Dos & Don’ts for a Curvy, Hourglass Body Type in Your 30s

Learn how to dress an hourglass shape to show off your curvy figure. I’ll explain how to flatter your curves, how to accentuate your hips, and how to create balance in proportions.
#style #hourglass #curvy
Watch next: • Fix Your Mini, Midi an...
00:52 How to know if you’re curvy
2:29 The Top Half
6:07 The Bottom Half
11:47 Mastery Level
♦️LINKS:
(Includes commissionable links.)
Shop my faves: www.amazon.com...
Similar black wrap dress (in 5 colors): shopstyle.it/l...
My ivory linen shorts: Express, sold out
My brown wrap tie heels: amzn.to/3ONUmOe
Black strappy heels (similar): amzn.to/3a3C7FX

[@ParisLeShea]

I am an hourglass shape but I'm also plus size AND petite. For my plus hourglass ladies, most of the general guidelines for hourglass work for us but just keep in mind tailoring and proportions, especially if you are plus and tall or plus petite as the wrong proportions can really throw off the balance of our shapes.

[@PriskaJordan]

Thank you for this info! That's a helpful addition for plus size, petite ladies. 🙏

[@GoingGreenMom]

​@@PriskaJordanI can vouch for this on plus sized tallsreally easy to go from 1/3 to 1/4. .

[@AngelaCelesteMay]

I agree with others who have said that your excellent advice works for any age woman not just those in their 30s. Thank you!

[@sammym1311]

I love that you make these videos for those in their 30s as it's a time when you move towards a more polished look. But I'm 48 this spring and all of these tips are helpful now (or have been hard earned through trial and error!). Everyone needs your videos...

[@PriskaJordan]

You just made my day!! Thank you so much. I've actually been considering rebranding, because people keep saying what you've said as well. We shall see.. ☺

[@danielle4976]

high waist + cropped top = so flattering

[@PriskaJordan]

...and I'm sure it's also the magnetism of your energy! Dressing just plays up your inner state 🥰

[@danielle4976]

@@PriskaJordan thank you!

[@exolovebambibambi1763]

Can you tell me which type of jeans you wear like straight jeans or wide jeans

[@danielle4976]

@@exolovebambibambi1763 I usually wear a style that is fitted in the waist and thighs but boot cut or flare on bottom - I think it’s most flattering.

[@conjureyourday]

Thank you for making this video!! It has given me a much needed confidence boost! Your figure is stunning!

[@PriskaJordan]

That's great to hear! 💃 Thank you!

[@jlea2480]

Just wanted to say that tucking in my blouses has been a style game changer for me. I don’t know how I never saw it before this year. I look so sloppy untucked. I get so many compliments about my look and all I’m doing different is tucking in my shirt🤦🏻‍♀️🤯

[@PriskaJordan]

That's aaaamazing!!! 🙌 A free style upgrade. I'm so glad to hear this -- THANK YOU for telling me! This type of comments lights my fire. 🤗

[@closeenoughproductions318]

This is super helpful, especially with style examples and even better, they're in video format, not photos. It's crazy to me that I need to look up guides on something that seems like it should be intuitive at this point in life, but I've recently realized I've been dressing poorly for my body type for years and needed guidance. I'm super excited to update my wardrobe, look cute or professional and just be happy, confident and comfortable with my appearance. It's so nice that there are people like this willing to share their knowledge and empower others, thank you 🙏

[@PriskaJordan]

That is wonderful to hear. Thank you very much!! I’ve been on the same journey as you - learning to dress for myself instead of general trends. It’s empowering! Keep going - you’ll feel that confidence & enjoyment in your outfits as you continue to choose what flatters you. 🙌🏼

[@theresaolguin4188]

The pink floral dress looked great on you! I have an hourglass with similar measurements to yours. I’ve felt self-conscious about my arms and found your tips about sleeve length very helpful. Recently I decided to start wearing sleeveless tops again after having previously ruled them out.

[@PriskaJordan]

Oh yay!! I'm so glad that tip is helpful & empowering. It definitely depends on where the sleeve end is placed on the arm. And thank you for complimenting the pink dress. (It's very old from Banana Republic.)

[@dianne9365]

I look terrible with high waisted jeans/trousers as I have an extremely short torso and they end up being just under my bust!. I am old enough to have worn the really low rise which I wouldn't anymore, however midrise is my go to. The only reason I made this comment is that I feel that there must be few people with my body type!, as everyone seems to mention highrise as the most flattering!.

