5 styling tips for women with wide hips

While we never like dictating how anyone should dress, we are here to share some helpful tips gathered from our expert fashion team over the years… This time we’re discussing the good old ‘pear-shape’ conundrum: What to wear when you have big hips, plus how to flatter this body shape the best. Take note from Jennifer Lopez, Salma Hayek, and Blake Lively with our guide for wide-hipped girls.

Salma Hayek at the 2023 Golden Globe Awards

Photo: Getty Images

Salma Hayek attends the 2023 Golden Globes

1. Focus on the neckline.

Certain cuts will suit pear-shapes better, as they emphasize the shoulders. Wide necklines and off-the-shoulder styles will visually widen shoulders and draw attention upwards.

Solace London

Satin gown Red

Delivery: Delivery costs apply

£570.00

Mytheresa

-20%

Ariella

Bardot Pleated Fit & Flare Maxi Dress Green

Delivery: free

£88.00 ~~£110.00~~

Roman

-40%

Diane Von Fürstenberg

Agustin lame midi dress Red

Delivery: Delivery costs apply

£219.00 ~~£365.00~~

Mytheresa

-54%

Tory Burch

Tory Burch Smocked Cotton Dress Black

Delivery: £15.00

£248.00 ~~£541.00~~

Balardi

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Jennifer Lopez wears a flattering peach colored dress that accentuates her waistline

Image: Getty

2. Accentuate your waist

Flaunt what you’ve got! Accentuate your hourglass silhouette with a belted dress, wrap dress, or a fit and flare cut. It’s a great way to nip in the waist and make the most of your figure.

Roman Leopard Print Velvet Wrap Midi Dress

-17%

BESTSELLER

Roman

Leopard Print Velvet Wrap Midi Dress Silver

Delivery: free

£50.00 ~~£60.00~~

Roman

-30%

AllSaints

Viscose Diana Floral Wrap Dress, Size: UK 14/US 10 Brown

Delivery: free

£181.30 ~~£259.00~~

AllSaints

-20%

Diane Von Fürstenberg

Astrid wool and cashmere wrap dress Green

Delivery: Delivery costs apply

£416.00 ~~£520.00~~

Mytheresa

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Fat Face

FatFace Erin Blue Beachwear Wrap Dress

Delivery: £4.95

£65.00

FatFace

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3. Make the most of wide leg pants

While it may seem counterintuitive, wide leg pants will complement wider hips and a pear shaped frame. Create a flattering silhouette by combining them with a tighter fitting top or a cropped top to draw attention to your waist.

Frankie Shop

Maesa Pleated Woven Wide-leg Cargo Pants - Green

Sold out

£198.00

NET-A-PORTER

Dries Van Noten

Printed Grain De Poudre Wide-leg Pants - Green

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£575.00

NET-A-PORTER

Ulla Johnson

Constance Pleated Cotton-canvas Wide-leg Pants - Green

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£400.00

NET-A-PORTER

Skin

+ Net Sustain Ember Stretch Organic Cotton-terry Track Pants - Blue

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£130.00

NET-A-PORTER

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4. Find the right underwear

A padded bra or push-up bra will add volume to a small bust, while a good pair of support knickers will smooth and tone the hips under clothes.

-60%

The Upside

Check Sports Bra, Brown, XS

Delivery: Delivery costs apply

£30.00 ~~£75.00~~

Reiss

-60%

Calvin Klein Underwear

Calvin White Underwear Ribbed Bikini Bottoms, XS

Delivery: Delivery costs apply

£20.00 ~~£50.00~~

Reiss

Ann Summers

Fearless longline lace non padded bra in black

Sold out

£26.00

ASOS

Ann Summers

Lovers Spark non padded lace and satin detail bra in pink / red

Sold out

£32.00

ASOS

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5. Opt for tops in vivid colors or intricate prints

This will balance out your figure by drawing more attention to your top half and making your shoulders and chest appear slightly broader than they are.