The Ultimate Guide to Dressing for Wide Hips: How to Wear What Works Best for Your Shape
When I first started understanding my body shape, I wasn’t always sure how to dress to highlight my best features. Having wider hips was something I used to feel insecure about, but over time, I learned that with the right clothes, I could not only flatter my shape but also embrace it confidently. If you’re in the same boat, wondering how to dress with wide hips, you’ve come to the right place.
I’m about to share everything you need to know about what to wear, how to wear it, and how to feel fabulous in clothes that make your wide hips look balanced and chic. From selecting the best silhouettes to understanding color strategies, we’ll break down the steps that will elevate your fashion game and boost your confidence. No more guessing or feeling frustrated while shopping—this guide will ensure you know exactly what works best for you.
Why It’s Important to Dress for Your Shape
Before jumping into the “what” and “how,” let’s take a moment to talk about why dressing for your body shape matters. The clothes you wear can enhance your natural silhouette, create the illusion of more balanced proportions, and ultimately give you a confidence boost. When you wear clothes that fit well and make you feel good, it shows. You’ll walk into any room exuding self-assurance.
When it comes to wider hips, the goal is not to hide them, but to embrace them by creating harmony with the rest of your body. The right clothes can draw attention to the areas you love and minimize those you don’t feel as confident about. So let’s get into the specific styles that will flatter your body and help you shine.
Understanding Your Body Shape: Wide Hips
First, let’s make sure we are on the same page when it comes to body shape. If you have wide hips, chances are you have what is commonly referred to as an “hourglass” or “pear” shape. This means your hips are wider than your shoulders, with a smaller waist and fuller thighs.
This body shape is incredibly beautiful and curves naturally lend themselves to some stunning fashion choices. The key is to create balance between your hips and the upper part of your body, which you can do through the strategic selection of clothing.
Check out what to wear and how to wear it if you have wide hips
Necklines, prints and details
Best Clothing Silhouettes for Wide Hips
One of the most important things to keep in mind when dressing with wide hips is choosing silhouettes that provide balance and structure. Let’s go over the styles that are most flattering for your shape:
1. A-Line Dresses and Skirts
A-line silhouettes are an absolute game-changer for women with wider hips. The flared skirt naturally creates a balanced, flattering look that doesn’t cling to your hips or thighs, which can help smooth out the lines and draw attention away from your lower half. These types of dresses and skirts will emphasize your waist, making it appear more defined, and the gentle flare will flow elegantly over your hips.
How to Wear It:
Pair an A-line dress with a fitted top or jacket to accentuate your waist. When choosing an A-line skirt, opt for a mid or high-waisted version to elongate your legs and create a nice shape. A-line skirts or dresses in darker colors for the bottom will help minimize the area around your hips, while brighter or patterned tops will add focus to your upper body.
2. High-Waisted Bottoms
High-waisted pants, skirts, and jeans are another excellent option if you have wide hips. They help define your waistline and give the illusion of longer legs. High-waisted bottoms help create a balanced look by raising the waistline and elongating the appearance of your legs.
How to Wear It:
When choosing high-waisted bottoms, make sure they are fitted but not too tight. A slight stretch fabric is often a great option. Pair them with tucked-in tops or blouses that show off your waist. If you want to add more definition, try a belt to cinch the waist for an added touch of structure.
3. Peplum Tops
Peplum tops, which flare out slightly at the waist, are perfect for creating an hourglass shape. The flare helps balance out wider hips and draws attention to your waist. This top is flattering for most body types, but it works particularly well for those with wider hips.
How to Wear It:
When wearing a peplum top, make sure the flare starts at the waist, not lower down on the hips. Pair it with fitted trousers, skirts, or high-waisted jeans to maintain that balance. A peplum top in a solid color can also elongate your upper body, making your hips appear narrower.
4. Tailored Jackets and Blazers
A tailored jacket or blazer can be a game-changer for women with wide hips. Structured blazers help to create a sharp, sophisticated look that highlights the waist and adds balance to the proportions of your body.
How to Wear It:
Opt for blazers that are slightly cinched at the waist for added definition. Make sure the jacket is not too boxy or loose, as this can add extra bulk to your frame. A fitted blazer with a V-neckline will naturally elongate the body, drawing attention away from the hips. Pair it with straight or slim-leg trousers for an elegant, proportionate look.
