Dress shopping for a family friend’s wedding or your cousin’s graduation party? This weeks-long – maybe even months-long – endeavor could be made a million times quicker if only you first understood and defined your body type, and then began shopping for dresses while taking that into account. First and foremost, you should figure out what your body shape really is once and for all. We have distinguished the five different body shapes that will surely make your life ten times easier when shopping in the future. Be sure to keep in mind that these body shapes are not determined by what your weight is but rather how your weight is distributed. Scroll down to find out what your true body shape is, as well as the dress styles that are most appropriate for your shape!
The Ultimate Dress Shopping Guide for Your Body Shape
Rectangle (A.K.A. Athletic)
If you’re like me, that means your shoulders and hips are about the shape width, and your waist is not very defined. Essentially, you are pretty straight up and down. After being disheartened about my lack of curves for so many years, I’ve come to embrace this body shape and have realized that I don’t need curves to rock different types of dresses.
Dresses that Look Amazing on You:
- Draped dresses
- Cinched waist dresses
- Shift dresses
Why?
Draped dresses and cinched waist dresses help to highlight the curves that you do have, or at least give the illusion of a curvy figure. Shift dresses that have detailing, such as embroidery, a pattern, a low neckline, or pleating also help to add curves to your body and give your shape some definition. However, you’ll want to avoid shift dresses that are too plain, stiff, or loose as they may make you feel as if you are wearing a paper bag, ultimately making you more self-conscious about your figure.
Triangle (A.KA. Pear)
Do you find that your shoulders are narrower than your hips and thighs? This means that your figure is a triangle shape. You may be self-conscious about your hips and thighs, and think that wearing pants is the only solution, but you are so wrong. Dresses can be your best friend after you discover which ones are the most flattering for your body shape.
Dresses that Look Amazing on You:
- Fit-and-flare dresses
- A-line dresses
- Shirt dresses
Why?
Fit-and-flare dresses will not only be the most flattering for your narrow upper body, but it will also make you feel the most comfortable. A-line dresses float over the hips perfectly so you can flaunt your upper body while keeping it roomy from the waist down. It is important for triangle shaped women to make sure that the details of your chosen dress, such as patterns, bold elements, and pockets are located in areas other than the hips so that they do not draw attention. You can also play around with ruffled or puffed sleeved dresses in order to balance out the width of your shoulders and hips.
Inverted Triangle
If your shoulders are wider than your hips and you tend to wear a larger size on the top half of your body than your bottom half, you have an inverted triangle shape body. Many people that I know with this body shape are insecure about their broader shoulders, but this should not be the case! This body shape is actually very desirable, especially for models nowadays. Naomi Campbell, Renée Zellweger and Demi Moore are just some of the idolized celebrities with this body shape.
Dresses that Look Amazing on You:
- A-line dresses
- Peplum dresses
- Maxi dresses
Why?
A-line dresses are perfect for creating the longed-for proportionate body as it adds volume to the waist area. Peplum dresses are perfect for women with broad shoulders as it helps create an ideal balance by adding some flare to the hips. Maxi dresses are not only unbelievably comfortable and effortless, but they also create the illusion of a long torso for those of you whose waists and hips are fairly straight. Tight dresses, such as bodycon dresses, also tend to look amazing on you as they highlight your waist and hips; however, make sure to avoid halter dresses, big shawl collars, big straps, and shoulder pads. Dresses with small shoulder cut-outs can also be your life saver.
Apple
You are considered to have an apple shaped figure if your shoulders and hips are about the same width, your waist is not very well-defined, and you have a full bust and a rounded stomach. You probably also have thin legs, so most of your weight is distributed in the mid-section of your body.
Dresses that Look Amazing on You:
- Swing dresses
- Drop-waist dresses
- Empire dresses
Why?
Swing dresses are so flattering for you because they flow right over the mid-section of your body and show off your amazing legs. Drop-waist dresses will give the illusion of a longer and leaner torso as it is loose around your stomach yet narrow around the hips. Empire dresses are perfect for you because they highlight your average to big bust while they flow right over your stomach. Another tip is to find a dress that contains dark colors in the midsection in order to hide that area of your body more. If you find a dress with a bold hem or neckline – you’re in luck! These will help take the focus away from your stomach area.
Hourglass
If you possess this enviable body shape containing a narrow, well-defined waist, and a bust and hips that are about equal size yet quite big, you might actually view it as a challenge to dress yourself (which would be a surprise to many). Don’t be afraid to show off your curvy figure - and wearing a dress is the perfect opportunity to do so!
Dresses that Look Amazing on You:
- Wrap dresses
- Belted waist dresses
- Tight midi dresses
Why?
Wrap dresses are perfect for accentuating your waist and showing off your feminine figure while also keeping it classy. Dresses that include an adjustable belt are also amazing for showing off just how tiny your waist really is. Tight dresses that have a hemline around knee length really help to show off your curves by creating a strong silhouette of your figure.
Having trouble trying to categorize your body type under one of these five shapes? Not a problem! Each and every person’s body is different, and the goal is not to define your body. The goal is to figure out the best parts of your body, or the parts that you love the most and accentuate that in everything you wear. If you find that you are someone who cannot precisely define your body shape, you can use the tips from this Ultimate Dress Shopping Guide to help weed out which dresses would not look so flattering for your figure, and go from there! Especially when shopping on websites with endless dress options from an array of designers, such as one of my favorites Lyst, this process of elimination is the best strategy.
Compensation for this post was provided by Lyst. Opinions expressed here are my own.
Leave a Reply