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.

Edikted

Susan Off the Shoulder Long Sleeve Maxi Dress in Black at Nordstrom, Size X-Small

Delivery: International

$67.20

Nordstrom

-30%

Melissa Odabash

Sophie broderie anglaise cotton maxi dress White

Delivery: Delivery costs apply

$350.00 ~~$500.00~~

Mytheresa

-30%

Velvet

Elly off-shoulder cotton midi dress Blue

Delivery: Delivery costs apply

$331.00 ~~$473.00~~

Mytheresa

-40%

Dorothee Schumacher

Off-shoulder midi dress Green

Delivery: Delivery costs apply

$385.00 ~~$642.00~~

Mytheresa

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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.

-29%

Hutch

Cezza Flutter-Sleeve Ruffled Wrap Maxi Dress Orange

Delivery: International

$249.95 ~~$350.00~~

Anthropologie

-40%

Diane Von Fürstenberg

Tori printed crêpe wrap dress Black

Delivery: Delivery costs apply

$384.00 ~~$640.00~~

Mytheresa

-50%

Velvet

Juni wrap dress Pink

Delivery: Delivery costs apply

$240.00 ~~$479.00~~

Mytheresa

-70%

Velvet

Melat wrap dress Black

Delivery: Delivery costs apply

$168.00 ~~$560.00~~

Mytheresa

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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.

7 For All Mankind

Zoey courdory flared trousers - women - Cotton/Modal/Polyester/Spandex/Elastane - 27 - Neutrals

Sold out

$305.00

FARFETCH

Patrizia Pepe

high-waist wide-leg trousers - women - Cotton/Spandex/Elastane - 38 - Purple

Sold out

$249.00

FARFETCH

Pinko

cropped wide-leg high-waisted jeans - women - CottonPolyester/Cotton - 30 - Blue

Sold out

$284.00

FARFETCH

Pinko

abstract-print wide-leg trousers - women - Polyester - 38 Pink

Sold out

$265.00

FARFETCH

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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.

Miraclesuit Shapewear

Extra Firm Sexy Sheer Shaping Hi-Waist Thigh Slimmer Womens Underwear Black : 2XL (Womens 16-18), Cotton/Mesh/Nylon

Delivery: International

$58.00

Zappos

Knix

Womens Leakproof Contour Thigh Saver control short Absorption: light Length: 6 White

Delivery: Delivery costs apply

$49.00

Simons

BESTSELLER

Knix

Womens Leakproof Contour Thigh Saver control short Absorption: light Length: 6 Black

Delivery: Delivery costs apply

$49.00

Simons

Spanx

Womens OnCore high-waisted shaper short Length: 7 Black

Delivery: Delivery costs apply

$99.00

Simons

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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.