Best Style Formal Dresses By Body Type

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At Sydney’s Closet, finding the right dress starts with understanding your shape. Knowing your body type makes it easier to choose styles that highlight your curves and feel incredible to wear. Once you’ve identified one of our four body types, you can shop prom, evening, semi-formal, cocktail, wedding, and more with confidence across all our brands — Sydney’s Closet, Celebrations by Sydney’s Closet, Michelle Bridal by Sydney's Closet, Tease Prom by Sydney's Closet, and Johnathan Kayne for Sydney’s Closet.

Expert Tips

The most flattering dress always starts with balance. Look for silhouettes that highlight your favorite features while creating a smooth, proportioned shape. Check out our Silhouette Guide to help you discover the unique features of each dress shape.
Necklines and waistlines do most of the work. A great neckline or waist placement can change the way a dress fits and flatters. Our Neckline Guide and Waistline Guide make it easy to see which styles work best for you.
Don’t focus on what you want to hide, focus on what you love. The right cut will naturally draw attention to your best features and create a confident, polished look.
Fabric and structure matter just as much as silhouette. Supportive fabrics, strategic seams, and built-in shaping help dresses look and feel better on every body type. Explore different fabrics with the Sydney's Closet Fabric Guide.

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.

You'll look beautiful in silhouettes like:

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

When choosing a neckline, these styles are especially flattering:

Sweetheart or V-necklines that naturally bring attention to your chest, shoulders, neck, and face.

Hourglass 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 figure looks gorgeous in:

Mermaid, fit-and-flare, and bodycon silhouettes, the form-fitting bodices of these designs showcase your fabulously proportioned curves.

Necklines that frame your curves beautifully include:

V-neck or sweetheart styles, which can emphasize your shape.
The horizontal line from square or off-the-shoulder necklines ensure your proportions stay balanced.

Inverted Triangle 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. You'll want to strike a balance between your generous top and your narrower bottom by wearing designs that add curves to your hips and define your waist.

You want to keep an eye out for special occasion dresses with the support and structure or bra friendly straps so you can give those girls the support they need. A gown with a corset bodice gives your bust a big boost.

You’ll shine in silhouettes such as:

A-line and ball gown styles with full skirts add volume to your hips which creates proportion for your figure.

When looking for a neckline, try:

Scoop and sweetheart styles have curves that helps to soften the width of your shoulders.
V-necks or sexy plunging necklines create a vertical line that draws eyes to your waistline, naturally enhancing it.

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.

Shop for A-line dresses with open necklines and other attention-grabbing details that can make your shoulders appear wider than they really are. One-shoulder designs drive the eye up shifting attention to your neck and face. Try to find gowns with a fit and flare, like a Trumpet or Mermaid silhouette.

Want to take your measurements?

Our How to Measure guide shows you how to measure correctly, it’s the best way to find your ideal fit!

Learn how to Measure

Common Body Type Questions

How do I know what my body type is?

Start by taking your measurements, note the widest and narrowest points of your body. Compare them to common body types to see which one matches you best.

Can I wear any dress style for my body type?

Yes! While certain silhouettes, necklines, and waistlines naturally highlight different features, the most important thing is wearing what makes you feel confident and beautiful. Our guides are simply that — a guide — but you know yourself best.

How do necklines affect my body shape?

Necklines can draw attention to your best features and create a flattering silhouette. Whether it’s a sweetheart, V-neck, or halter, the right neckline enhances your shape, check out the Sydney's Closet Neckline Guide for examples.

How do I make sure a dress will flatter my curves?

Look for dresses that create balance. Silhouettes that highlight your favorite features, flattering necklines, strategic waistlines, and supportive fabrics help create a polished, proportioned look. Our Silhouette Guide, Neckline Guide, Waistline Guide, and Fabric Guide break down all the details.

How do I know my size?

The best way to find your size is by taking accurate measurements and comparing them to the Sydney's Closet Size Chart. Start with our How to Measure guide for step-by-step instructions, then use the Size Chart to find the size that fits you best across all our brands.

Can I measure myself?

Measuring yourself can be tricky, it’s hard to get an accurate reading on your own. It’s best to have a professional tailor or seamstress help, or enlist a friend or family member. You’ll be glad you did!

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