Summer 2010

Hourglass: Winter 2009

This is the body shape every woman yearns for - a defined waist, curves in all the right places and a bust. It'll be no revelation that you share your shape with one of the sexist females ever to grace this planet, Marilyn Monroe.

An hourglass has hips the same size as her bust, and a defined waist. Regardless of whether you're a size 8 or 18, you're in perfect, womanly proportion.

So, go for dresses in figure-skimming cuts that emphasise your waist, and add a belt if you want to exaggerate this asset even more. But avoid going baggy at all costs - whatever you choose, work those curves, girl.

And don't blame us if your girlfriends are jealous!

Tops & jackets

As a general shopping rule, whatever you wear needs to show off your figure. Anything that drowns your curves will make you look shapeless, which couldn't be further from the truth!

So with tops and jackets go for open necklines, paired with nipped-in waists.

Tailored jackets - a huge trend this season - are perfect for you. Look for fitted shapes with two or three buttons under the bust, and an overall length finishing at your waist or just below your tummy. Get this one for £75 from Warehouse.

Get it from:
Warehouse at Buchanan Galleries

sequinned bolero

If tailoring's not your thing, or if you're looking for a cover up to wear with a dress, go for a bolero or shrug. Not everyone can carry them off, but your hourglass curves are perfect for them as they'll help to accentuate your tiny waist. For an everyday cover up, try Wallis - they have great one in purple, one of this season's key colours.

Or for a bit of glitz, go for this sequinned bolero from Jane Norman, £32 - perfect for a night out or the party season. We love it!

Get it from:
Jane Norman at Buchanan Galleries

sequin vest

As with jackets, when it comes to tops you need low-cut, open and scooped necklines. Long-line tops and tunics to top of your thighs can work over trousers, but you'll need to wear them with a belt to give it some shape at the waist.

this sequin vest from Oasis is perfect for the festive parties and will enhance your figure. £35 from Oasis.

Get it from:
Oasis at Buchanan Galleries

Skirts & dresses

Your womanly figure is to die for, and ideal for one of this season's key trends - Lady-like Chic.

So for dresses think '50s shapes, with nipped in waists and peplums, or figure-skimming wrap dresses - anything with a bit of va va voom. You'll look great in any length between your knee and mid-calf.

Try this little black number with a sweet heart neckline and one shoulder detail. £80 from Oasis - but hurry, they're selling out fast!

Get it from:
Oasis at Buchanan Galleries

tweed shift

For work, you can really play up some of this season's other trends, with tweed, checks and other 'heritage' materials.

Think Miss Moneypenny, or any number of Hitchcock heroines. Team a tweed shift, like this one, or a tailored skirt suit with sky-high heels and a bold red lipstick for a work look that means business. Dress £98 from Phase Eight.

Get it from:
Phase Eight at Buchanan Galleries

foxy little Hobbs number

This season's dresses are all about feminine curves, and there are no shortage of options for you to choose from.

Sequins are huge this season, and not just for party dresses. But who could resist this foxy little Hobbs number - only someone with hourglass curves like you can carry this one off, and you'll look stunning.

Try it for day time if you're brave enough, with some black opaque tights - or rock it up for evening. £199 from Hobbs at John Lewis (not yet in store).

Get it from:
John Lewis at Buchanan Galleries

Strapless and prom style dresses

Strapless and prom style dresses work for you too, you lucky girl. Why not try this one - navy is a great alternative to black, and the nipped in waist will really highlight your shape.

If you're not confident about showing off your arms, just layer up with a cardi or a shrug. Dress £50 from Miss Selfridge.

Get it from:
Miss Selfridge at Buchanan Galleries

flared, pleated or pencil skirts

You'll look great in flared, pleated or pencil skirts.

Given the focus on lady chic this season, there are an array of pencil skirts to choose from on the high street. But make sure it's a shaped, not a straight, skirt to suit your shape.

And, if you're looking for something a bit different, go for an unexpected fabric - leather or denim are both big this season - or detail. This body con version with a zip detail shows a tougher edge. £50 from Oasis (not yet in store).

Get it from:
Oasis at Buchanan Galleries

Trousers & jeans

Dresses and skirts are easy for you, but trousers can be a bit tricky with your curves - the wrong cut will swamp you, or make you look shapeless.

Try jeans in a straight leg cuts with a lower-rise that hits just below your waist, and go for a uniform dark colour.

Trousers are best when they're high-waisted and wide-legged, so they work with instead of against your shape - like this pair from East £75.

Get them from:
East at Buchanan Galleries

Coat

When it comes to coats, your ideal shape is has an open collar or necklace, and is cinched in with a belt. Unless you're supermodel tall, though, try to stay away from full length versions - up to about ¾ length is good, any longer could swamp you!

Check out this beautiful one from Jaegar, £550 at John Lewis

Get it from:
John Lewis at Buchanan Galleries

vintage inspired jacket from Oasis

We love this vintage inspired jacket from Oasis. It's a gorgeous shape which will sit perfectly on the hips while defining the waist. The metallic colour is fab and will make any outfit, especially a LBD, look amazing. £75 from Oasis

Get it from:
Oasis at Buchanan Galleries

Accessories

Use your accessories to show off your shape to full effect.

Your body was designed for belts. And with a waist as teeny tiny as yours, you can carry off all this season's embellishments - studs, jewels, chains and zips - that lesser mortals couldn't even dream of trying. All that detailing will simply draw even more attention to your gorgeous shape.

Try shaped, broad or skinny waist belts - but probably best to stay away from hip belts.

Suede belt £15 from Next

Get it from:
Next at Buchanan Galleries

Chainmail detail bag

Accessories are key to polishing off your look and this season there are so many great bags, jewellery and shoes. This stylish clutch in black and gold will last you for seasons and will go with almost any evening wear outfit.

Bag £18

Get it from:
Accessorize at Buchanan Galleries

stunning necklace from Accessorize

Statement necklaces are hot for autumn and winter, and your hourglass shape means that you can wear them all, no problem.

And there are a lot out there at the moment, so have a bit of fun with them.

Depending on the rest of your outfit, go for something eye catching and vintage inspired with lady-like frocks and pencil skirts, like this stunning necklace, £16 from Accessorize

£16 from Accessorize.

Get it from:
Accessorize at Buchanan Galleries

Undies

Lucky you, your perfect proportions are great for all sorts of sultry lingerie. Under-wired bras are your friends, as they'll give you additional support and a good fitting bra will help make your waist look even neater.

If you're planning to wear a particularly slinky outfit, look out for waist-shapers or high-waisted support pants - although they're not the prettiest to look at, they'll help define your waist even further.

If you're looking for a similar - but more attractive - solution, go for a boned basque or corset.

La Senza 'Especially for You' bra £28 (32A-38D); thong £12 (sizes 8-18); suspender £14 (8/10-16/18)

Get it from:
La Senza at Buchanan Galleries

The disclaimer bit: we've tried our upmost to make sure that all the pricing details given here are correct, but sometimes mistakes happen, or changes are made, or the item sells out. So, please take this as a guide, and we'd always recommend that you confirm details with the shops. Thank you!