Good brands for hourglasses?

[LtheWife]

I inherited my grandmothers shape and I've always struggled to find clothing to fit my hourglass figure. I always thought i must be being particularly fussy, but i'm feeling particularly disheartened today after a House of Fraser personal shopping session. I must have tried on close to 45 different outfits and only found 2 items which actually fit! It actually got to the stage where the personal shopper was willing to forego any commission and was suggesting I tried elsewhere!

Dresses were a particular nightmare, it would seem I need a 10 to accommodate my bust, a 12 for my hips (unless it's a stretch material I which case I can get away with a 10) but need to go down to an 8 for my waist. Loose styles seemed to emphasise my biggest bits whilst swamping everything else and made me look huge so definitely need to stick to more tailored dresses.

Tops were also a problem, if they fit at the bust they tended to be huge at the waist and/or stop right at the fullest point of my hips making them look so much wider!

Does anyone have any suggestions for good brands to try? Or do I just need to bite the bullet, buy everything in a 12 and find a good tailor to carry out alterations?

I'd say no Gilly, tbh. Leggings suit v few people anyway and self-tie belts give too little structure at the waist. I know that I'd look like a sack of potatoes if I wore something like that.

Oh yes - and L K Bennett is my staple go-to for work outfits; their dresses fit brilliantly. The odd Jigsaw, Whistles and Laura Ashley piece works as well, though the quality of LA s so bad now...

Oh I'm sobbing with you Remus, there really is nothing out there other than plain, v or scoop neck jersey or knit tops is there? And I'll second the sack of potatoes in leggings and a tunic scenario.

What about jackets? Is there any hope in finding a somewhat attractive jacket to make up for plain boring tops? Preferably something that isn't a belted mac? Yes they fit, but I'm bored of the plain top, belted mac, scarf to try add interest look (and don't want to dress like my mother). Are biker jackets too boxy? I have seen a few cropped ones that nip in at the waist and flare out over the hips but worry that they might emphasise my curves a bit too much iyswim. Or should I avoid cropped jackets altogether as I think an hourglass figure can make you look a little short in the body anyway?

Biker jackets are fine - they tend to nip in at the waist, so are a good shape. Personally I'd avoid one that flares out again at the bottom though.

Apparently high hipbone with a nipped in waist is the length our jackets should be, fellow hourglass gels. I've got a gorgeous All Saints leather jacket that's just the ticket.

I've been looking at All Saints leather jackets, but couldn't find the ones I liked in my local store to try on. I've now got my eye on this one from firetrap. The waist doesn't seem to be as nipped in as others I've looked at, but I'm liking the shoulder details.

Have any of you found any fashion blogs from an hourglass? There are always blog recommendations on S&B but none from any hourglasses that I have found, apart from fullerfigurefullerbust, and indeed Georgina looks stunning, just not inspiring for a SAHM. I want some inspiration for more casual clothes, and yes I know hourglasses look better in more tailored clothes but there must be a happy medium surely? Help!

I too am large of nork - Pepperberry has some real gems so don't discount altogether - I find it best to try on if you have a store near you.

And I would like to share my more general style tips for tops -

• dark colours (try Kettlewell Colours);
• mostly V neck and quite long (if you get a really low v-neck you can layer up with a vest);
• fitted/ stretch jersey style;
• plain (or a small pattern);
• paired with light/ bright/ patterned skirts or trousers.

Actually here is my most recent acquisition: incredibly flattering even though not V-neck! I have to tell you, it looks better on me than it does on the model! [Preen!]

Re dresses, what about wrap dresses?

Dressipi isn;'t great if you're not an average/smaller size - it keeps telling me to go to Topshop and Mango for dresses no matter how often I laugh in its face. I'm a 34GG so it ain't happening.

I find fifties repro styles suit me best, but they are a bit costumey for every day. and I too have the issue with tops. I'm actually planning to learn how to make my own as you can alter patterns, but the mechanics of it are defeating me just now - patterns, in dressmaking and on the high street, are sized for a B cup so that;'s a lot of alteration.

Dressippi suggested highlighting my curves - I have an 11 inch difference between my waist and hips/chest - I don't want that highlighted - a belted cardigan looks awful - my norks and my hips just look enormous...and my tiny waist isn't much of a compensation.

I always thought I was just extra fussy about the fit of my clothes and that's why I could never find anything - looks like it's just my curvy shape which isn't well catered for

Another hourglass signing in!

I too find buying clothes a nightmare ... Can't remember the last time I bought a blouse etc.

Brands I get on well with are... Phase 8, Boden wrap dresses, Laura Ashley and Monsoon. Clothes shopping can be a nightmare though.

I know what you mean about 50's repro being a bit too costumey for everyday mippy. I think I'm going to bite the bullet and learn to make my own clothing. I've bought the colette sewing handbook that comes with a few patterns and starts with the basics before going on to pattern alteration. It all looks fairly straight forward, but if I get stuck I'm lucky enough to have a retired pattern cutting tutor from London college of fashion living across the road who is willing to give me a few lessons! It's more work making up a toile to assess what alterations are necessary, but if there's so little available to buy I hope it will be worthwhile.

