What Is the Best Dress for My Body Shape

Taking the guesswork out of dress shopping can be difficult, as you've probably asked yourself more than a few times, "what is the best dress for my body shape?" You're not alone, ladies. Finding the dress that best flatters your figure and conceals any trouble spots is quite a task! The vast selection of dresses out there doesn't help, either. Let us guide you through the process and maybe even make dress shopping fun!

What Shape are You?

Body shapes are easily defined. You may look at yourself in the mirror and describe your body as curvy, slim, defined, muscular, tall, short or straight – and that's just for starters. You're on the right track with these very descriptive words, because they're the starting point for the wardrobe choices you make.

When it comes to dress shopping, it's important to recognize your shape so that you can shop for the styles that will most flatter your figure. That is the fun part – but first, let's go through the various body shapes and what defines each.

• Hourglass or circle shapes are rounded and curvy. The graceful curves of this shape are marked by a well-defined waistline, full hips and thighs and a medium or large size bust.
• Inverted triangle shapes are large on top, with a generous size bust and a thick waist, and smaller on the bottom, with narrowed thighs and legs.
• Oval shapes are balanced from top to bottom. A large bust, thick waistline and large hips define the oval.
• Rectangle shapes are straight and somewhat squared, with little to no definition at the waistline, straight legs and torso, narrow hips and a flat derriere.
• Triangle shapes have narrow shoulders and torso, a small waistline and large hips. Extra weight is usually carried in the thigh area

  

Dressing for your Shape

The key to choosing clothes that complement your shape is to achieve absolute harmony from tip to toe. It's not just about the colors that best suit your skin tone; it's about fabrics that don't cling, materials that don't bind and a piece that genuinely fits. The right dress shouldn't be too tight or too loose (although it's better to err on the side of caution and go looser if in doubt). However, the best fit is the one that flatters your shape and accentuates your most stunning features.

What Is the Best Dress for My Body Shape?

No more asking yourself "What is the best dress for my body shape?" in frustration, ladies! Chances are you've done a bit of searching already for a fabulous dress, maybe even picked out a few, but are still none the wiser about actually dressing for your shape. Based on the shapes we've defined, let's take a peek at the dresses that work overtime to highlight your assets and keep pesky trouble spots cleverly concealed

Hourglass

Lucky you, curvy girl! Hourglass figures can show off their curves in form-fitting sheaths and A-line dresses. Shifts are also fantastic if you prefer to show less hip and accentuate the top half of your body instead. Salma Hayek and America Ferrera are great examples of curvy girls who know how to work with what they've got! This Donna Ricco sheath dress is stretchy, comfortable and flaunts your shape in a classy manner.

Inverted Triangle

Choose a dress that shows off your upper body! Concealing broad shoulders can actually make them appear larger, so a halter, strapless or sleeveless style is perfect. Also look for a-lines that lend the appearance of a shapelier bottom half. This Adrianna Papell silk halter dress is made for wearing all summer long! The shirred waist, full skirt and bare shoulders work your assets to their fullest potentials.

Oval

Full figures can take advantage of the trendy flowing shapes that are so hot right now. Empire dresses draw attention to the upper body and allow the rest of the fabric to softly flow over the lower half. This printed Robbie Bee dress is the perfect shape: its soft v-neckline, a-line skirt and widely cinched waist ensure that it fits like a dream.

Rectangle

Adding definition is key for this shape. Look for form-fitting shapes, gentle ruching to create a curvy illusion and revealing necklines. This Maggy London dress boasts a square neck and is fitted at the waist with a faux leather patent belt. Below that is a full printed skirt. All together, it's a recipe for shapely perfection!

Triangle

Bottom-heavy shapes benefit greatly from styles that accentuate the top half of the body. Empire cuts are especially flattering, as are a-line styles. This Jones New York silk dress is lightly embellished on the neckline and straps, which criss-cross on the back. This serves to draw attention upward. The bottom flows loosely over the hips and below the knees