Women having this type of body shape can really count themselves lucky. It’s considered to be the most feminine of figures, typical of well-known personalities like Marilyn Monroe, Monica Bellucci and Scarlett Johansson. Though there are fuller and slenderer hourglass body shapes, the bust-waist-hip line essentially takes the shape of an hourglass, in which the waist is the narrowest point. This means that someone who has this body shape can wear practically anything, they don’t need to conceal or minimise any body parts with baggier clothing.

What kinds of basics to choose

It’s worth selecting clothes that retain your hourglass shape and highlight your waistline, so even tight clothes can be a good option. When it comes to looser clothing, make sure they accentuate your waistline.

• Among bottoms, pencil skirts and slim trousers with elastic waistbands are excellent choices
• Overlapping and slender dresses work very well, and can be accessorised with a thin belt to highlight the waistline
• Tops: tight-fitting, narrow tops with a cut-out, deeper cleavage work best. White or neutralcoloured tailored shirts are also great basic pieces to have
• Overalls with a narrow or highlighted waistline