[@shosikarevich]

Yes I hate high rise I’m 5’3 and my hips sit right below my ribs

[@lisa34478]

Yep. I’m the same. High waisted is more like under-the-bust. Pregnancy was not fun - nowhere for the baby to fit except out 😅

[@dianne9365]

@@lisa34478 This made me laugh, I was the same, my lump was enormous as poor babies had no room to spread out!.

[@christinegonzalez7976]

Literally taking notes. I'm more of a pear but kind of in between that and an hourglass so this was so so helpful.

[@PriskaJordan]

Yes, well they're so similar and oftentimes the same styling techniques can be used to flatter both figures.

[@Maremare680]

1:41 I learned that what determines the body shape is the shoulder =waist =hips ratio. Your measurements reflect perfectly what your anterior view shows. An inverted triangle body shape. You have strong shoulders, my dear, and that is good.

[@PriskaJordan]

Hi! While I appreciate the compliment, I don't have an inverted triangle body shape. Perhaps this video would help explain in more detail: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2maoHqMos2tn80

[@toniweston4330]

I have a curvy body with a waist of 18 inches, hips are 36, bust is 38. I am 5'6 & 140 lbs. I am here to say I look fabulous in horizontal strips. A nice experience column dress w/ a wide dark strip makes me look like I snap in the middle 😮

[@janetlynn3528]

I find that shorts are not good for my hourglass body because of the way my legs are shaped-they cause the shorts to ride up into a V pointing up...not good. So I try to avoid shorts because of that. Thanks for the tips!

[@PriskaJordan]

I've had that issue, too! It definitely depends on the way the shorts are cut -- the waist height, the room around the thighs, etc. -- and the fabric. After a lot of try-ons, I've found only a few shorts that work for me, so I understand just wearing something you know works for you. Thank you for your thoughtfulness in commenting, Janet! :)

[@margaridaguerreiro802]

I don't like shorts either! I have the same issues

[@bernadettehawes]

I’m an hourglass too but bermuda shorts work really well. Anything knee length or just above. I had trouble finding the length I wanted one year and just went out and bought a second hand pair of jeans and cut the legs at the length I wanted. I did also own a brand new pair of capri jeans which I was not wearing and had been unwilling to do anything with. In the end I realised that I might just as well cut those to the length I need and wear them. So I did just that. You can find second hand jeans in many types of leg widths. These days frayed hems are a thing. You don’t even need to sew. Just decide on the best length and cut.

[@bernadettehawes]

Sorry my last message was for Janet Lynne as a suggestion, not for you Priska! So sorry!

[@PriskaJordan]

Hehe! Great ideas, Bernadette! Thanks for sharing with her...and me 😉

[@christinegonzalez7976]

Would you consider sharing more of the brands for the clothes you have? You have the cutest style!

[@PriskaJordan]

I certainly can do that! :) For the recent pieces in each video, I've added the links to the description box. The only thing is, most of my clothing is "old" -- at least a year, so no longer available. But if you're interested in a piece that isn't linked, just let me know, and I can at least tell you the brand to see if they have something similar in this season.

[@christinegonzalez7976]

@@PriskaJordan Thanks! Thats very nice of you. I'm obsessed with your sort of abstract animal print midi skirt and the basic black square neck tank. I'm a big fan of finding older items online and getting them secondhand. Your ivory sort of short suit set is gorgeous too.

[@PriskaJordan]

@christinegonzalez7976 You're going to laugh, but I'm just seeing your response here. 😆 That leopard print midi has been worn 100 times minimum. I bought it at a boutique years ago, and then "leopard midis were outdated", and now they're back again. 😎 The ivory suit is from Express, but sadly, I washed it with my jeans and now it's blue tye-dye... Whoops!

[@RuthT90]

This was great thanks. Our sizes are very similar so it was good to see outfits on someone with a similar body type.

[@PriskaJordan]

I'm so glad to hear that! I was looking for someone near my size to see how clothes would look on me, and that's exactly what I wanted to offer with my channel. I'm so glad you're here!

[@AngelaCelesteMay]

Hi again. I'm no expert but from what I understand from multiple sources, the consensus in body typing according to the fruit system is that to be considered an hourglass body type it has to be balanced. This means that the shoulders/bust are close to the same measurement as the hips, AND there is AT LEAST 25% difference between the waist and hips. BOTH (emphasizing not yelling 🙂) have to be the case to be an hourglass; If someone has one of these two aspects but not both then they are a different body type since there is no such thing as being almost an hour glass. There is such a thing as a top hourglass meaning that the bust is slightly larger than the hips, or a bottom hourglass (although there seems to be some debate if a bottom hour glass is actually a recognized in body typing) but in both of those cases I think there is not supposed to be more than just a couple of inches difference. If it's 3 or or more inches difference then I think it's no longer considered an hourglass. Beyoncé is a perfect example. She is curvaceous, but I believe she has a pear shape because she does not have that balance. Peace

[@debrasalon1]

This is the best explanation and description I’ve seen yet. Thank you.

