Choosing the right dress for your body type can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to special occasions like weddings. Whether you’re looking for a floor-length gown or a fun and flirty cocktail dress, finding the style that suits your body type perfectly can take some time. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you select the perfect dress for your figure. From flattering necklines to the ideal skirt length, we’ll provide you with tips on how to choose the most flattering dress for your body type. We’ll also provide a few examples of stunning dresses in various styles that you can try on to see what looks best on you. The first step in choosing a dress is to understand which style is best suited to your body type.
Different cuts will flatter different figures, so it's important to find something that complements your shape. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect dress:For an hourglass figure, choose a dress that emphasizes the waistline and gives definition to the bust and hips. A gown with an empire waist or a cinched waist will help to highlight your curves. Avoid very full skirts, as they can make you appear wider than you are. If you have a pear-shaped figure, try an A-line or trumpet style dress to draw attention away from the hips and thighs.
Look for fabrics that drape nicely over your curves, like chiffon or satin. For an apple shape, look for a draped or fit-and-flare style dress to draw attention away from the mid-section. A sweetheart neckline will also help to draw attention up towards the face. Avoid dresses with pleats or ruching in the middle as these can make you appear heavier than you are. If you have a petite frame, choose a dress that elongates the body and creates a slim silhouette. Try an empire waist or a mermaid style dress that helps to lengthen your legs.
Avoid large prints and ruffles as these can overwhelm a small frame. Finally, if you have an athletic or straight figure, choose a dress that creates curves and definition around the waistline. An A-line silhouette will help to give definition to your waist, while an off-the-shoulder style will draw attention up towards the face. Avoid fitted gowns as these can make you appear boxy.
Petite Frame
If you have a petite frame, you’ll want to choose a style of dress that will give the illusion of height and help create curves. Opt for a form-fitting or A-line silhouette that will flatter your figure.Look for dresses with details like low necklines and ornate belts or sashes to create an hourglass shape. Avoid voluminous skirts, as they can make you look overwhelmed by the dress. Look for fabrics that are light and airy, as they will give the illusion of height. Also, consider adding a simple veil to draw attention up and make you appear taller.
Athletic/Straight Figure
For athletic and straight body types, finding the right dress can be tricky.While the sleek silhouette of these body types can make for an incredibly flattering wedding look, it’s important to consider the details of the dress. A-line dresses are a great option for athletic and straight figures, as they provide more shape and definition to the waist. If you’re looking for more volume, try a ball gown or mermaid style dress that will add fullness to the bottom half of the body. Pockets, pleats, and other embellishments can also be used to create more shape in the waist area.
Additionally, V-necks and scoop necks can help elongate your figure. If you’re an athletic or straight figure, you may be tempted to choose a dress with lots of details such as beading, lace, and embroidery. While these details can be beautiful, it’s important to remember that too much detailing can overwhelm your frame. Stick to simple silhouettes with subtle details to keep your look balanced.
Hourglass Figure
Women with an hourglass figure have a curvy body with equal parts bust and hips, and a narrower waistline. To show off this body type, it’s important to look for dresses that accentuate your curves while still providing structure.A-line gowns are perfect for this body type, as they skim over the bust and hips and nip in at the waist to create an hourglass silhouette. Empire waist gowns can also be flattering for hourglass figures, as they draw attention to the smallest part of your waist. Other styles such as fit and flare, trumpet, and mermaid gowns can also be flattering for this body type. When shopping for a dress, try to look for materials such as lace, tulle, or chiffon, which provide structure and support. Also look for details such as beading or sequins that draw attention to the smallest part of your waist.
Don’t forget to accessorize with statement earrings or a necklace to draw attention to your beautiful face.
Pear-Shaped Figure
For those with a pear-shaped figure, the goal is to accentuate the upper body while creating balance between the upper and lower body. This can be achieved by choosing dresses that have details or embellishments around the neckline and shoulders, as well as necklines that draw the eye upwards. Avoid dresses that are too tight in the hips or that are overly voluminous. A-line, fit-and-flare, and ballgown silhouettes tend to work best for those with a pear shape.To draw attention away from the lower body, choose dresses with a deep V-neck or scoop neckline, off-the-shoulder sleeves, and other details like beading or lace around the neckline. Another tip for those with a pear-shaped figure is to choose a dress with an empire waist. This style is fitted at the bust and flows out towards the hem, creating an illusion of balance between the top and bottom. For extra drama, opt for a dress with a full skirt and an embellished bodice.
Apple Shape
If you have an apple shape, you may feel like you have a lot of area around your midsection and that it's difficult to find a dress that fits. However, there are plenty of options that can flatter your figure and give you the perfect look for your special day.Look for dresses that cinch in the waist to create an hourglass figure. This will help to balance out your proportions and draw attention away from the midsection. An empire waistline is also a great option for an apple shape, as it gives the illusion of length and skims over the midsection. Avoid any styles that are too tight in the midsection, as this will only draw attention to the area.
Try to find a dress with some stretch and ruching that will skim over the body and provide comfort and flexibility. Look for dresses with a V-neck or sweetheart neckline, as these will draw attention away from the midsection and give you a flattering silhouette. When shopping for your wedding dress, keep in mind that different styles are designed to flatter different body types. Whether you have an hourglass figure, pear-shaped figure, apple shape, petite frame or athletic/straight figure, choose a style that is suited to your shape and complements your curves. With these tips in mind, you'll be sure to find the perfect dress for your special day.
