Hourglass figure, how do I dress this?

[TooManyMehTooLittleThyme]

I've always had an hourglass figure, but peri hit heavily during lockdown and I put on weight.

My figure is now 44 (34GG - and yes, it was measured by an expert) - 30 - 42, I'm only 5ft 4.

My hourglass figure is more hourglass than ever.
Pre lockdown I was a 34E, my weight gain has been quite dramatic.
I'm exercising, getting my fitness back but, being honest, even though exercise will tone me up, I think that the curves are here to stay until I'm through the menopause. Which could be tomorrow or 10 years from now.

I eat healthily and surprisingly little. I'm not going to do a diet as I have IBD and messing with my diet can make me very ill. Better to stick with healthy exercise IME.

I'm not ashamed of my curves - but what do I wear? I look like a flump in jumpsuits. Dresses really suit me.

Any suggestions?

Bump, lots of bumps actually.

Look at Bombshell HQ. ideal for you. The owner/designer has a curvy figure.

Love the bombshell stuff but I’m guessing it’s the day to day stuff that you’re struggling with? I’m not too dissimilar measurement/height wise and have actually found Brora jumpsuits to be incredibly flattering (once I’d had them taken up 😂). The zip up the front styles with a tie at the waist (not sure if they’ve got any on the website atm!). Cole jeans from Lucy and Yak are also surprisingly flattering for an hour glass (think it’s an almost palazzo pant effect). Cropped jackets/cardigans to highlight your waist.

I'm busty & find wrap style dresses & tops flattering, especially when the waist sits nicely & nips you in. V necks are good. I can get away with a loose crew neck if I create a v neck layer with a jacket or cardigan over the top.
Avoid high necks/polo tops & boxy jackets.

I have previously bought dresses from the New Look Tall range. The extra length extends through the body & helps with the larger bust and lets the waist actually sit on my waist rather than somewhere just under the armpit. I'm 5'7" so not overly tall.

I have similar measurements and have pretty much just given up wearing anything that isn't a dress.

I cycle in dresses, garden in dress and basically just wear leggings with matching coloured socks to pretend they're opaque tights. Tights look better but I just can't deal with them.

I like vintage style stuff as it tends to be built for that shape better, but also get on well with Hobbs/Phase 8 for smart and fat face + tk Maxx for not smart. I have to avoid this prairie type stuff or I look horrendous.

Do you still have a reasonably flat stomach? If so you'll be fine, you just need clothes with structure and a bit of shape. The current trend for oversize, boxy clothes does not work, and is probably why you're struggling.

People always say wrap dresses but they make me look really frumpy and often don't fit my bust properly as it pulls the material apart too far. I like shirt dresses and dresses with a fitted bodice.

If I still had a flat stomach (thanks, c section and lockdown) I would wear slim-fitting or flared jeans with a Breton top or again, something with a structured bodice. Oasis used to be great for hourglasses, the quality is terrible now the shapes are still good. I've always liked and fitted in Monsoon well. FatFace and Boden have some good stuff (some terrible). And if you find something you love but it's too loose on the waist, consider getting it tailored.

Thank you everyone.

No, I don't have a flat stomach anymore sadly. I had 2 operations on my stomach in the past 2 years, including one recently, so I can't work on my stomach yet. Also, I suffer with bloating sometimes.

Bombshell HQ is lovely, but yes, it's the day to day that I'm looking for.

By coincidence I put a Hobbs order in last night. Casual clothes, or dresses that I can dress down.

Also, I have loads of dresses in my Boden bag, waiting to be purchased.

In fact, high necks do still suit me, especially when worn with a skirt.
Bias cut skirts look good, not pencil skirts, just not very flared skirts.

I love a really good wrap dress. The difficulty is in finding one. Rarely do I find one that I'm not scared of falling out of!

I'm sorry, but jumpsuits really look awful on me - and I have tried so many of them.

The current prairie fashion looks awful on me. They dresses either drown me or the low cut dresses look very milkmaid/wench. That's not the look I'm going for .

If I can find them, dresses with a large tie front or a pre tied front work well.

As I say, it's day wear that I'm after.
I was hoping that someone would pop up and say that 'this' (item of clothing) will make you look fantastic. That I would try it and it would work.

Keep suggesting, I am listening. I sort of feel out of body, like I just don't look right any more, I don't look like me.

I wear a lot of dresses with belts round my waist. I have also embraced high waisted jeans, again I have to wear a belt because they are always too big on the waist in order to fit my thighs (🙄) but with a tucked in top they don't look frumpy.
Basically, wear fitted clothing. I can't wear anything remotely baggy or straight as it will hang like a sack off my bust, but whack a belt on there and it is vastly improved.

Today I have ordered two new Osprey handbags, 11 Boden dresses, 5 ASOS dresses, 4 Hobbs dresses yesterday, a French Connection order of dresses, skirts and tops, 3 Gap dresses, 5 pairs of boots - some knee high, one calf length, some ankle, 1 pair of white trainers.

In theory it's the wrong time of year for boots, but I needed some and they are on sale!

If this all sounds a lot, I've been saving my money for nearly two years. Since then I haven't been able to face looking at myself in the mirror when trying clothes on. I've been hating myself that much.

All of my choices are as a result of this thread. So thank you everyone, I did listen.
I can try things and send back anything that doesn't suit.

Two years ago I would have been able to order some All Saints dresses in size 10, knowing that I would be good to go.
Now? I put in a big All Saints order, all in larger sizes and most of it fits but looks awful. I've got a case of the incredible escaping breasts, or the dresses are so low cut that it looks like I'm all boob and no dress.

My style is (or was) slightly boho/alternative.

Please can anyone answer these questions?
• Are Nobody's Child dresses stretchy?
• Would a few small, square scarves tied around my neck age me? Or look stupid?
• Lots of the dresses I have ordered are plain. How do I accessorise them to be more 'cool' whilst not look like I'm trying too hard or trying to look like I'm 20?
• @Gladioli23 I like vintage style stuff too, do you have any shop recommendations?
• Or anyone in fact, if you know of a shop that will suit me but look a bit alternative can you help?
• Would a good quality pair of large silver hoop earrings suit me? Or be too heavy?
• Or a piece of jewellery that will 'wow'? If so, what?
• Can anyone recommend a good place to buy a light to medium hold slip to wear under dresses? Preferably something a bit antique or pretty? If it has a bra top it will have to be underwired without padding!

We've got an upcoming long weekend away, for the first time in over 2 years and I want to look really good for it.
I need daytime clothes, including footwear that I can walk in.
Some evening dresses that make me look really good + footwear and accessories?

Most of the dresses I have ordered are jersey material, if anyone can find me a single gorgeous, preferably fashionable dress for the evening, I will thank you!

I do have a bit more money left over, any more suggestions would be very helpful.

Thank you everyone for just getting it.

@DelilahBucket

I wear a lot of dresses with belts round my waist. I have also embraced high waisted jeans, again I have to wear a belt because they are always too big on the waist in order to fit my thighs (🙄) but with a tucked in top they don't look frumpy. Basically, wear fitted clothing. I can't wear anything remotely baggy or straight as it will hang like a sack off my bust, but whack a belt on there and it is vastly improved.

Try Hourglass jeans from ASOS. They have a larger measurement around the hip. I find them great - jeans that actually fit!

No help at all but peri hit me hard during the last couple of years too and I’ve also gained a lot of weight. Trying hard now to shift some of it. Good luck and for what it’s worth, your curves sound fabulous.

@Coniferhedge thanks for the tip!