Concealing wide hips
The best tips for different body types
Women with wide hips often have either a pear-shaped or hourglass figure. A style consultation for these body types aims to harmonise the proportions of shoulders, waist and hips. The goal is to create a balanced relationship between these areas of the body. Well-known personalities such as Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé show how to present wide hips advantageously and highlight a woman’s assets.
When styling for the pear shape, the focus should be on balancing proportions to create a harmonious overall look. For the hourglass figure, the aim is to emphasise the natural proportions without overloading the silhouette.
Concealing wide hips – pear shape
Women with a pear-shaped figure have narrow shoulders and a slim waist but wide hips. Fitted tops can emphasise the body shape while at the same time disguising wide hips. Combinations of fitted tops and loose jackets can highlight a slim waist and conceal wide hips.
Striking looks can be achieved with voluminous tops and belts at the waist. Cowl necklines, asymmetrical styles and puff sleeves are also recommended styles for women with a pear-shaped figure.
Concealing wide hips – hourglass figure
The main characteristic of the hourglass figure is that the shoulders and hips have a similar circumference, while the waist is narrow. The proportions of the hourglass figure show that the shoulders and hips are about the same width, the waist is slim, and the bust is full. The hourglass type is a classic example of a harmonious figure.
When styling, outfits should not be too voluminous in order to highlight the silhouette. Flattering garments for the hourglass figure include loosely cut jumpsuits, wrap styles and waist belts. The outfit should emphasise the figure’s assets.
Fashion for wide hips: choosing the right garments
Selecting the right outfits is the foundation for flattering wide hips. High-waisted pencil skirts and loose tops are the best outfits for women with wide hips.
Trousers and skirts with tailored cuts are ideal for highlighting a slim waist. Subtle colours for bottoms are recommended to conceal the hips to best effect. High heels give the legs a longer appearance and also help the silhouette appear slimmer.
Flattering dresses for wide hips
Midi dresses, A-line dresses and wrap dresses are ideal as they highlight the waist and skim over the hips. The perfect dress for wide hips should emphasise a flowing silhouette and draw attention to feminine assets. Fitted jackets or blazers can accentuate the waist and create a flattering silhouette.
The best trousers and skirts for wide hips
High-waisted trousers emphasise the waist and help to disguise wide hips. Loose trouser styles such as palazzo or bootcut jeans gently conceal wider thighs and hips.
Darker colours and matte fabrics are ideal for trousers and skirts for wide hips. Plain or dark trousers combine well with lighter tops to create a balanced silhouette.
Tops that conceal wide hips
To draw attention to the upper body, striking tops and jewellery can be used. Eye-catching clothing such as voluminous tops and off-the-shoulder styles highlight the upper body area. Details such as bold prints and ruching make the shoulders appear broader. Fitted tops and blouses with V-necks are also advantageous for disguising wide hips.
Fitted tops and blouses
Combinations of skirts and fitted tops create an appealing silhouette that emphasises the waist. Women with a pear-shaped figure should add accents to the upper body area to balance out proportions and curves, for example with tops featuring necklines or ruching that suit different body shapes.
Fitted tops emphasise the waist by highlighting the body’s contours. V-necks and special details in tops draw attention to the upper body, helping to disguise wide hips.
Eye-catching details on the upper body
Ruffles or puff sleeves on tops can cleverly divert the gaze away from the hips and towards the upper body. Multiple prints, asymmetrical cuts and ruffles on the upper body deliberately guide the eye upwards. Statement earrings highlight the face and draw attention away from the hip area.
Colours and patterns: how to style wide hips properly
Dark tones are effective in making certain parts of the body less prominent and creating a harmonious silhouette. Light tones and bold patterns can draw the eye to the upper body and help disguise wide hips.
A tried and tested combination is: light on top, dark on the bottom. Large earrings and striking necklaces can also help to divert attention away from the hip area.
Dark colours and vertical stripes
Diagonal stripe patterns are flattering, while horizontal stripes tend to emphasise width. Shiny fabrics should be avoided as they highlight the curves of the hips. Dark colours generally have the effect of drawing in the eye and creating a slimmer-looking silhouette.
Light colours and bold patterns on top
Light and patterned tops draw attention to the upper body, subtly disguising the hips. By using light colours and striking patterns in the upper body area, the focus is directed upwards, creating a balanced silhouette. This simple technique helps to make the hips less prominent.
Dos and Don'ts for wide hips
A slim waist can be highlighted with a narrow belt, especially when wearing wide-cut dresses. A belt can also emphasise the waist when wearing trousers.
Shiny fabrics, however, should be avoided around the hip area as they accentuate the body. Dark colours are particularly effective in visually minimising wider body parts and creating a harmonious silhouette.
Dos: flattering styles
Trousers should have a high waist to emphasise the waist and create a flattering silhouette. Trousers with a high stretch content provide better comfort and also support a good fit.
Asymmetrical tops and cowl neck designs are ideal as they draw attention upwards. Pleats in trousers and skirts disguise extra volume around the hips while offering additional width.
Don'ts: unflattering styles
Avoid skirts with ruffles, flounces and voluminous cuts as they emphasise the hips. Belts worn at hip level should be avoided as they further highlight the hips. Horizontal stripes are also unflattering as they make the hips appear wider.