The Best Dress Silhouette For Your Body Type

Especially in the spring and summer months, you might find yourself quickly ordering influencer-advertised dresses that you loved on TikTok…only to be disappointed when the package arrives on your doorstep. To avoid the order-and-return cycle, choose styles that will flatter your body type and experiment with colors, patterns, and details to make your closet as fun as those you see online. 

Shopping according to our body type is so important to looking and feeling our best. There are certain styles that will accentuate your best features and draw away from any insecurities. And if you don’t subscribe to the body type classification, use our guide to see what styles might look best on your frame instead. 

Ready to see what dress styles will look best according to your body type? Let’s get into it!

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Pear Shape

If you have a pear shaped body type, an A-line style dress will be super flattering on you! The top of the dress will hug your curves while flaring out in the skirt, keeping your look proportional and feminine. You might find that straight silhouette dresses, like a shift dress, cling to your hips in an uncomfortable way. Instead, opt for a silhouette that flares out at the bottom – like the A-line style or a wrap dress – which will cinch your waist without the fabric bunching around your hips. 

Lucky for you, A-line and wrap dresses are available in so many varieties, from different necklines to mini to maxi lengths. Choosing a few dresses with the same silhouette but different details will keep your outfits fresh and distinct from one another! Patterns and a wide range of feminine color options are great ways to spice up the classic A-line silhouette. 

Here are some of our favorite A-line and wrap dresses!

Anthropologie Sleeveless V-Neck A-Line Dress, $160

Agnata Midi Dress Faithfull The Brand, $229

Free People Gabby Mini Dress, $108

Selfie Leslie Cami Angel Sleeve Faux Wrap Dress, $76

L*Space Kristy Dress, $158

Petite 

If you have a petite frame, you probably should be browsing the petite section of your favorite stores and online boutiques! This highlighted section is made up of specially designed pieces for women with petite frames and will be sized accordingly. 

The mini dress length, especially with a fitted bodice, will be most flattering on your petite body. Longer dresses are not only hard to find (and always need to be altered), but they can actually make you appear shorter than you actually are. Choose dresses that hit you above the knee to accentuate your body. You can also add a nude heel to elongate your legs. 

Let’s update your wardrobe with some of our favorite picks!

Beginning Boutique Lara Yellow Linen Baby Doll Mini Dress, $75

For Love & Lemons Antonia Mini Dress, $198

Free-est Rosalia Low Back Mini Dress, $50

Abercrombie Traveler Mini Dress, $70

Hourglass

If you have an hourglass shape, you need to find a dress that will show off those curves! Avoid oversized or flowy styles, and opt for a dress with a cinched waist or fitted silhouette. You likely look good in most dresses that you find, but a boxy shape will immediately wash out your body type, which is less than ideal. 

Lucky for you, there are tons of gorgeous dresses out there that will accentuate your body in a feminine way! Here are our picks for the hourglass body type.

Free-est Finer Things Midi Dress, $98

Abercrombie Emerson Poplin Wide Strap Mini Dress, $80

Beginning Boutique Ashley Blue Floral Formal Maxi Dress, $100

Beginning Boutique Amara White Button Up Midi Dress, $85

Anthropologie The Peregrine Mini Dress, $148

Rectangular 

If you have a rectangular or athletic build, you have a few options for a dress silhouette. Tiered dresses or the A-line silhouette will offer you the appearance of curves without a ton of extra fabric. This style of dress will be especially flattering in a midi or maxi length, where the skirt will flare out longer. Or you can confidently embrace your model bod, and opt for a straighter silhouette in a shorter length. 

Ready to see your best options? 

Anthropologie V-Neck Ruffled Tiered Babydoll Dress, $160

Free People Dahlia Embroidered Maxi Dress, $168

Free People Hibiscus Tiered Maxi Dress, $168

Abercrombie Linen-Blend Wide Strap Mini Dress, $70

Abercrombie Angel Sleeve Twist Front Midi Dress, $120

Plus Size 

Finding the right dress for the plus size body shape has become easier (yay!) because of the changes made in sizing for petite and plus size women. Many stores now offer a dedicated section or sizing option on their websites for a flattering, comfortable fit in dresses. 

The wrap dress is your new best friend! These gorgeous dresses are easy to find in a variety of fabrics, patterns, colors, and lengths, which means there is a wrap dress for every occasion and season. Wrap dresses are feminine and versatile, and they cinch your waist to create an hourglass shape. 

Here are our favorite wrap dresses to add to your wardrobe!

ASOS Curve Puff Sleeve Maxi Wrap Dress, $80

Banana Republic Sedona Linen Dress, $190

Tularosa Sid Wrap Dress, $238

& Other Stories Mini Wrap Dress, $93

ASOS Curve Batwing Sleeve Plunge Mini Dress, $70

Apple 

The apple body type is characterized by a wider midriff and slender legs. Finding the right dress can be difficult, as it needs to gracefully skim over the midsection without clinging. Dresses with patterns, shoulder details, and textured fabrics will add a feminine touch and flattering fit. 

Flowy straight dresses and A-line dresses will flatter your body best, as well as wrap dresses that accentuate your best features. Straight skirts are also super stylish and will look great on your body. 

Here are our feminine picks for the apple shape body type! 

Free People Marcel Mini Dress, $128

ASTR The Label Blythe Dress, $164

Tiya Dress Sundress, $170

Dress The Population Trina Colorblock Midi Dress, $238

Closing Thoughts 

Whatever your body type, there are so many beautiful and feminine dresses for you to twirl around in this summer! Happy shopping! 

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