01. If your shape is similar to an hourglass
Characteristics:
- Small, defined waist
- Slightly round shoulders
- Bust and hips are of the same width
- Bigger thighs
- Weight is distributed evenly throughout the body
In brief:
Hourglass figure is usually described as curvy, consisting of a well-balanced figure with proportionate upper and lower bodies. The well-defined waist is an asset you can flaunt with the use of belts, and form-fitting silhouettes to accentuate your beautiful curves.
Do’s:
Bodycon dresses, V-Neck dresses, wrap dresses, mermaid dresses, sheath dresses, fit & flare dresses.
Don’ts:
Baby doll dresses, oversized dresses, shapeless designs, empire waists
02. If your shape is similar to a pear
Characteristics:
- Full hips and thighs
- Shoulders narrower than hips
- Small top half and bust
- A defined waist
- Full or muscular legs
In brief:
The main feature of this shape is the large hips and slender shoulders. Proportionately slim arms, small bust and narrow shoulders should ideally be the focal point to create balance between the upper and lower bodies. That’s why dresses with more volume in the upper body would look great on you!
Do’s:
Maxi dresses, V-Neck dresses, A-Line dresses, shift dresses, strapless dresses.
Don’ts:
Straight-cut dresses, mini dresses, shapeless/asymmetrical dresses.
03. If your shape is similar to an apple
Characteristics:
- Fuller mid-section
- Wide shoulders
- Average or bigger chest
- Undefined waistline
- Narrower hips
- Slim limbs
In brief:
A well-proportioned shape, this body type carries most of its weight in the mid or upper half resulting in larger chest and fuller midsection. Flatter bottoms, shorter waists and nice legs are also obvious features of this shape. Therefore, it needs fullness and curves to be added to the lower body.
Do’s:
Belted/Tie waist dresses, midi dresses, flowy tunics, Full-skirt dresses, wrap dresses, shift dresses, drop waist dresses.
Don’ts:
Peplum dresses, double breasted dresses, turtle neck dresses.
04. If your shape is similar to a rectangle
Characteristics:
- Very little to undefined waist
- Straight shoulders and ribcage
- Same width in chest and hips
- Straight hips and bottom
- Lack of curves across the frame
In brief:
Taller and leaner, rectangle, aka athletic body shape differs from the hourglass figure by its undefined waist. Accentuation of the waist is key for this body type, by either making the waist appear slimmer or adding more curves and volume to upper and lower bodies.
Do’s:
Halter dress, asymmetrical dress, low waist dresses, A-Line dresses.
Don’ts:
Strapless dresses, spaghetti straps, straight-cut dresses.
Now that you are well informed about different body types and dress designs which go well with them, also be aware of how you can use bold prints and stripes to draw eyes and colours to complement your complexion. Finally, no matter what your body type is, don’t forget that you are beautiful in your own sweet way!
