When you choose the right dress, it’s essential to consider your body type. A well-fitting dress will help you look taller and leaner, while a loose one can create the opposite effect.
For example, a fit and flare dress can suit women with pear-shaped bodies as they can help create shape around the hips. A belted style is also ideal for petites as it will add more length to the look.
Determine Your Body Type
Whether you’re a girl with curves, petite, or slender, it’s essential to know your body type to pick the perfect dress for your unique frame. This will help you avoid wasting money on dresses that don’t flatter your figure or that you must return or get altered.
To determine your body shape, use a tape measure to take measurements around the hips, waist, and bust. Then, compare these measurements to see what your body type is. You can also draw a scaled-down drawing of your silhouette to get an approximate idea of your body shape.
If your shoulders and bust are a similar width and the waistline is defined, you’re an hourglass-shaped woman. Similarly, you’re a pear-shaped woman if your hips are narrower than your shoulders and bust but wider than your waistline.
A slender body is thin with a small bustline and narrower hips. You can balance your figure with a dress that cinches the waist and flares around the knees. If you’re petite, balancing your figure’s even more crucial since your frames are naturally smaller. Look for short party dresses with a slimming fit with volume-creating details such as ruching, pleating, tiers, ruffles, bows, and embellishments.
Know Your Budget
Before you start shopping for that perfect dress, determine your budget. This will help you narrow down your options and make a wise purchase. Also, be sure to factor in any accessories you plan on wearing or needing to complete your look.
Pear-shaped women tend to have a bigger lower body than their upper body, so they are best flattered by dresses that accentuate the shoulders and chest. Halters, V-necks, and collared necklines are great for this type of figure. Dresses with a cinched waistline are ideal for those with an hourglass figure, as they can balance their curves and add definition to the waist.
Those with apple body types carry their weight in the midsection and have slim, shorter legs. They are best flattered by dresses that elongate the torso, add definition to the waist and draw attention to their legs. This is why belted styles, drop-waist dresses, and A-line skirts are good choices for this body type.
Know Your Occasion
If you’re getting invited to a party or celebration, knowing the dress code is essential. It can vary from black tie to casual and will determine the length of your dress.
You’ll want to opt for a tea-length or floor-length dress for upscale occasions like formal weddings, charity galas, or awards ceremonies. Opt for a flattering cut to showcase your curves, and choose an attractive fabric. Try a rich velvet or lace that will add texture and dimension to your outfit.
Short dresses work well for cocktail parties or dinner dates and can be paired with heels to add height. If you’re a pear shape, which means your hips are wider than your shoulders, look for a fit and flare style that will balance your body. Alternatively, a halter top can help to narrow your shoulders and create a more defined neckline.
Choosing the right dress for your occasion can be easy once you understand what you’re looking for and know what the event will be about. For instance, if you’re attending an anniversary date night or celebrating your birthday, include elements that are meaningful to you. For example, you should wear a strand of pearls or pull out a favorite pair of earrings to show off your love and appreciation.
Know Your Style
Knowing your style is a crucial part of finding the perfect dress. It will help you determine what styles suit you best, whether a short party dress or a long formal gown. The key is to figure out what styles you love wearing, which make you feel confident, and which aren’t flattering.
An excellent way to start is to look at the clothes in your closet. Look at the items you wear often, the ones you never reach for, and those accumulated in your unopened pile. You can also take a day to skim through your wardrobe and eliminate any clothing items you need clarification on or don’t wear.
Then, look at your style icons – what sort of looks do they have? Are they elegant and classy, a total diva, or perhaps more of a girl-next-door vibe? The kind of styles they wear might point to a particular style you might like.
For example, if your style icons are more glam and daring, consider going for dresses with plunging necklines or cut-outs (very on trend now). On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more classic and sophisticated, a wrap dress might be more of your thing.
