How to dress if you're an... hourglass

This week at LittleBlackDress.co.uk we're going back to basics with our body shape special. Take a look at our guide to defining and dressing for your body shape (by the fabulous Wendy Elsmore, celebrity stylist and founder of London College of Style) and keep your eyes on the blog because each day we'll be bringing you more tips and tricks for each shape in the body shape fruit bowl. Today, hourglass ladies, read on… YOUR SHAPE The hourglass figure is the epitome of Hollywood Glamour. Think of the hit TV show Mad Men and the shapely, in-and-out-in-all-the-right-places women starring in it and it's clear to see why this is a sought-after body shape! The hourglass will generally have a bigger bust and hips with a defined waist and poised pins — easily the most coveted body shape in the body shape fruit bowl! You're celebrity body shape icons are Kelly Brook and Scarlett Johansson, who manage to embrace their curves and still look on-trend. Follow in their footsteps with Team LBD's top tips below. TOP TIPS Left to right: Kate Fearnly Buttercup Dress in Yellow, ¬£165; Louche Rosewell Dress in Floral Print, ¬£69; Forever Unique Bessie Dress in Black, ¬£220. They certainly knew how to work an hourglass silhouette in the fifties, so try highlighting your figure with a 1950s style prom dress. Choose a flared skirt style with a nipped in waist which will emphasise your tiny waist and skim over your more buxom body parts, for maximum impact.

Left to right: Miss Patina When in Woodstock Dress in Yellow, £78.80; Ruby Ray Floor Length Ombre Chiffon Dress in Peach, £230; Darling Dakota Maxi Dress, £80. If you want to try a maxi dress this summer then work those curves by going for a strapless style with a waist band to show off your bust whilst accentuating your small middle. Alternatively take a look at our gorgeous shirt-style maxi dresses which will also show off your womanly shape and give the illusion of extra height.

Left to right: The Style Standard Cinnemon Wrap Dress- Margit Brandt, £99.99; Louche Kayven Dress in Floral Print, £55, Gina Bacconi Autum Blue Jersey Dress, £150.50. The wrap dress is another perfect way to pull you in and emphasize your hourglass figure. It will allow you to show off your perfect pin-up shape by drawing the eye to your middle as well as up to your bust. Add heels for a seriously vampy look. Shop all dresses for hourglass body shapes here.