Dresses That Flatter Your Figure
Is your body type more suited for an A-line dress or an empire waistline? We offer a straight-forward guide to dress shopping.
A-line
This dress steadily tapers out from the waist to the hem in strong, straight
lines, revealing a silhouette like the edges of a capital letter A.
This
is a very forgiving silhouette and can work for all shapes, depending on the
neckline. For instance, with a halter top, this is perfect for a triangle;
however, with a wide set straps, it's perfect for an inverted triangle.
Corset
The focus of this dress is in the tight, torso-hugging band from the navel to
the bottom of the bust; it's often reinforced with boning inserted into the
stiff fabric to pull in the stomach and push up the bust.
It's another
silhouette that works well for all body shapes, depending on the placement of
the straps. A well-made corset will cinch in the waist a couple of inches and
release at the hipthis is an excellent way to achieve an hourglass figure.
Empire
The bodice of this dress hits just below the bustline and tapers out to the hem,
as if from a very high waist.
If you are a rectangle, pick an empire
dress that fits snugly around your chest and flares out to give you the illusion
of a high-defined waistline. For a triangle, this silhouette will pull the eye
up and make your legs seem long and lean.
Halter
The straps of this sleeveless dress start toward the front center of the
garment, then attach behind the neck rather than over the shoulders, revealing
an open upper back.
It's the perfect piece for a triangle in a fluid,
midweight fabric to down play your bottom half.
Off-the-Shoulder
The straps of this dress are designed to wrap around the arms, below the
shoulders, revealing bare shoulders and an open neck area.
If you are a
rectangle, pick an off-the-shoulder dress with a flared skirtthis will widen
both your shoulders and your hips to create an hourglass figure.
Polo Dress
The T-shirtshaped, collared top of this casual dress has two or three
buttons on the front that open to a V-shaped neck, then fall to the
knee.
If the polo has a bit of a cap sleeve, it will work for a triangle
to create a squared-off structure to your shoulders. It's also good for an
hourglass shape, especially if you wear the top two or three buttons open to
create a V-neck to flatter your top half.
Princess Seams
These are form-fitting, curved seams that mimic the hourglass shape, running
down the right and the left front of the dress.
Princess seams work great
on all shapes, as the seams define and slenderize your frame.
Sheath
This dress features a figure-hugging silhouette with a defined waist and is most
often designed as a sleeveless shell that hits at or just below the
knee.
Sheath dresses work on all shapes, but chose one with a shoulder
that best suits your frame. Also be sure to choose one that is slightly fitted
and not too boxy.
Slip Dress
Originally worn as a sleep garment or undergarment, this dressusually made
of very lightweight fabrics such as silk, satin or a thin cottonhas spaghetti
straps and a low-cut neckline and can be "slipped" on and off over the
head.
The slip dress is similar to the sheath and will work on all
shapes, depending on the placement of the straps.
Strapless
Quite simply, this dress has no straps running over the shoulders or arms, thus
creating a horizontal or sweetheart neckline.
Strapless dresses are best
suited for an hourglass-shaped body.
Surplice
Like a permanent version of a wrap dress, this style is created by
cross-wrapping fabric across the front and securing it (most often in the seam)
to create a V-shape neckline.
This style is good for everyone and is such
a flattering silhouette! The faux wrap creates a V-neck, gathers at the waist
and releases at the hip.
Wrap
This dress is created by cross-wrapping fabric and securing it (usually with a
tie or bow) on the front, side or back of the top, which creates a V-shape
neckline.
A wrap dress also works for everyone, the same way a surplice
dress does. There is no way to lose with either piece.