[@PriskaJordan]

Wow, thank you!

[@grumpyschnauzer]

Loved this video!! I’m a subtle hourglass but do things change if you have a short torso?

[@PriskaJordan]

Yes, that’s an additional dynamic to your shape. I have a short torso, and while the traditional advice is to “balance” it with a lower waist, I prefer to exaggerate it. It’s more interesting that way - just my preference.

[@mariafinger9563]

Great job, Jordan! Easy, doable tips that really make a difference, even for pear-shaped bodies!

[@PriskaJordan]

Thank you, Maria! :) My last name is Jordan. My first name is Priska, but since I've gotten married, I get "Jordan" a lot now. LOL!

[@SR-mv2mf]

New subscriber!, I would love to see more outfit videos for everyday for different seasons. I am a kibbe romantic body type. Am curvy and mid sized

[@PriskaJordan]

I have lots of videos for you!! Watch my "Flatter Your Curves" playlist first.

[@wem-c9f]

@1:41 shoulder 44” hips 39” how is that hour glass? They say hips and shoulders should be about the same. Yours is 5” difference… more like inverted triangle maybe? 🤔

[@PriskaJordan]

I see why you might be confused. There's a lot of inaccurate information floating around about body shapes. It's determined by proportions of measurements to each other, so it's not simple math. An hourglass is defined as having a waist measurement that's 25% less than the shoulders and hips, and the shoulders/bust and hips are similar to each other in relation to the waist measurement.

[@ivfchic3316]

I looove your style!!

[@Miab0711]

Thank you, this was really helpful for me

[@PriskaJordan]

I'm so glad to hear that! 😊

[@Skyeee287]

Thank you! I just found this video today, I'm looking forward to trying out these tips

[@PriskaJordan]

Very cool! Thanks for watching 🙏🏼

[@jasminecontreras7341]

Thanks so much for the tips! I’m in my mid twenties trying to transition into a more classy elegant look with flattering pieces on my petite hourglass body type. Def going to subscribe looking forward to more your videos ☺️

[@PriskaJordan]

That's wonderful to hear! You're well on your way to discerning your style & how you want to present yourself. Thanks for your kind comment, Jasmine. 🤗

[@BrLaCu]

Same- exact situation. I still find myself wearing crop tops. Then a blazer over it. Smh this I’m going to watch.

[@JoshGreensVLOG]

Relatable content 🙌

[@therealmouseymouse]

Wrap dresses always look too bulky on me because I'm 5'0" so its a lot of fabric for me. There's only about an inch between my hip bones and the bottom of my ribs. Im big on cropped tops with high waisted bottoms. Belts are also my friend, so i layer thin belts over dresses for a better balance.

[@Kay00911]

I’m 5 foot also but struggling to figure out any type of fashion I recently lost 80 pounds thanks for posting your comment specifying your height

[@Isamolle]

Thanks!

[@Ssofiakhanofficial]

The best video i found for styling tips, as the measurements are literally the same🙈

[@PriskaJordan]

Very cool. I’m glad you liked it! 🤗

[@marie6050]

Tall, skinny legged hour glass here! I find it so difficult to shop - thanks for your help!

[@PriskaJordan]

Good to know! You're welcome & thanks for watching 🤗

[@moonchild650]

Where is the wrap black dress from? It looks lovely on you and we have almost identical measurements.

[@PriskaJordan]

Thank you! Mine was from Reformation, but it's quite old and sold out. However, Quince makes an identical dress (the cut and viscose fabric), linked here: shopstyle.it/l/b6N8J

[@moonchild650]

@@PriskaJordan Thank you! I can create a similar look with a wrap skirt and a tank top, but the Quince dress seems very flattering and comfy.

[@moonchild650]

Which size do you wear in Reformation? 8? I've never ordered anything from them as I'm not sure about my size, but we have almost identical measurements, so I probably need the same size as yours. ​@@PriskaJordan

[@PriskaJordan]

Yeah, I recommend the Quince one. It's the same quality at a fraction of the price. And yes, I wear size 8 in Ref's dresses and tops.

[@gouriparvathy28]

How about a full sleeve churidhar?

