Best Style Formal Dresses By Body Type

Shopping for special occasion dresses to wear for Prom, evening, formal, cocktail and weddings can be super challenging if you’re unsure which style best fits and flatter your body type.

To learn the shape of your figure, start by looking in the mirror at those gorgeous curves that are uniquely special to your body. Note the widest measurements on your body and also the narrowest measurement. You want to spot an outline of a shape that - for most of us - falls into six basic body types.

Once you’ve identified your body shape, take a look at these fool-proof tips from the fashion experts at Sydney’s Closet on how to select the perfect Prom, evening, formal, cocktail or wedding dress to best suit your body type.

Styling Tip: The secret to shopping for the perfect special occasion dress hinges on finding the most body flattering dress that makes you feel the best!

Apple Shape Body Type

Your figure gets its name from the curved middle section of your torso that rounds out like the side of an apple. That shape makes your waist the widest measurement. You have slim legs and hips.

Apple figures should favor styles that take draw the eye up like:

A-line formal dresses, which work perfectly for you by adding volume to your lower body to balance out the middle.
Empire designs, which have a high set waistline that can make you look taller while whittling down your waistline.

Hourglass Shape Body Type

It’s easy to spot your Hourglass Body Shape because your proportionate figure. Your hips and bust measurements are close in size with a narrow and oh-so well defined waist.

Celebrate your figure wearing dresses that highlight your well-defined natural waist. Your stunning figure looks gorgeous in curve hugging silhouettes and designs with form-fitting bodices. Necklines that not only support the girls, but also help highlight your waist will look great on you. Think:

Fitted, mermaid and trumpet silhouettes
V-neck or plunging necklines
Styles that tie or belt at the waist bring out your figure even more

Inverted Triangle Shape Body Type

If you’re blessed with a voluptuous bust and wide-set shoulders that sit on narrow hips and slim legs, then you have an Inverted Triangle figure. With this body type you want to strike a balance between your generous top and your narrower bottom.

You can do that by wearing a style that draws attention up to your face and by wearing designs that add curves to your hips and define your waist. Things to look for include:

A-line dresses, which create a proportion for your figure by adding volume to your hips with a more full skirt.
Necklines that bring attention upward, like halter, scoop, sweetheart, V-neck or sexy plunging necklines!

You also want to keep an eye out for special occasion dresses with the support and structure to give those girls the support they need. A gown with a corset bodice gives your bust a big boost. Also, look for these design details to cater to your large chest:

built-in bustiers
bra-friendly straps
bra cups graded to your dress size

Pear Shape Body Type

If you’re a pear-shaped figure, you have full hips and a well-defined waistline. Take note that your body is smaller above the waist.

The key to dress shopping for a pear body type is to even out your body. You want to find a dress design that adds volume to your upper body either through the silhouette and neckline or attention-grabbing details that can make your shoulders appear wider than they really are. Some examples of styles that will suit your body type best are:

A-line dresses with open necklines
Fit and flare gowns like mermaid or trumpet styles
One-shoulder designs, which drive the eye up shifting attention to your neck and face

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Apple Shape Body Type

Hourglass Shape Body Type

Inverted Triangle Shape Body Type

Pear Shape Body Type

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