What to Wear?
Everyone is different, and choosing clothes that complement and flatter these differences is key to success. When it comes to making sense of the dozens of kinds of dresses out there, you should consider what works best with your shape, which is why this list organizes dresses based on the body types they work with.
1. Straight Dress
The easiest-to-identify dress is certainly the straight dress, which includes no flares or fits but instead simply hangs down from the shoulders. Since it adds no definition, it is a comfortable and classic choice for those with rectangular shapes or a more athletic build.
2. A-Line Dress
The A-Line is one of the most classic kinds of dresses out there. It involves a fitted top section followed by a flared-out waist. Since the dress helps define the waist, it can create an hourglass effect, which makes it best suited for pear-shaped figures.
3. The Bodycon
The bodycon is definitely a fan favorite, as it shows off a person’s figure and lets everyone know just how confident and comfortable they are in their bodies. Since this dress hugs the form and leaves little to the imagination, it is a great choice for those with hourglass figures or anyone who wants to flaunt what they have.
4. Wrapped Dress
The wrapped dress exudes luxury and confidence and can help create a bit of security. Since it emphasizes the waist while enhancing curves, it is best suited for curvy women who want to show off their hourglass shape.
5. Empire Silhouette
The empire silhouette refers to dresses that begin fitted but have a defined waistline directly under the bust. The rest of the dress is a long flowing skirt. Think of the dresses often worn in the Regency era. Since it has waist definition and also elongates the lower body, it’s a solid choice for petite women.
6. Fit and Flare
The fit and flare is a twist on the classic A-line dress that adds a dramatic touch to the waist area. This effectively further emphasizes the waist while adding a playful or feminine element. For pear- and apple-shaped figures in particular, this dress creates quite the silhouette.
7. The Maxi
The maxi is one of the most comfortable dresses out there, as the floor-length skirt creates a flowy and relaxed flare. Plus, if you don’t want anyone seeing your legs, this is a great way to hide without having to tug on some tight jeans. Since the dress tends to elongate shapes, it’s a good choice for tall women.
8. Sheath Dress
The sheath dress blends the bodycon with the straight dress by mixing tight elements with some knee-length sleekness. Since it tends to hug the frame, this is another great choice for hourglass shapes or anyone who wants to show off some natural curves while maintaining a professional look.
9. Tunic Dress
For rectangular or apple-shaped bodies, the tunic dress tends to be very flattering thanks to its flowy and loose-fitting flare. It’s a stylish option that blends comfort with casualness and can easily be elevated with some long necklaces or a cinching belt.
10. The Mermaid
The mermaid dress is a solid option for both weddings and prom parties alike. The dress is characterized by a tight bodice that hugs the hips and flares out at the knees, creating the shape of a mermaid’s tail. Since it hugs and creates curves, it’s a great choice for slender and hourglass-shaped women.
11. Slip Dress
The slip dress is more about material than shape, as they are often made of silk or satin materials. Aside from that, they offer a modern look and tend to gently drape over the body. This makes them a solid choice for hourglass shapes, as they tend to flatter curves.
12. Strapless Dress
The strapless dress can seem risky, as it leaves the shoulders, neck, and arms entirely exposed. However, the lack of sleeves draws interest to the neck area, which can help balance out a pear shape or complement a petite body type.
13. Ball Gown
The ball gown is undoubtedly a bold choice that has a time and place. It often features a full skirt and some dramatic flaring. Since the skirt is far bigger and more lavish than the top half, it’s a great choice for pear shapes as it helps balance out the lower body.
14. Asymmetrical Dress
An asymmetrical dress can work with all sorts of bodies, although it looks best on athletic and rectangular bodies as the uniqueness of the dress often creates visual interest. Depending on the kind of dress you choose, you can highlight features from your shoulders to legs, helping to create a silhouette entirely of your own.
15. The Sundress
The sundress is defined by cute spaghetti straps and no-stress flowing skirts. It needs to be breezy and loose, and it often follows along with the natural shape of the person wearing it. This is why it’s a great choice for all body types but works especially well with hourglass and rectangle figures.
16. Peplum Dress
The peplum silhouette is a dress that has a fun little flare at the waist. Aside from that, it looks quite professional and actually works great on triangle-shaped women as it helps balance out their wider hips.
17. Kaftan Dress
The kaftan is another luxurious dress that makes you seem classy and elegant. Its best feature is undoubtedly its wide fabric sleeves that add a lot of interest to the top half. For those looking for a little more modesty, the kaftan is a solid choice, and it works particularly well with pear-shaped bodies.
18. Off-Shoulder Dress
For pear-shaped bodies, the goal is to even out wide hips with some interest in the top section. An off-shoulder dress does exactly this as it brings attention to the collarbone and shoulders. By drawing attention away from the hips, it creates a nice and even silhouette.
19. High-Low Dress
The high-low is a fun way of describing dresses that are often shorter at the front and longer at the back. They help create flowing shapes and add interest to the silhouette. This is why they’re a great choice for triangle-shaped bodies, as they follow the shape of the hips before giving way to bare legs.
20. Shirt Dress
If fancy dresses aren’t your thing, then there’s nothing more casual and comfortable than a shirt dress. This dress basically looks like a T-shirt but longer, and it can even be belted to add a little definition. All body types benefit from this dress, as there are so many different ways to style it.
