Curvy girls rule. Yep, the fact of the matter is the average size in Britain is a 14-16, but it's easy to forget that when flicking through those pesky fashion mags. If you classify under that category then lucky you, cos who doesn't want a Beyonce booty and curves in all the right places, eh?
But dressing a 'bottom heavy' shape can be tricky, especially balancing those proportions, and especially when it comes to picking out trousers. We all know the battle of trying to get jeans to fit over our hips - the struggle is REAL AF. But it really doesn't have to be. Phew!
We spoke to celebrity stylist Lucie Clifford who gave us essential tips on dressing big hips. So whether you want to cover your feminine bumps or make them the starring role of your outfit, Lucie tells us how it's done.
So just what IS a pear shape?
Women with big hips, are often referred to as 'pear shaped' which describes women with big hips, thighs and a booty. Think Jennifer Lopez and Khloe and Kim Kardashian. These gorgeous women have figures that nip in at the waist, with a lower body that is more prominent kinda like the actual fruit. It's that classic 'Jessica Rabbit' hourglass: very sexy and oh so feminine.
How can you balance out your hips with your outfits?
Now we all love and hate certain parts of our body, so in order to make the most of your body shape the key to success is to draw attention away from your problem area. For example, if you don't love your wide hips, the best thing to do, is to draw the eyeline toward your waistline, bust or legs instead.
Wide hips can also be concealed by choosing the right clothes. Peg leg trousers in a dark colour and good quality fabric are always a good choice. What's great about peg leg trousers is that they sit just above your waistline which emphasise your smaller waist. It also widens at the hip to follow your natural shape, but then thins down to a slimmer ankle. This is a great way to balance out your curves.
A great shape dress to opt for, especially for work, is a wrap dress. This will emphasise the chest area, create a slim waistline, and the A-line shape just skims over the hips for a flattering fit. Try Ebay for vintage dresses in fun prints for a savvy, unique take on this wardrobe staple.
Should women with big hips avoid prints?
There are no rules in terms of colour or print, but always choose garments that use a nice cotton or wool, elastine mix that won't cling to tummies or hips. Avoid shiny fabrics or satin/silk unless cut on the bias in order to create curves. I would also say avoid prints in horizontal stripes. These tend to widen your trouble areas, especially striped trousers and pencil skirts.
If you're feeling brave to try rocking a loud 'look at me go' print on your bottom half, a great style tip is to tuck in a polo neck or simple tee into your bottom garment to balance out your hips. You are safe to wear prints and colour on your top half in any shape or style, so long as your bottom half is dark and fits well.
What's the must have accessory for dressing wide hips?
To sum it up in one phrase: SKINNY BELTS! Wearing a slim belt is a great way to draw attention to that skinny waist of yours and break up an outfit. It is also a great way of updating your trusty LBD. Opt for leather, snakeskin or a chain belt to go from day to night in one sweep.
What about if you want to show off your hips?
To embrace your hips, follow the same rules, but wear brighter colours on your bottom half, and go for tighter garments such as skinny jeans. Tip: wearing heels to lengthen your pins too, so pop on your fave pair and werk it.
Our styling tips will help you make the most of your gorgeous curvacious figure, but the most important piece of advice we can really give you is to learn to LOVE your figure. Choose the right clothes to make the most of what you've got and you'll be the most confident you can be. You've got this!
Calling all curvy girls! Got any top tips for feeling confident? Let us know @SoFeminineUK
You might also like:
10 Lessons in Self-Confidence From Plus-Size Models
