Style guide focused on making hips appear smaller and balancing a smaller top half or bust

Understanding Visual Balance and Proportion

Our goal is simple: draw attention upward, minimize hip width visually, and create harmonious proportions using color, shape, and cut.

Step 1: Uplift the Upper Body

• Statement Necklines & Shoulder Detail

Use boat necks, square necks, embellished collars, or shoulder-structured tops to bring focus higher.

Check out tailored blazers that emphasize shoulder structure in our Smart Casual Blazers Guide.

• Soft Volume & Lightweight Layers

Choose puffed sleeves, dolman cuts, or softly gathered shoulders—these add upper-body breadth without bulk.

Browse styling ideas in Oversized Blazer Combos to see how shoulder volume shifts focus upward.

Step 2: Downplay the Hips

• Dark, Matte Bottoms

Opt for trousers or skirts in black, navy, or charcoal—matte textures offer a slimming effect.

View practical outfit pairings in our Workwear Capsule Guide.

• High-Waist + Straight or Slightly Tapered Cuts

High-rise waistlines define your midpoint; straight or tapered trouser legs elongate your silhouette.

Fit-enhancing examples featuring structured tailoring are in our Structured Tailoring Guide.

Step 3: Embrace Vertical Lines

• Long Layers for Slim Effect

Dusters, longline vests, and structured jackets that fall below the hip create length and conceal width.

See similar continuous vertical styling in pieces featured in Workwear Capsule Guide.

Step 4: Footwear & Accessory Strategy

Pointed-toe or V-front footwear streamlines the leg line.
Low-contrast shoes and leggings avoid drawing attention to the hips.
Structured shoulder bags or neck scarves help redirect gaze upwards.

🧵 Step 5: Fabric & Fit Tactics

Use structured yet fluid materials like mid-weight crepe or light wool; avoid clingy fabrics around the hip.
Prefer vertical seams or pleats for elongation and slimming; avoid horizontal panelling at hip level.

Step 6: Color-Blocking & Pattern Strategies

Dark bottoms + bright tops shift focus upward.
Vertical pinstripes on trousers add height; avoid loud patterns around the hip area.
Get creative with proportions using the Colour-Coordinated Outfit Planner.

🧳 Step 7: Complete Outfit Ideas

1. Office-Ready Balance

Top: Structured white blouse with shoulder detail
Layer: Mid-thigh tailored blazer
Bottom: Dark high-rise straight-leg trousers
Accessories: Pointed-toe loafers, minimal pendant necklace

2. Casual Day Out

Top: Light sweater with puff sleeves
Layer: Long, relaxed waistcoat
Bottom: Ankle-grazing tapered joggers in charcoal
Accessories: Neutral slip-on sneakers, scarf draped near the neckline

3. Evening Chic

Top: Boatneck fitted knit
Bottom: Wide-leg cropped black trouser
Accessories: Pointed pumps, structured bag, gold dainty necklace

✂️ Step 8: Tailoring Details

Ensure jackets end at or below the hip-line to conceal hips.
Avoid flared, A-line skirts or wide-leg trousers unless balanced with voluminous tops.
Stick to tapered or straight-leg trousers for a slimming silhouette.

📏 Step 9: Use Tellar Tools for Precision Fit

Measure accurately with our free toolkit in The Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide.
Check fit details like shoulder width, trouser rise, and jacket length in Tellar’s database.
Match styling examples—see how real outfits use these techniques in Oversized Blazer Combos and Workwear Capsule Guide.

✅ Final Style Strategy

Strengthen your upper frame with textures, structure, and volume.
Slim your mid-lower body with dark, high-rise garments and vertical accents.
Elongate the silhouette using long layers and streamline footwear.
Choose structured fabrics, and avoid clinging textures over the hips.
Tailor key lengths—jackets, trousers, sleeves—for proportional balance.
Confirm all dimensions using Tellar’s sizing platform.

By pairing these strategies with Tellar’s precise tools and styling guides, you’ll craft a flattering, balanced look that complements and celebrates your body shape.

📲 Stay Connected with Tellar

Keep shaping your style journey with daily fit tips, styling advice, and sizing expertise:

Instagram: @Tellarsizing
Twitter/X: @TellarSizing
Facebook: Tellar Sizing