Finding the ideal dress may be difficult, as anybody who has ever gone dress shopping knows. But understanding what body types look best in specific dress styles can make the process much easier. Women with the rectangle body shape typically have a similar circumference around their shoulders and hips, with a narrow waistline in between. Stylists for this type of body recommend creating balance with a defined waist and fullness in the lower half, like a wrap or fit-and-flare dress.
Determine Your Body Type
If you’re looking to shop for dresses that flatter your body, the first step is determining your body type. Finding a dress that flatters your form will be simpler if you know which of the primary body types you are. An hourglass body shape is defined by proportionate hip and bust measurements paired with a narrow waistline. This naturally balanced body shape can look great in many different dresses.
Find a Dress With a Defined Waist
Women with an hourglass body shape have proportionate hip and bust measurements and a defined waistline. They should look for dresses that accentuate this area. A-line dresses and wrap styles are great options for this body type, as are fit-and-flare options. Determining your body type can save hours in the fitting room and help you find dresses practically made for you.
Look for a Dress with Fullness in the Hips
For inverted triangles, a dress with fullness in the hips is ideal. It will help balance out broad shoulders and narrow waist measurements. Dresses with a fit-and-flare style also add more volume to the hip area.
People with spoon-shaped bodies have well-defined waistlines and narrow hips. A dress should highlight the narrow waistline and avoid oversized or shapeless styles that make the figure appear boxy. Women with pear-shaped bodies usually have larger hips and thighs than the rest of their body. They should avoid dresses that make them look boxy and choose dress styles that accentuate their admirable curves. Fit-and-flare and X-line dresses are flattering on this body type. They help to elongate the body and draw attention away from the waistline. They also enhance the shoulders and bust to create an hourglass effect.
Look for a Dress with Fullness in the Thighs
Your aim should be to balance the look of your upper and lower bodies if you have an athletic body type. Figure-hugging dresses and form-fitting will accentuate your curves and elongate your torso. You can add fullness to your lower body by choosing dresses that flare below the waist. Dresses with ruffles or puffy sleeves are great options for this.
Look for a Dress with Fullness in the Bust
Women with apple body types carry their weight in the middle, so they should look for a dress that accentuates their shoulders or bust area. They should also avoid dresses with full skirts and stick to longer styles. For women with a pear body shape, the key is to balance out their curves. Open or V-neck necklines work well, as do fit-and-flare dresses that cinch around the waist. Fuller busts look plentiful in fitted dresses. Puffed sleeves and ruffles create volume, but you want to balance this fullness with a dress that cinches in at the waist. You have great curves, so make sure to show them off! A form-fitting sheath dress will accentuate your natural waistline and elongate the body. For a more dramatic effect, try a fit-and-flare dress.
Look for a Dress with Fullness in the Legs
Ladies with a round body type often have full hips and thighs. The best dresses for this shape accentuate the legs and waist while taking attention away from the tummy. Dresses for this shape should accentuate the shoulders and balance the narrow upper body with a fuller lower body. It can be accomplished by selecting a fit-and-flare dress and choosing a neckline that elongates the torso’s appearance.
Look for a Dress with Fullness on the Shoulders
If you have a pear-shaped physique, you should choose a dress that provides fullness to the lower part to balance your more extensive hip measurements. Fit-and-flare options work well, as do dresses with voluminous skirts. We’ve all had the experience of admiring a garment on the rack, only to be let down when we tried it on because it didn’t look well on us. Avoid this frustration by learning to choose the perfect dress for your body type.
Look for a Dress with Fullness in the Arms
Find a dress that balances out the appearance of the upper body if you have prominent hips and thighs and are a pear-shaped woman. Consider fit-and-flare dresses, ruffle collars, crochet effects, lace, and other designs that accentuate the shoulders and add volume to the upper body. Figure-hugging dresses, wrap silhouettes, and straps will also elongate the upper body.