Best Dresses by Body Type
The Best Dress to Flatter Your Body Type — Now Wear It With Pride
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Let's get one thing straight: your body type does not determine whether or not you can try out a new trend. There are different ways to interpret every style and 100+ silhouettes to choose from when it comes to the perfect wrap dress, the mini, or the midi. We're just here to tell you what to look for based on your height, frame, and the assets you love to proudly flaunt when you step outside. Ahead, you'll be able to scoop up the one type of dress we recommend for your figure, but we shopped out plenty of variations so that you don't feel limited. Read the list to scan all of our selects, or jump ahead to the category you know is right for you.
1 Pear Shape
If your figure is slim in the centre and you aim to flatter your waist, shop for a shirtdress that allows you to cinch it with a belt. Voluminous sleeves will also draw attention to the waist area when your hands are down at your sides, so if you can handle a little more material or the bishop-sleeved trend, this is the cut for you.
2 Petite
If you're right around 5' with fewer curves, getting artsy or playful about the pattern on your dress is key and oh-so-much fun, by the way. You should shop for a minidress with a busy, statement-making print and work a pair of fancy shoes or booties. Cinching your waist with a belt will work to define your torso and also rise a longer hemline if you feel like your dress flows an inch or two South of where it should. Showing extra leg will also help you appear taller, if that's what you're going for.
3 Athletic
If you've worked hard on your squats and your legs have definition, a mini blazer dress is for you. Not only is the look sophisticated, you can draw attention to your best feature with a pair of thigh-high boots, and you can always layer a pair of biker shorts or a slip underneath if you're not fully comfortable with the length.
4 Large Bust
Lucky for you, flowy midi dresses like this one are one of the trendiest shapes of the moment. A design with a slight V for a neckline allows you to get playful with cleavage and proudly show off your gorgeous figure. As for the cut of your skirt, search for something that does pull in a bit underneath your bust, but isn't so formfitting that you have trouble walking or feel like you're wearing a straining bustier. The aim for this outfit is light and airy.
5 Small Bust
If you have a small bust, you've got all the reason in the world to invest in a slinky slip of a dress best used for layering. In the cooler months, throw one over a turtleneck and complete with a textured blazer that you can pull in at the waist to create definition.
6 Apple Shape
If you've got a rounder shape, asymmetrical hemlines and subtle slits should be the name of your game. Opt for something breezy with buttons — something you can manipulate by showing a slip of leg when you're in a strappy sandal or work with a tighter fitting long sleeve underneath.
7 Hourglass
If you're curvy with a small waist, draw attention to your centre with a buttoned bodice, and opt for an A-line skirt with pleating, which will flatter your midsection even more as it fans out around you. Poufy sleeves or something with frills is a ladylike, modest touch.
No. 21 Frilled Sleeve Dress
This No. 21 Frilled Sleeve Dress ($454, originally $1,135) is one step shy of being perfect for a Disney princess.
