The ‘Other’ Hour Glass Shape

 

Following on from last week’s post on the ‘8’ shape body – often called the “ideal” silhouette. I want to remind you that body shape is just one piece of the entire styling puzzle. Too often there’s endless chatter about body shape within the fashion industry, as if it’s the only thing that matters.

In reality, there are many other principles that play a vital role in how well a person dresses – things like body type (what fabrics are best), body scale (bone structure, height & wight), vertical proportions (where to end garment hems), and body variations (what to minimize/highlight) These are all just as important, and they’re what I focus on with my clients when creating a personalised, scientific style profile.

 

Today let’s talk about the ‘X’ shape – the second of the two hourglass silhouettes. The ‘X’ has beautifully balanced shoulders and hips, with the widest point sitting at the upper thighs (not the bottom) when viewed from the front.

A true X always has a significantly defined waist – often 9 or more inches smaller than her shoulders and hips – along with a long outward slope down to her widest point. Many X shapes are also longer in the midsection, with more space between the rib cage and hip bone.

See the gorgeous Christie as a perfect example of an ‘X’…

The goal for the X shape is to elongate the figure, highlight that gorgeous waist, and showcase curves without over-emphasising them.

The most flattering clothes for an X fall smoothly over the curves with clean, vertical design lines. Think of garments that reveal a little skin at the neckline and elongate the body with streamlined detailing.

The magic is in knowing how to balance and elongate – not just identifying your body shape.

 

Styles that flatter the ‘X ‘ shape best:

Fitted and belted pieces (like the classic trench coat)

Single-breasted jackets

Flat-front straight leg, bootleg, or flared pants that sit at the natural waist

Tapered skirts with an off-center slit

Subtle A-lines, easy wrap dresses, sheath or shirt dresses

Diagonal hemlines and crossover dresses

 

 

And What To Avoid…

Anything oversized, baggy or too tight

Stiff fabrics, textured fabrics, or very thin fabrics

Clothes that are cut straight up and down or boxy

Tops and jackets that end at the wide/fullest part of your

hips.