Wondering and stressing about what type of gown to wear for your formal event? Highlighting the best features of your body is key to finding the right style for you. Remember, style is not about wearing the newest trends; it’s about finding the most flattering fit for your body type.
So, my friend, we are here to help you figure out your body type and give you a few tips for finding the perfect gown. Let’s get started!
Hourglass
Hourglass figures are curvy with proportionate hips and bust. This frame has little limitations, since a lot of cuts work great on natural curves. Individuals with this body type have an upper body that is considered “balanced” with their leg length. Hourglass figures tend to have well-defined waists.
Best Dresses for You: Look for gowns that compliment your curvy shape.
V-necklines
Open necklines
Cinched-in waistlines
Form-fitting tops
Mermaid cut gowns
Wrap dresses with belted waists
Dresses to Pass On:
Baby doll dresses
Shapeless styles
Empire waist styles
Oversized dresses
Dresses that hide your natural shape
Pear (or Triangle)
Women with a triangle body type typically have a thinner upper body and larger hips and thighs. To appear more balanced and proportionate, triangle body types should opt for dresses that add more volume to their upper half. Keep in mind that if you pick a dress that’s fitted on the hips, you will probably have to go a size up and take the garment to a seamstress to alter the waist and top.
Best Dresses for You: Gowns with details in the bust area that help balance out the top half.
A blousy top with a fitted waist
A fitted open neck
A V-neckline
A-line or full skirt (these will help hide a wider hip)
Crystal necklines or illusion necklines (great for drawing the attention upward)
Dresses to Pass On:
Oversized/shapeless styles
Full poofy skirts or ball gowns (can make your bottom half appear wider)
Super-short hemlines
Curve-hugging fabrics.
Apple (or Round)
Women with apple body types tend to carry their weight in their midsection and usually have a shorter, undefined waist, and slim legs. Apple body types usually have flatter bottoms. To disguise an undefined midsection, find a prom dress with an empire waist or patterned top half. Fuller skirts and A-line silhouettes will help de-emphasize your middle. Don’t be afraid to show off your stems either!
Best Dresses for You: Any dress that draws the eye upward or accentuates your upper body.
Empire waist gowns
Drop-waist dresses
Swing dresses
Dresses with embellished tops
A-line dresses
Wrap dresses
Dresses with full skirts
A benefit of apple body types is their legs, so don’t be afraid to flaunt them in shorter dresses.
Dresses to Pass On: Anything that turns the eye to your midsection, such as:
Horizontal lines
Natural waistlines
Fitted tops
Anything belted or too fitted
Athletic
If you have an athletic body, your silhouette is slightly narrower in the hips than in the shoulders. Athletic body types also tend to have waists that are not well-defined and broader shoulders. The trick with this body type is to balance your upper body with your narrower lower body.
Best Dresses for You: Dresses that help balance out your shoulders and hips.
Embellishments that define shape
Ruffles, rouching, draping
Any other upper volume-decreasing details
Dresses that slightly flare out (balance out broad shoulders)
Fuller skirts with cinched midsections
Dresses to Pass On:
· Hemlines that are too short (make your top look heavier than it is)
· Fabrics that are stretchy through the torso
· Dresses with details/shirring/ruffles on the bust.
Athletic-Busty
When you have narrow hips and a larger bust it can hide your waist a bit. That is why fuller skirts that balance your frame look so great on top heavy girls.
Best Dresses for You: Dresses that accentuate your waist.
A-line and lower waistlines
Fuller skirts
High necklines
U-necklines or V-necklines
Thick straps or halter tops
Cinched midsection
Dresses to Pass On:
Strapless gowns (tend to amplify your bust)
Spaghetti straps
Super short dresses (make your top look heavier)
Backless dresses or dresses with little support
Petite
If you clock in at 5’3” or under, you are considered petite. If you are petite with a slender body type. The goal is to find a gown that helps elongate your shape as much as possible.
Best Dresses for You: Fitted dresses that show off your lean physique.
Belted or cinched waist
Shorter dresses that show a little leg
Asymmetrical hemline (help you appear taller)
Slim fitting dresses with pleating or vertical prints
V-necklines
Dresses with slits
Dresses to Pass On:
Ball gowns (can swallow you up)
Fuller full-length dresses
Plus Size
Options abound when finding the perfect plus size gown. The secret is to pick which feature you want to highlight.
Best Dresses for You:
Flowing gowns
Gowns with cap sleeves (make your arms appear slenderer)
Asymmetrical pleating at the waist
V-necklines
Shorter dresses (especially if you love your legs!)
Dresses to Pass On:
Dresses that lack fit
Too much fabric (particularly without fit, can be unflattering)
Highly bulky fabrics
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