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Lovely grown up (but not severe) clothes for an hourglass

20 replies

Snorfig · 28/06/2017 06:53

I LOVE Cos, Sandwich, Toast (it sounds like a grocery shopping list), but I'm short with an hourglass shape and the clothes are so obviously styled for beautiful tall willowy women. I have a couple of Cos things off eBay and I adore them but they hide rather then show my figure.
What labels are GROWN UP and minimalist but have some... cling, dare I say it?
Someone on here mentioned Massimo Dutti and I'm eyeing up some bits on eBay. I love unusual necklines, back zips, black/grey/brown, not much pattern. But I need a bit of cling. Tops that aren't square. Trousers that taper.

OP posts:
PhyllisWig · 28/06/2017 07:12

Watching carefully - short hourglass wanting to look grown up but funky too.

Possibly Oliver bonas? I tried a couple of nice things in there but was a bit swamped. Worth checking out though.

ThomasinaCoverly · 28/06/2017 07:17

Also watching carefully - I don't think anyone's very interested in designing for short hourglass shapes! My one and only tip is that I love Armani, though have to buy it on Ebay as full price is totally out of my reach.

sloanewolf · 28/06/2017 07:22

Www.JoanieClothing.com

One word - amazing!

Floisme · 28/06/2017 07:39

Some bits from Me and Em perhaps? They don't do those goddess ruched dresses any more and some of it's quite boxy but they still have some dresses like this
and wrap shirts like this
or tops like this

Plus the sale's on (although the shirt I had been stalking is now sold out - Grrr).

Snorfig · 28/06/2017 08:35

Some great suggestions thank you!

OP posts:
MaryLennoxsScowl · 28/06/2017 08:35

I like some of the Joanie clothes but I doubt they fit the bill of being grown up and minimalist! How about And Other Stories? Or even Topshop? I'm short and 36/26/37 and topshop size 10 fits me well, their clothes seem designed for people with waists, which Cos and H&M are not.

MaryLennoxsScowl · 28/06/2017 09:28

These are all quite bright colours because it's summer, but they have lots of wrap dresses in interesting cuts if you keep an eye out, and I would love the satin shirt dress with a belt. They're also good for high-waisted tapered trousers, which look great with a long-sleeved t-shirt and pointy flats.
m.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/belted-wrap-midi-dress-6409087
m.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/petite-asymmetric-hem-wrap-dress-6589521
m.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/ring-wrap-dress-6270029
m.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/kimono-sleeve-belted-midi-dress-6513776
m.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/satin-oversized-shirt-dress-6712157

MaryLennoxsScowl · 28/06/2017 09:28

If you can afford Topshop Unique it would be ideal - I can't!

Becstarlenski · 28/06/2017 10:01

I'm very hour glass spent years covering myself up !!
Just started wearing more fitted stuff !!

I have a really lovely pair of culottes from warehouse which I wear with a bardot top.
Also a wiggle dress is your friend as it really shows off a waist.

I'd not shopped at warehouse for years and years but they have some really nice stuff.

nextchapterplease · 28/06/2017 12:25

Have you looked at Baukjen?

ThomasinaCoverly · 28/06/2017 12:57

Baukjen is for tall people!

user1477249785 · 28/06/2017 13:01

OP I think what you actually want is structure not cling. What sort of occasions are you looking at? Eg is this for work, casual or something else?

Snorfig · 28/06/2017 13:11

user that's spot-on; structure not cling. I'd love some casual bits (soft material tops, trousers with a reasonably high and defined waist).
I am large of nork so some styles look too buxom on me. I'll have a look through all your recommendations- so far Me&Em looks promising.
Thanks all so much!
For anyone else with similar needs, I've got some lovely fitted things from Warehouse, Jigsaw, Phase Eight and even Boden. All via eBay because CHILDCARE COSTS TAKE ALL MY MONEY 😆

OP posts:
nickEcave · 28/06/2017 16:17

I've had some luck with Phase 8 tops in the past. I've recently got some nice jersey blazers in Oliver Bonas.

KanyesLunchbox · 28/06/2017 16:22

I've a couple of things from Therapy at house of Fraser.

nextchapterplease · 28/06/2017 18:47

Ah Thomasina that's interesting - I am 5 foot 5 and it had never occurred to me that Baukjen is cut for taller people.
I can see that some of it wouldn't work though !

revolution909 · 28/06/2017 18:50

Banana Republic! That and Gap (although some people find it boring!)

Iwannasnack · 28/06/2017 19:05

Definitely have a look at phase 8. Some lovely things and made for curves

Gah81 · 28/06/2017 21:55

Baukjen (I think it works well on my shorter friend) and true vintage from 40s and 50s is where I get my stuff from. Only things that I don't have to alter to have taken in at the waist.

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