Ask The Costume Goddess:

Small Hips

By Dina

Dear Costume Goddess,

I am somewhat petite and have very small/no hips. What style of skirt would be flattering to my figure?

--Petite Patty

Dear Patty,

To create the illusion of larger hips, the belt is more important than the style of skirt. A small-hipped dancer could wear almost any style of skirt, keeping in mind that a fuller skirt will make your lower half appear shorter as well as wider. For this reason, a circle skirt or full harem pants would be best for a taller, small-hipped figure and a straight or slightly flared skirt or slim harem pants would flatter a shorter figure.

The belt is where you can build width using horizontal borders, thick cording, large jewels, short fringe, big beads, side tassels, and drapes. A drape is an extra veil or scarf that is tucked into the side of the belt as illustrated to create width and movement.

If you add tassels to the side of belt, sewing them to a large round bead on the belt will make them appear more prominent and dangle more freely.
Drawing Illustrating Do's and Don'ts

Ideally the closure would be on the side, again to create thickness there.

--The Costume Goddess

Other articles on this web site that you may find helpful include:

Ask The Costume Goddess: Skinny Dancer. If you're slender all over, this may give you additional ideas on how best to flatter your figure.
Ask The Costume Goddess: Hip Drape. How to make a hip drape like the one pictured in the "Do" diagram above.

Making A Circle Skirt. Shira explains how to make a circle skirt like the kind suggested for a tall dancer with slim hips.

About The Costume Goddess

For more great advice from the Costume Goddess, access to a photo gallery featuring her wearing some of her own costumes, and to learn about her background, please visit the main menu for Ask The Costume Goddess.

Ask The Costume Goddess:

Small Hips

By Dina

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About The Costume Goddess