Sometimes when you look in the change room mirror, the dress you’re trying on just doesn’t sit right. And when you walk out to show your friends, they all look fabulous in a similar dress. You can’t put your finger on it, but it just doesn’t suit you.
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Let’s get down to business. It doesn’t suit you and that’s perfectly fine. Different body shapes work well with different styles of dresses and not everyone is going to look great in the same dress. In fact, in reality, if you dressed ten different women in one dress, some of them would probably look horrible – and this is why people hate being bridesmaids.
Before we figure out your dress type, we’ve gotta figure out your body type. So find a mirror, feel around and assess your dimensions and find your match!
Hourglass figure
You’re the Kimmy K of your friend group (well, not quite) and everyone envies your big bust, small waist and all over curvaceous figure. You have womanly hips, but a tiny waist so you can show your fab bod in pretty much any kind of dress. Accentuating the waist line is a given with this body type, so dresses that cinch at the waist and have a modest neckline are a great choice. Something a little more clingy, but not too tight will show off those curves and a dress with a natural curve is a great choice. Dresses that are knee length or just below look great on hour glasses because it keeps the attention on the curve, rather than showing off too much skin. Stay mostly with muted jewel tones and block colours to keep the focus on your figure.
Pear-shaped figure
Pear shapes are bigger in the hips and thighs and smaller in the waist and bust, which means they can afford to add some detail to their top halves without looking a bit odd. Ruffles, embellishments, pocket detailing and wide or off the shoulder necklines are great for balancing out a pear shaped figure. A-line dresses are forgiving on the lower half if you consider it a problem area, while some light gathering (without adding volume) is a nice touch. Fit and flares or skater dresses are great with lots of detailing up top and less down the bottom.
Straight figure
Your straight figure is one of the most common body types in which the bust and hips are of about equal proportion and the waist is not very well defined. While this may seem like a pretty average body type, there are certain dresses that could enhance the great calves that this person usually possesses. Dress of any length will suit this type and bubble skirting or detailing around the hips will give the illusion of more curves. Draping in the top, off the shoulders or a bustier will give more in the top area and peplums are your friend.
Apple figure
The apple figure applies to the women who have a hard time keeping weight off their stomach. A fullness around the middle characterises an apple figure. When dressing an apple figure, patterns that create illusions are great for the top half, allowing you to slim the stomach. Keeping the details above the bust line and below the hip line will also help to draw attention away from problem areas. Showing a little skin will help to balance your body shape, so v-necks, scoop necks and sweetheart necklines are really great.
Images via sureslim.com