5. Straight-Leg and Bootcut Pants
When it comes to pants, the key is to avoid overly tight or overly baggy fits. Straight-leg and bootcut pants are ideal for balancing out wider hips. They add structure and create a smooth, elongated line that complements your body shape.
How to Wear It:
Opt for straight-leg or bootcut pants that skim the body without clinging to the hips or thighs. Pair them with heels for extra height, and try to choose darker shades, as they tend to slim the figure. A fitted or tucked-in top will highlight your waist, further drawing attention to the top half of your body.
Pants
Colors, Prints, and Patterns That Work Best
The right colors and patterns can do wonders for accentuating your best features and creating balance. Here’s what I’ve learned about incorporating color and prints into my wardrobe to flatter wide hips.
1. Dark Bottoms, Bright Tops
One of the best strategies for dressing wide hips is to use the power of color. Dark colors are slimming and can help draw attention away from the hips, while bright or bold colors can bring focus to the upper half of your body. This color-blocking technique is great for women with wider hips.
How to Wear It:
Pair dark-colored pants, skirts, or dresses with a brightly colored top to draw the eyes upward. Opt for patterns, textures, or even bold prints on the upper body to create the illusion of a smaller lower half.
2. Vertical Stripes
Vertical stripes are slimming and elongating, making them perfect for balancing out wide hips. Stripes can add dimension to your outfit and help elongate your torso or legs.
How to Wear It:
If you’re wearing stripes, focus on vertical lines on your top or dress to create a long, sleek appearance. A vertically striped blouse or dress can give the illusion of a more balanced figure, especially when paired with dark-colored pants or skirts.
3. Avoid Horizontal Stripes at the Hips
While vertical stripes work wonders, horizontal stripes can create the opposite effect, adding width to the hips. Avoid horizontal stripes on the lower half of your body, as they may highlight areas you prefer to minimize. If you want to wear stripes on the bottom, make sure they are diagonal or in a more subtle pattern.
Dresses and skirts
How to Accessorize with Wide Hips
Accessories can also play a key role in drawing attention away from wide hips and creating a balanced look. Here are some accessories that have worked wonders for me:
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Statement Necklaces and Earrings
A bold necklace or a pair of statement earrings can draw attention to your face and upper body. When people’s eyes are focused on your accessories, they are less likely to focus on your hips. -
Belts
Wearing a belt at the smallest part of your waist can emphasize your waistline and create a balanced silhouette. A belt is especially flattering when paired with high-waisted bottoms or dresses. I prefer a thinner, structured belt for a sleek look. -
Scarves and Shawls
Scarves and shawls add vertical lines that elongate the body. You can use them to add layers or dimension to your upper body, which helps balance out the lower half.
Third piece
Shoes That Flatter Wide Hips
The right shoes can also make a huge difference in balancing out your proportions. Here are some shoe styles that can complement wide hips:
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Pointed-Toe Flats or Heels
Pointed-toe shoes elongate the legs and add sophistication to your look. They create a streamlined effect that complements a curvy figure. -
Ankle Boots with a Slight Heel
Ankle boots with a slight heel are great for adding height and elongating the leg. They work particularly well when paired with straight-leg pants or skirts. -
Avoid Chunky Shoes
While chunky shoes can be stylish, they tend to add bulk to the lower body. Instead, opt for sleek and structured footwear that adds height and creates a streamlined look.
Bikinis
FAQs
1. How can I dress for wide hips without feeling restricted?
It’s all about finding pieces that fit comfortably and allow you to move. Opt for fabrics that have a slight stretch, and choose clothing with a little extra room around the hips, such as A-line skirts or high-waisted trousers.
2. Can I wear skinny jeans if I have wide hips?
Absolutely! Just make sure they fit well and are not too tight around the hips. Pair them with a longer top or jacket to balance out the proportions.
3. What is the best way to create an illusion of a smaller waist with wide hips?
High-waisted pants, peplum tops, and belts are great for cinching in your waist and creating the illusion of a more defined shape.
4. Can I wear prints on the lower half of my body?
Yes! But it’s best to stick to smaller or more subtle prints on your lower half, as large prints can draw more attention to your hips. Pair printed bottoms with solid or complementary colors on top.
Final Thoughts
Dressing for wide hips doesn’t mean hiding your curves—it means embracing them with the right styles that balance your proportions and highlight your best features. From A-line skirts to high-waisted pants, there are endless options that can help you feel confident and stylish in any situation. Remember to experiment with different silhouettes, colors, and accessories until you find what works best for you.
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