If you’re wondering how to dress an 8-shape body, you’re in the right place! With a beautifully balanced hourglass figure, the right styling choices can help you highlight your curves effortlessly. But knowing how to dress your shape in a way that enhances your curves—while feeling comfortable—can sometimes be a challenge. Your body has a well-defined waist with curves, and your goal is to enhance those curves while minimizing any focus on the tummy area. But sometimes, it can feel tricky to find the right clothing that complements your shape without drawing attention to areas you want to disguise.
Here are some tried-and-true styling tips for dressing your 8-shape body, ensuring you highlight your curves while feeling comfortable and confident.
Dressing an 8-Shape Body Using a Column of Colour
The easiest way to create a visually elongated silhouette—no matter your shape—is to wear a column of colour. This means dressing in a single, unbroken colour from your torso down to at least your knees.
Why does this work? Because when we break up our bodies with contrasting colours, especially across the midsection, it draws attention to that area. But when we maintain a continuous line of colour, it creates a streamlined effect that makes us look taller and leaner. This is especially helpful when you want to de-emphasise your midsection.
If you love wearing different colours, you can still apply this principle by keeping your inner column (top and bottom) the same colour and then adding a jacket or open cardigan in a different shade.
Embrace Tailored and Fitted Clothing
Tailored clothing that follows the natural shape of your body can do wonders to dress an 8-shaped body. Fitted blazers, jackets, and dresses that cinch at the waist will highlight your curves and create a flattering silhouette. Avoid overly baggy or boxy clothing, as it can mask your waistline and make the tummy area appear more prominent.
Look for structured garments such as tailored trousers, fitted blouses, and dresses that have a built-in waist definition. This will highlight your shape without emphasizing your midsection, giving you a more streamlined look.
Drawing Attention Upwards
Another simple but powerful trick is to shift the focus away from your midsection by drawing attention upwards towards your face. So often, when we’re getting dressed, we focus on hiding the areas we feel self-conscious about rather than highlighting the features we want to accentuate. By making your upper body the focal point, people will naturally look there instead.
Your portrait area is the part of your body from just above your bust to the top of your head. It’s the first part of you that people notice and focus on when you communicate. Dressing this area first is important because it ensures that your face captures attention, drawing the eye away from areas you might feel self-conscious about.
Dressing your portrait ensures that when people engage with you, their gaze naturally goes to your face, making you feel confident and highlighted in the best way. Whether it’s a necklace, a scarf, or bold earrings, incorporating something eye-catching in your portrait area helps keep the focus where you want it.
Choosing the Right Hemlines for an 8-Shape Body
For women who feel self-conscious about their tummy, a curved hemline can be a game-changer. A top that dips slightly below the peak of your tummy helps to create a flattering shape without cutting across the widest part of your body.
Avoid tops that stop right at your tummy’s fullest point, as this can inadvertently highlight that area. Instead, look for hemlines that gently curve downwards or fall just below the hipbone for a more streamlined look.
Create Definition with Belts and Waistbands
Using a belt or waisted garment is an excellent way to accentuate the curves of your waist while drawing attention away from your tummy. Whether you prefer a wide statement belt or a thinner, subtle one, adding a belt will emphasize your natural hourglass shape.
If you’re wearing a dress, look for ones with a defined waistband that sits at the smallest part of your waist, or opt for high-waisted skirts or pants to create a seamless, hourglass effect. A belt over a cardigan or coat can also do the trick—just make sure it sits comfortably around your waist to avoid squeezing or drawing attention to the midsection.
Final Thoughts on Dressing an 8-Shape Body
Now that you know how to dress an 8-shape body, you can confidently highlight your curves and create a wardrobe that truly flatters your figure. It’s all about balance—focusing on your natural curves, elongating your silhouette, and de-emphasising areas where you feel less confident. With just a few adjustments, you can easily create a long, lean look that lets you embrace your shape with confidence.
Ready to embrace your 8-shaped body with confidence? Share your favourite styling tips in the comments! And if you’re looking for a customised approach, join my 7 Steps to Style program. It’s designed to give you the tools to dress in a way that enhances your natural beauty while making styling choices easier every day.
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