[@bernadettehawes]

Oops I commented before watching till the end! And you suggested avoiding Bermuda. I do like mid thigh but maybe because my legs are quite slim with a kneecap that is bigger than I would like, I prefer not to have it on display quite so much. I find that just above the knee, slim fit shorts look quite flattering.

[@PriskaJordan]

Hey Bernadette! If you like Bermuda shorts, please by all means keep wearing them. :) This guidance is more for curvy, hourglass body types and are just my suggestions. Still, I hope this give you some ideas to play with. Thank you for watching!

[@vaibhavighai]

I am hourglass but i am pitete and also my brest litle aller then hips so how styel

[@allieblank5992]

One tip I thought was new and different was wearing a sandals with a lot of top of the foot exposed to elongate!! 👍🏻

[@PriskaJordan]

I’m glad you picked up a useful tip. Thanks for watching! 💃🏻

[@saanvi1041]

Shoulder= 33 Bust = 34 Hips = 30 Waist= 24 I got Top Hourglass in website u showed..but in another calculator i got rectangular ..so what's my body shape

[@PriskaJordan]

I recommend the calculator that I used which types you as a top hourglass. That makes sense since your hips are more narrow than your shoulders & bust. Hope this helps! 😊

[@LolsIssajoke]

Just from what I can tell I think your an inverted triangle since your bust is bigger than your waist, I don’t think your an rectangle since if you were your measure meant would be closer in size your waist would be like 29-27 and your bust would be 30-32 most likely

[@lindasimyu6414]

Looks like inverted triangle

[@maud1708]

What if you actually want to camouflage your hourglass figure? I don't like the curves and the accentuated waist (it makes me feel even wider at the hips). This is why I do sometimes wear boxy clothes, just so my figure seems a bit more straight...

[@PriskaJordan]

I think I understand where you’re coming from. Personally, I like to flatter my curves, and that’s my focus with this channel. I think most of the other influencers are showing boxier clothes though.

[@maud1708]

@@PriskaJordan but many other influencers are flat and don’t have any curves to speak of😆

[@PriskaJordan]

Precisely!!! That’s why I’m not attracted to their style. I LOVE the femininity of curves. It’s gorgeous & the way the magnificent designer created us. 👩🏻‍🍳💋 But if you like to wear boxier styles, you can shop less tailored pieces or go up a size for a roomier fit. Hope that helps!

[@teeare2367]

I am 5'4", size 6 or 8, 135 lbs, 36 DD chest, and 38" hips. There is NO WAY I can wear high waisted anything. I've tried. Any suggestions?

[@PriskaJordan]

Do you have an hourglass body type? I don't have all your measurements, so it's hard for me to advise. Definitely wear what is comfortable for you: function and form combined.

[@Ilovecmaddox]

Where is that blue dress from?!

[@PriskaJordan]

The light blue dress is from & Other Stories. I bought it last summer and it's likely sold out, but they make similar styles each year.

[@Kris7245]

Love a lot of these, but cap sleeve is better than a longer short sleeve for wide shoulders, thick arms, or large chest. The sweater top shown would make my body across the chest look like a large rectangle. It makes the upper arms plus the bust look like one wide section. A cap sleeve breaks up that line and makes it look like the chest is smaller than the shoulder, making an inverted triangle (tapered effect). I NEVER wear sleeves that are square in shape or hit right above the elbow. It’s the worst look ever for my curvy petite hourglass. People with skinny arms can do it because it adds width to balance out a larger hip.

[@PriskaJordan]

Ah okay, I understand. Thanks for explaining that, Kris! It's all about finding what looks best on your body. I hope some of my tips were helpful in offering alternative ideas. :)

[@Kris7245]

Yes some of the advice is super helpful. Especially the concept of dressing with softer curvier lines rather than angles or sharp geometric. I do believe after discovering Kibbe types that I understood why “dressing for your hourglass” is advice that often leads women astray, especially for me. I didn’t understand how much my body frame and bones mattered. An hourglass can be tall or short, and either angular/geometric, or rounded and curved. The best outfits would be completely different for these types. Merriam Style has an amazing YT video on Hourglass that shows the different types and how different the clothing advice would be for different hourglass figures. It changed the way I think about my body and why some recommendations don’t work for me. For example on my body doing a French Tuck for most shirts makes me look boxy and square. And high waisted pants usually do too because they are square at the waist and don’t pinch in enough. They are all angles and no curves. And many “curvy” jeans designed with a small waist aren’t in petite proportions but designed for standard height. (like they expect you to be petite OR curvy but never both at the same time). Now I know what my body lines are and why things don’t work. But finding clothes that do work or how to put together the outfits is still a struggle! Thanks for your videos, I’m trying to take advice from everywhere and put it all together in a way that works for me.