Yep, another hour glass. I also find it really hard to dress well for casual occasions.

I do like my curves but a belt in the middle can just make me look bigger in the hip and tit than I really am.

Another hour glass - and I hate skirts which adds an extra level of complication. Wear suits at work, which is relatively easy (dark trouser suit, fitted jacket, plain T-shirt underneath), but I really struggle with casual kit.

NotYourDaughter'sJeans is a good brand, having said that: they're expensive but I got a pair on Ebay and they fit!

I bought a dress yesterday! The first one from the high street in 3 years. I was walking through next as a cut through and saw this dress. It has a lovely low flattering neckline (but not too low) and fitted in the middle and slightly floaty over the thighs. My waist is 10" smaller than my bust and 12" smaller than my hips.

Well done on finding a dress that fits Dollydowser! Unfortunately dropped waists look awful on me, shame as it looks like a nice dress.

I did splurge on an expensive pair of jeans, a new top and a leather jacket after my personal shopping appointment, the best fitting (and most expensive) outfit I've had in years. I was in a state of absolute desperation as I had a big birthday party to go to last night. My idea of an absolute wardrobe nightmare, a party filled with members of the British fashion council, organisers of London fashion week, designers and fashion PR's etc. But for once I didn't feel out of place, I actually got a compliment or two and even got chatted up whilst DH was otherwise engaged so I must have got something right! Worth the splurge though as all three items can easily be dressed up or down and are great quality so I hope they can form the beginnings of a well fitted capsule wardrobe.

LtheWife can we have links to the lovely items, please.

Another hourglass here!! I had some luck with JBrand Agnes which are fitted - I wear them with a t-shirt and a jumper or cardie over the top, so far so boring!! My secret weapon, however, is scarves. I own so many of them but t think that they can lift whatever you wear.

At the moment, I need to shift some weight and it's all around my thighs and bum so I don't feel confident in trousers so I am relying heavily on dresses. I like a plain jersey dress, often belt it with something bright and then add my scarf. I get bored of the whole look but I've realised if I always have immaculate make-up and half decent hair, no-one really notices the rest. I also love a great coat or, going into spring, a blazer.... love a good blazer, jeans, white t-shirt and bright scarf finished with ballet pumps or heels depending on my mood.

Bright handbags too but that's a whole new thread!!

this kind of thing

Sorry BettryBathroom, should have added them in my previous post.

Jeans
I was a little concerned the placement of the zips would make my hips look wider but on the whole they're the most flattering jeans I've tried on. Mid rise and just the right balance between slim and classic skinny so they don't give the sausage leg effect but still slim enough over the thighs, knees and ankles and the perfect length for me at 5'5". Other options that fitted well were Salsa and J Brand high rise, but if I'm paying £100 plus for jeans I feel like I've got a bit more for my money if they have some nice details rather than plain black jeans.

Top
Looks much better on (liked the navy but had coral shoes that matched the so called red one perfectly), actually has enough shaping at the waist to not look swamped, subtle shoulder pads to help balance things out, enough room for large norks in a much smaller size than I'd usually wear, long enough to wear untucked without hitting the widest part but also looks great tucked in. Still not my perfect top, but good enough for now and had enough detail to not need acessories (I'm useless at accessorising).

Jacket
Bought this one a little on the small side as I've given up trying to find one that fits the norks without having baggy sleeves and huge on the waist and hips. I don't think many biker style jackets look right zipped up anyway. Nicely cropped to show off a slim waist without making my hips look like shelves sticking out underneath. Tried it on with loose ish boot cut jeans and STILL looked flattering. A good, basic, goes with anything jacket that's classic enough to last a good few seasons. Will look great with some nice scarves over simple tops.

That's a lot of money for a polyester top

Yes, The5thFishy, it is. But when it's literally the only top you've tried on in the last couple of years that actually fits and flatters, you need it and you can afford it you tend not to care that it's polyester.

Sorry I added the wrong link! It's this dress. I like scarfs too petitedonkey. And blazers. Anyone found the perfect blazer recently?

Must admit, I'd rather just wear a cheapo cotton t-shirt than a polyester top at whatever the price - but I hate polyester with a passion! Like the jacket though.

Lthewife I love your purchases, they are distinctive - in a good way, I think you will get much joy from their cover.
I have been toying with the idea of getting a biker jacket...it casualises all formal options which us shapely girls seem to suit and none of the other options appeal.
Blazers always remind me of that 90's Princess Di look and I really didn't dig it then so I refuse to now, trench coat is too business wear for me, anoraks...not stylish enough and I already have a proper waterproof thing for mountain wear...demin jackets can't be worn with denim. So am overjoyed that I may have hit on my spring coating solution.