Hourglass Casual help please

[floffel]

I’m a 5ft 3in hourglass and am clueless when it comes to dressing casually.

Would this cardigan work with these jeans?

Cardigan - www.johnlewis.com/mint-velvet-ribbed-biker-cardigan-dark-grey/p4761681?size=12

Jeans - www.johnlewis.com/levi's-721-high-rise-skinny-jeans/black/p4161200?size=w30-l30

Thanks in advance

[Loopytiles]

cardi and jeans work fine but that Mint Velvet one is overpriced and a variation on the dreaded “waterfall” cardi!

I like jeans and skirts and dresses too.

[SpuriouserAndSpuriouser]

I think they would look nice together, but I’m also a short hourglass and the cardigan would look really unflattering on me to be honest, so I would wonder if it would be the same for you. I find cardigans tend to hide my waist and make me look quite frumpy, so for casual outfits when it’s cold I stick to either fitted jackets/blazers or jumpers.

[floffel]

Thanks @Loopytiles @Spuriouser - got carried away with the thought that just maybe I could look cool/hip sigh

Will definitely get the jeans and look at other tops and jackets

[SpuriouserAndSpuriouser]

It might look ok on, but it’s the sort of thing I would definitely want to try on before making a decision. Love the jeans, black skinny jeans are the basis of 90% of my off-work outfits so I thoroughly approve

[floffel]

I like this! I have jewel winter colouring. www.johnlewis.com/hush-velvet-blazer-blue-velvet/p4543161?size=12

[floffel]

Also, meant to say - thrilled to find other hourglasses - do share your favourites - I’m stuck in a rut

[peachypetite]

I find a wrap cardigan much more flattering. That mint velvet one definitely isn’t worth over £100!

[floffel]

Wrap cardigan you say @peachy ? I didn’t know there was such a thing . Found this one - I like it. www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/knitwear/cardigans/product.wrap-cardigan-black.0657572003.html

[Amrapaali]

Yep hourglass here as well: as much as you would like to throw on a T shirt and cardi and walk out the door, it ain't gonna happen sorry! Learnt that the hard way

Is your mind set on a cardigan? You can find other pieces on top to keep warm say a wooly soft scarf? But the tops immediately next to your skin SHOULD be structured (even if it is a casual look you are aiming for)

Maybe a ribbed thick vest with a light shiny jumper on top? Jeans or denim pencil skirts. And make the outfit casual with trainers and other accessories...

[peachypetite]

uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_1,mon_1.84/7505701952?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI26bW5tXa5QIVV-DtCh3BdwLEEAQYAyABEgIpEfD_BwE

[LemonPrism]

I've just seen a guide to cardigans for every shape on the telegraph website, in the fashion bit?

Might help

[Loopytiles]

I like Kettlewell Colours’ plain tops, the scoop neck and wrapover. Because of the colour range and different shapes. They often do sales. Only go up to around size 16 though.

[floffel]

I’m so happy I have found other hourglasses! I’m finding this so helpful

@Amrapaali- no not set on a cardigan- that biker look just happened to catch my eye and I wondered about whether it would work

I do like that cardi you linked @peachypetite - thanks

[Sunnydaysandholidays]

I find I have to shop in the petite sections (I’m just about 5’4”) to get any chance of tops fitting in the right places. That Velvet jacket for example, I wouldn’t even look at as the waist would be too low and then it wouldn’t do up.

[MsChatterbox]

For hourglass you need to have everything nip in at the waist to be flattering. So a loose cardigan would make you look bigger than you are. Try a cardigan with a belt, or high-waisted jeans with a top tucked in!

[floffel]

@mrsChatterbox Because I have big boobs, I have a fear of tucking in t-shirts because it will totally bring my boobs to prominent attention and I have no clue on what to wear over t-shirt and jeans that won’t look odd. I’m hopeless

[SpuriouserAndSpuriouser]

I really like the hush blazer! I know it’s not fitted fitted, but I think because it’s more structured it would be flattering, also it’s got quite wide lapels which is good for visually breaking you up and stopping you from looking too wide/boxy. I’d definitely wear that, probably with a v neck top tucked into jeans.

[Bluntness100]

As a pp said, the first cardigan is just a waterfall cardigan in poor disguise and will make you look about two stone heavier if you're an hourglass.

As you're not very tall, I'd go for something cut nipped in at the waist and no lower than top of hip level, otherwise your legs will be shortened and your waist hidden.

[Bluntness100]

Something like this.

www.johnlewis.com/whistles-slim-jersey-jacket-dark-green/p4275413

[floffel]

I love that jacket suggestion thanks @bluntness

I’ve just spotted this top - would this work - plus points are v-neck and it has a ‘cool’ look about it. www.johnlewis.com/hush-v-neck-jersey-top/black/p4295242?size=m

[SpuriouserAndSpuriouser]

I’ve just spotted this top - would this work - plus points are v-neck and it has a ‘cool’ look about it.

I like it! I think the low neckline balances out the baggy-ness, if that makes sense.

[floffel]

You’ve enabled me @spurisor -jeans and top have been ordered - thanks everyone. Shall we keep this as an ongoing’hourglass’ thread?

Now .... what boots/shoes/trainers to Go with the jeans and the top? ..................................

[happytobemrsg]

I’m an hourglass & I’ve discovered that:

• V neck tops work best, but you can break up high necks with long (usually layered) necklaces
  
• all trousers must be high waisted
  
• slightly oversized tops are ok so long as I tuck (a full or half tuck)
  
• dresses must have a belt to give definition to my waist
  
• small prints work best (polka dot, tiny flowers)
  
  Hope that helps!

[happytobemrsg]

Chunky shoes work best on an hourglass as they balance out your shape. I’m working up to this slowly so I wear Chelsea boots right now

[SpuriouserAndSpuriouser]

Oh god if you hate it I’ll feel responsible! Hopefully you’ll like them both

I like the idea of an hourglass thread!

Ok these are the things I’ve found that work for me as a 5 foot 2 hourglass. They probably won’t work for everyone, but it’s what I do since I came to terms with the fact that I will never be able to pull off the clothes that you see on gazelle-like models in magazines:

• I go for tops/jackets that are fitted and show my waist.
  
• I tend to roll up my sleeves and wear v neck/scoop neck tops. For some reason showing some skin like that keeps everything looking a bit more balanced.
  
• I like thin-knit, close fitting jumpers most of the time, but I can do thicker jumpers if they are oversized. I think because then they skim over my boobs rather than clinging to them and then falling straight down, hiding my waist.
  
• If wearing a longer jacket or oversized jumper I swear by high waisted black skinnies with black, block-heeled ankle boots, it makes your legs look inches longer and suddenly the outfit looks balanced.
  
• I think it’s the boobs, but I can look quite wide/boxy in certain outfits. I look for jackets with wide lapels, jumpers with a dropped shoulder seam (Dolby sleeves I think they are called?), wide necklines etc. They all help break up your upper body. Also a long necklace can help, but they don’t seem to be in fashion at the moment so are hard to find. At work I just wear my lanyard around my neck all day, it has the same effect
  
• A good tailor is priceless, I get loads of things that I buy taken up or taken in. It’s a bit of a faff but normally not expensive and it makes such a difference.