Finding the perfect dress can be both exciting and challenging. With countless styles, fabrics, and colours to choose from, it's crucial to consider your body shape to ensure that you feel your best. Here we'll explore how to choose the right dress for five common body shapes: apple, pear, rectangle, hourglass, and inverted triangle. We'll delve into key factors to consider, including dress fit, neckline, and length, to help you make informed fashion choices when it comes to flattering dresses for your body shape, choosing dresses for your body type, and dressing for your figure.
What to Wear with an Apple Body Shape
Apple-shaped bodies are characterised by broader shoulders than hips, a larger bust, and a relatively slimmer lower body. To flatter this shape:
Dress Style: Opt for A-line dresses or empire waist dresses that cinch just below the bust, creating definition and drawing attention away from the midsection.
Neckline: V-necklines and scoop necks help elongate the upper body and draw the eye upward.
Length: Choose dresses that hit just above or below the knee to show off your legs while minimising attention to the midriff.
Example: A knee-length empire waist dress with a V-neck and a flowy skirt will beautifully complement an apple-shaped figure.
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What to Wear with a Pear Body Shape
Pear-shaped bodies typically have narrower shoulders and a smaller bust compared to wider hips and thighs. To enhance this shape:
Dress Style: Opt for A-line or fit-and-flare dresses that highlight the waist and skim over the hips, creating balance and proportion.
Neckline: Try dresses with boat necks or off-the-shoulder styles to broaden the shoulders and draw attention upwards.
Length: Choose dresses that hit just above or below the knee to showcase your legs while downplaying the hips and thighs.
Example: A knee-length A-line dress with a boat neckline and a defined waist will beautifully complement a pear-shaped figure, creating a balanced and elegant silhouette.
What to Wear with a Rectangle Body Shape
Rectangular body shapes have a straight, balanced silhouette with minimal curves. The goal is to create the illusion of curves and define the waist:
Dress Style: Choose sheath dresses or dresses with a defined waistline to create curves.
Neckline: Scoop necklines and sweetheart necklines add femininity and enhance the bust.
Length: Both mini and midi lengths can work well for rectangular shapes, but consider a belt to create more definition.
Example: A knee-length or maxi sheath dress with a scoop neckline and a belt at the waist will give the illusion of curves for a rectangle-shaped body.
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What to Wear with an Hourglass Body Shape
Hourglass figures have well-defined waists with balanced bust and hip measurements. The goal is to highlight the curves without overwhelming the natural proportions:
Dress Style: Embrace body-hugging styles like bodycon or wrap dresses that accentuate the curves.
Neckline: Square necklines or V-necklines are excellent choices for showcasing your assets.
Length: Midi and maxi dresses can work, but consider a dress that hugs the curves for a more dramatic effect.
Example: A knee-length wrap dress with a v-neckline will highlight an hourglass figure's curves elegantly.
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What to Wear with an Inverted Triangle Body Shape
Inverted triangle body shapes have broad shoulders and a narrower waist and hips. The aim is to balance the upper and lower body while emphasising the waist:
Dress Style: Choose dresses with a fuller skirt like A-line or fit-and-flare to add volume to the lower body.
Neckline: Halter necklines or dresses with detailing at the waist can draw attention to the middle and balance the upper body.
Length: Opt for knee-length or maxi dresses to create a harmonious overall look.
Example: A full-length A-line dress with a halter neckline and a defined waist will create a more balanced silhouette for an inverted triangle figure.
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