Spring 2012 Fashion Trends For an Hourglass Body Shape

Ready to swap your heavy sweaters for light cardigans? By adding a few of the hottest trends from the spring/summer 2012 fashion collections—pastel shades, color-blocking and peplum details (think little flares or ruffles at the waist)—you’re sure to feel an instant warm-weather glow.

Take a peek at the high-end designer styles we’re coveting—along with more affordable and wearable takes on the trends—that flatter your hourglass body shape.

QUIZ: What’s Your Body Shape?

1The trend: Pastels

The runway: Oscar de la Renta

A pretty pastel looks anything but girlish when it’s done in a subtly sexy style. One part Joan Holloway from “Mad Men,” one part modern-day Marilyn, this dress is all spring romance. Swoon.

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2Your way:

There’s no need to hide those fabulous curves at the office—just sweeten them up a bit with a dose of pastels. This coral and beige suit, with its tailored jacket and sexy secretary pencil skirt, looks gorgeous belted to draw attention to that teeny-tiny waist of yours.

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3Your way:

Hourglass shapes look fab in halter dresses, so why not put your best self forward in a pretty-in-pink style that’s demure enough for any occasion?

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Talbots “Marlo” dress, $129, Talbots

4Your way:


A pink belted cardigan layered over a pastel floral-print pencil skirt will get you through all sorts of spring situations: work, parties, Easter, Mother’s Day (we could go on). Don’t you just love an outfit you can wear together—or apart—again and again?

Charter Club cardigan, $59, and skirt, $64, Macy’s

5The trend: Color-blocking

The runway: Max Mara

Not that you needed any help in the curves department, but a fitted color-block style such as this sassy number will add a little oomph to your outfit. Make that a “Pow!”

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6Your way:


Channel your inner Marilyn Monroe with this blue and yellow color-blocked stunner of a pleated dress with just the right touch of retro. And, yes, we encourage dancing and twirling in this number. Standing over steam grates—optional.

BCBG Max Azria dress, $228, Nordstrom

7Your way:


When you prefer to dress a bit more demurely, try a style like this sleeveless, color-blocked number that’s easy-going, but still totally put-together. And if you prefer to show off your shape, just add a belt. Instant update!

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Marni for H&M silk dress, $80, H&M

8Your way:

On the hunt for a perfect spring work dress? We’ve found it! The soft, pleated jewel neckline and color-blocking in geometric shapes look polished, professional and pretty all at the same time. Winning!

Ann Taylor color-block sheath dress, $158, Ann Taylor

9The trend: Peplum

The runway: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Work that hourglass shape with a waist-emphasizing peplum flourish. This style combines bold stripes on top with a ruffled taffeta skirt. Ooh la la!

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10Your way:


Talk about glamour! You’ll have it in spades wearing this flirty, fluttery pencil skirt topped with a peplum frill to thrill.

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Plenty by Tracy Reese peplum pencil skirt, $138, Anthropologie

11Your way:


Caution! Dangerous curves ahead! That sexy hourglass figure gets the va-va-voom treatment with this cream and navy dress that is sure to draw all eyes to you.

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Marc by Marc Jacobs “Marfa” dress, $598, Neiman Marcus

12Your way:


We can’t help but cheer over this vintage cheerleader-inspired peplum top. The slightly puffed-up cap sleeves and skinny red belt have us yelling “Rah! Rah! Rah!”

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ModCloth peplum “Squad” top, $38, ModCloth