[@dancingnachos3634]

Thanks beautiful girl❤

[@TheJessieb77]

I really want to tuck in my shirts but my tummy is too fat to pull this off imo. I am 5ft2 and a little over weight. Or should i just go for it anyway 🤷‍♀️ plus im 46

[@PriskaJordan]

If I were you, I'd just try it out and evaluate what you think. If you like it, wear it. If you dislike it, at least you tried something new. :)

[@keriannakrebushevski3183]

I'm hourglass but I despise the sensation of clothing fitted to my waist... if I 'm going to be wearing something all day i just want something flowy and roomy and i feel super cursed by this

[@Kinz.Ing2]

Shoulders, 47 Bust, 45 Waist, 41 Hips, 52 I got pear!

[@PriskaJordan]

Yay! I hope that helps you on your personal style journey.

[@Empress_diorr]

Thx pookie 😘😘😘

[@bjulalula9537]

Would you tell us how tall you are?

[@PriskaJordan]

Oh, of course! I'm 5'5".

[@HurricaneIrene07]

If these ideas work for you at age 30; they will still work at 80. Make sure you skirt and short length flatter your person leg shape. Some modern pant styles are not flattering on anyone.

[@PriskaJordan]

Hehe agreed! Thanks for watching 🙏

[@winnymichael2269]

I thought you only measure shoulder and hip is are same your hours glass

[@PriskaJordan]

Yes, that’s correct. The shoulder, hip, and waist measurements create the proportions for an hourglass shape.

[@deepika14348]

Bottom hourglass listening it for the first time

[@PriskaJordan]

Love to hear that! Welcome 🤗

[@GoingGreenMom]

I wear shorts because I dont have AC, but I don't like how I look in any of them. 😢

[@PriskaJordan]

Check out this video where I talk about flattering shorts details for curvalicious babes 😉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3qZfJ9rnMSeoKs

[@thisgirl5539]

I can never find high wasted pants that actually fit my waste. They are always too tight and end up being quite uncomfortable.

[@haerinz_cat]

My body type is bottom hourglass

[@PriskaJordan]

Thanks for sharing! My videos are well suited for you, since I'm an hourglass, too. :)

[@haerinz_cat]

@@PriskaJordan great!!!

[@zoricaivkovic507]

You are evidently pear shape. However, full busted women (hourglass shape) should avoid holter tops, spagetti streps one shoulder ... They make their breasts look bigger and shoulders narrower. Busty ladies often have thicker upperarms. In that case, sleevless tops are not flattering. Just bare this in mind.

[@Ydsamsbn1b]

It said im top hourglass

[@indigodande4345]

NEVERRRRRR HIGH WAISTED!!!! LOW RISE FOREVER!!! XILLENIALS HOOOO!!!!!!

[@indigodande4345]

You know what it was as a teen the pants were high waisted. My grandmother as a child also try to get me to wear those granny panties as christmas gifts >.

[@Aurora.sweet.flower]

I’d love to see some styles that aren’t high waisted……. I just think the high waist style is sooo out of fashion😊

[@PriskaJordan]

This probably isn’t the right channel for you then. 😉

[@dreaguti]

But it’s super IN fashion? 🤔

[@happygoluckystar8069]

Crop tops not only accentuate waits. They dramaticly accentuate your belly making it so visible and prominent, that only women with ideally flat belly look good in it. Sorry 🙄😉

[@PriskaJordan]

Well, I believe that if you like the way you look in it, you should wear it. And if you don't like it, just pass. My philosophy with personal style is that it's all about how you see yourself when you wear clothes.

[@happygoluckystar8069]

@@PriskaJordan 😘 such approach really warms my heart 😊 well, I guess we change our philosophies with time… I hope you will be able keep yours regrdless of time passing ! ✊

[@PriskaJordan]

@@happygoluckystar8069 that's so kind of you to say. Thank you! 🙏

[@iscavengersam]

I dont understand why this is based on age...

[@tinacusimano6784]

👍

[@Rielle5289]

I’m a bottom hourglass lmao

[@lolawolfcharlie9770]

She is not hourglass. Those clothes are not for hourglass.

[@eternalrose98]

I gotta admit, she seems more like a pear shape, but her suggestions are still on point!

[@KatieAJ]

What is it then, expert?