Congratulations! You’ve determined your figure type is curvy, or hourglass, which means you have a full chest, tiny waist, full hips, round bum and shapely legs. You’re in excellent company by the way. Halle Berry, Salma Hayek and Kate Winslet also have curvy figures.

Your best features are your tiny waist and proportioned chest and hips. These attributes are what you should highlight and enhance. The key is to create balance between your upper and lower halves so that neither looks heavier than the other. For instance you should wear the same colors and prints on both. Also, stay away from oversized styles as they will make you look larger and hide your curves. Your best bets are fitted styles and drapable fabrics that gently hug your curves. Always wear styles nipped, or fitted, at the waist because they draw attention to your waistline and flatter your figure. Belts and sashes will do the same.

Because of your voluptuous curves, you have to watch out for what I’ll call “the tart factor”. The effect of overly tight tops and bottoms or overly short skirts on your figure will be a cheap look. You do not have to go the bimbo route to be sexy. Your figure is already very sexy and well fitted clothes will show it off.

That said here are my tips on looks and styles that work best for you, as well as what to avoid.

PANTS - Choose a flat front trouser with a low waist. They should be fitted across the hips and then ease into a full straight leg. Boot cuts and subtle flares work for you, too. Avoid overly straight or tapered styles like cigarette pants.

JEANS - Stretch denim in darker washes work best for you. Also, choose styles with a rise that is lower in front and higher in the back. Smaller, angled pockets and boot cuts will flatter your bottom. Avoid flat pockets and most especially, embellishments!

SKIRTS - High waist bands are your best bet. Pencil and trouser skirts will flatter your figure. Be careful not to go too short. Your skirts look best when they hit right above the knee. Avoid hemlines that hit at mid thigh which is the widest part of your leg. Your skirts don’t need embellishments. Keep them plain so they stay balanced with your upper half.

DRESSES - This is where you can have a lot of fun. Dresses look fabulous on your figure. Yours should be fitted, especially around the waist. The wrap dress is a classic for you. But you also look great in belted shirt, tee, nipped waist sheath, strapless and semi fitted tunic dresses. When you wear prints, choose ones on the smaller side that run vertically. Make sure the print and colors are the same on your upper and lower halves so you create balance between the two. Avoid oversized, bulky styles and vertical lines.

TOPS - Always wear semi-fitted styles to show off your hourglass figure. Wrap, strapless, blouson, keyhole, off shoulder, halter, and cross over tops work for you. You look amazing in turtlenecks! Wear small to medium size prints. Wear your tops tucked in. Or, wear them out and consider adding a belt. Avoid oversized styles, horizontal stripes and capped sleeves.

JACKETS/SUITS – You look best in single-breasted styles fitted at the waist. Peplum jackets (nipped at the waist and flared at the hem) are great for your figure. Wear your jackets with straight leg trousers or pencil skirts. Throw a belt around the outside of the jacket. Avoid boxy or double-breasted styles at all costs!

Well, curvy girl, you’ve got a beautiful figure. To look your best go with fitted styles that best flatter and balance your natural curves. Your beauty essential recommendations are customized for your shape so be sure to check them on a regular basis.

Feel confident and look beautiful!

Not a curvy shape? Check out our recommendations for these other body types:

Body Type Dos and Don'ts - Pear Figure

Body Type Dos and Don'ts - Inverted Triangle Figure

Body Type Dos and Don'ts - Straight Figure