Fall 2012 Fashion Trends for an Hourglass Body Shape

Hourglass body shape? In the fashion department, you’ve got lots to look forward to this fall. We’ve rounded up your top three runway trends and offered three affordable ways to wear them. Work that sweater like Marilyn by pairing it with a figure-hugging pencil skirt. Wear red with gusto and watch jaws drop as you pass by. Bring in a statement collar to add pep to your enviable shape. In other words, let your curves shine!

1The trend: Cozy knit-wits

The runway: Marc Jacobs. Although the proportions are exaggerated on this catwalk look, hourglass shapes can take inspiration from a knit top and slim skirt that work with your curve appeal.

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2Your way:

“Mad Men” gets modernized with this thin sweater and fitted skirt. Add a belt to show off that tiny waist—and your hourglass shape—for a look Joan Holloway would definitely approve of.

Ann Taylor leopard-print sweater, $68, and flounce skirt, $88, Ann Taylor

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3Your way:

You’ve figured out a pencil skirt and a slim top are great options for your hourglass shape, now try playing with textures. This knit sweater looks fresh with a printed leather skirt. Unexpected, but in a good way.

J.Crew sweater and snake-skin pencil skirt, J.Crew

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4Your way:

A sweater dress is a fun way to work the knit trend. This navy style clings to your curves just enough to make things interesting and adding a belt nips you in at the waist. Making it even better: Now you have the perfect excuse to nab some new tall boots and a great fall bag.

Lottie sweater dress, $148, bodenusa.com

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5The trend: Fifty shades of red

The runway: Jason Wu. Va-va-va-voom! This red pencil skirt is accented with black seaming to really accentuate your curviness.

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6Your way:

This color-blocking technique is super trendy for fall—the dark panels on the sides are slimming, while the red stripe down the middle draws the eye in. Look! You just lost 10 pounds without even trying!

Milly Nina faux patent leather dress, $395, millyny.com

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7Your way:

An hourglass shape can’t always dress like a sex pot, so, when you need to tame things a bit, reach for a tailored blazer that nips in above the natural waistline—at your tiniest spot. This cherry red number looks delish paired with an orange blouse and purple pants. Funky? Sure, but somehow it still works.

BCBG Max Azria Noah jacket, $248, lordandtaylor.com

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8Your way:

Red alert! Come fall, cocktail party season starts to hit full swing, and you’ll need a standout style. This peplum top is hourglass-friendly paired with a pencil skirt, but wear it with slacks and a blazer and it’s office-appropriate, too.

Spence peplum top, $58, Bon-Ton

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9The trend: Hot under the collar

The runway: Rachel Zoe. Not all collars have to be sweet this season—some, like this standout faux fur piece—make a statement.

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10Your way:

When it’s cold, warm things up with a stylish faux fur collar that draws attention to your beautiful face.

Banana Republic faux fur collar sweater jacket, $250, jacquard pencil skirt, $89.50, and faux fur-lined neck warmer, $59.50, Banana Republic

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11Your way:

A ladylike black polka dot dress has that slightly retro feel that seems to work for many hourglass-shaped women. This one, though, also gets a modern pop of bright color with a contrasting collar and cuffs. Cute and glam in one easy style? Sold.

Collective Concepts dress, $89, piperlime.com

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12Your way:


The collar trend is easy to do when you snap up a couple detachable versions to mix and match with your fall clothes. We like this crystal collar for hourglass shapes—it has just the right amount of glam, flash and sass.

Topshop gem shirt collar, $40, topshop.com

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