings.
Amazon
Fitted Sleeveless Tank Dress
$30.99
ELLIATT
Zayla Mini Dress
$410
4. When You Want to Layer Without Hiding Your Shape
Amazon
Business Casual Blazer
$49.99
5. When You Want to Feel Feminine Without Feeling Fussy
Try: V-neck blouses with soft fabric and a bit of drape
They highlight your neckline, define your shape, and still feel effortless.
Amazon
Lace Embroidered Blouse
$37.99
6. When You Just Want to Throw Something On and Feel Good
Try: Wide-leg pants + fitted tee
The contrast of relaxed bottoms with a more fitted top shows off your waistline without doing too much.
Amazon
Fitted Basic Tee Shirts
$14.99
Amazon
High Waist Comfy Loose Trousers with Pockets
$19.99
7. When You Want a No-Fail Dress You Can Wear Anywhere
Try: Wrap dresses or body-skimming knits with stretch
It hugs where you want it to and softens where you don’t. You can wear these to dinner, errands, or vacation—and still feel like yourself.
Amazon
Crewneck Swing
$39.99
Want a full outfit playbook for your shape? Grab my Hourglass Style Guide for outfit combos, fit rules that actually make sense, and zero body-shaming.
