Styling Tips for Pear + Hourglass Figures

Skater dresses are an excellent silhouette for pear and hourglass figures. I like flowy materials like chiffon and silk because they skim over the hips and thighs and emphasise those areas less. However, if I feel like wearing something that does emphasise my curves, I will always add a pair of tights to smooth out my lumps and bumps. Statement tights like these polka-dot ones make for an interesting accessory rather than just a functional pair of tights.

From a very autumnal outfit to a very summery one!

I have become OBSESSED with ribbed knit midi skirts. If you are an hourglass or a pear and you don't have one in your wardrobe, you should definitely try some on. At first glance they seem hard to style but actually my camel and white ones go with everything and they flatter my figure really well.

Tight skirts can sometimes highlight so-called 'saddle bags' and the like, but the ribbed material smooths you out and gives your curves the Kardashian treatment.

If you have a pear or an hourglass figure, you have probably heard the advice that you should always emphasise your waist. I don't agree that we should ALWAYS do this - I think it depends on the piece - but I certainly agree that the majority of the time, clothes that cinch our waists look better than us. To be honest, that's true whatever your bodyshape! Even if you're not worried about flattering your figure, it just looks more feminine and polished.

I have a couple of Ted Baker coats in my wardrobe, one in camel and one in green, that I always reach for in Autumn and Winter. They work for so many different occasions and can easily be styled casually or for evening. The waist belts cinch us in nicely and, to make more of a statement, you can always switch the belt out for one of your own.

The Ted Baker wrap coats are also made with a blend of cashmere and wool so they keep you really warm without being too bulky.

The sad truth is that, however coveted curves supposedly are, clothes are still designed for that supermodel figure: tall, slim and usually without many curves. That makes going shopping difficult for a lot of pears and hourglasses, even sometimes making us feel bad about ourselves.

What I would recommend is finding a good tailor in your area, or buying from independent brands that can make bespoke pieces in your measurements. This sounds like a luxury but in the photo above, I'm wearing a skirt from Pretty Affluent and it cost no extra to have the skirt made to my measurements. You simply choose 'custom size' at checkout and fill in your measurements in the notes area.

For more standardised pieces on the high street, buy a size up and then get the item tailored to fit you perfectly. Depending where you go, this may cost anything from £5 to £25.