Looking for a party dress? Wrapped, long, short, fitted or flared? The possibilities are too many to list down. But the right party dress for your body type can make you look and feel great.
The first step to finding the most flattering fit in a party dress is to identify your body shape.
Style is not all about finding trendy outfits; it’s about highlighting the best features on your body. According to wardrobe consultants, flatting your body shape can elevate the look of any wardrobe.
This personal styling guide will help you find the most flattering holiday outfit this season. So let’s find out what’s the most flattering party dress for your body type.
1. Party Dress for a Rectangle Body Type
If you have a fairly straight and athletic body, of a rectangle body type, a wrap dress can give you the opportunity to add curves and highlight your torso.
The wrap detail draws attention to your slim waist. The layered effect creates a curvy silhouette for a straight body shape.
Flowy bottoms mean volume and can further add to the curvy illusion.
Color blocking can highlight your body shape and give you a more defined waist.
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What to Wear:
Any dress that will balance the upper body and fill your slight hips, such as dresses with:
- Ruffles
- Embellishment
- Any other volume-increasing details
- Asymmetrical dresses
- Halter dresses
- Wrap dresses
- Color block dresses
What NOT to Wear:
- Hemlines that are too short will make your top look heavier than it actually is
- Strapless dresses
- Dresses that don’t have enough support (i.e. spaghetti straps)
- Fabrics that are stretchy through the torso
- Rigid and shapeless dresses
- Dresses that have straight or square necklines
2. Party Dress for an Apple Body Type
A full torso and slender legs are the characteristics of an Apple body shape.
A-line dresses show off your legs while the volume balances out a heavy upper body. A V-shaped neckline flatters your chest and creates a vertical illusion. A shift dress is perfect for hiding any bulk around your tummy while the short length perfectly complements your slim legs.
What to Wear:
- Any dress that draws attention to your upper body
- Belted styles
- Drop-waist dresses
- Swing dresses
- Dresses with an embellished top or an empire waist
- A-line dresses
- Wrap dresses
- Dresses with full skirts
- Dresses that help conceal the midsection
- Maxi dresses
- Midi dresses
- Flowy tunics
What NOT to Wear:
Anything that turns the eye to your midsection, such as:
- Horizontal lines
- Natural waistlines
- Fitted tops
- Curve-hugging fabrics.
- Oversized or shapeless styles
- Form-fitting dresses
- Peplum dresses
- Excessive fabrics
3. Party Dress for an Hourglass Body Type
Equally proportionate shoulders and hips with a slim waist are the traits of an hourglass figure.
Body hugging dresses can do wonders for your figure and highlight your curves.
If a simple fitted dress is not your thing, a slim wrap dress can justify the defining purpose and draw attention to your slim waist.
What to wear:
- Wrap dresses with belted waists
- V-necklines
- Open necklines
- Form-fitting tops
- Cinched-in waistlines
- Bodycon dresses
- Mermaid dresses
What NOT to Wear:
- Oversized dresses
- Empire waist styles
- Baby doll dresses
- Shapeless styles
4. Party Dress for an Inverted Triangle Body Type
Broad shoulders and a narrow lower body are the classic signs of an inverted triangle body shape. Embellishments and details at the lower end can draw attention away from a wide upper body.
Keep the upper half of your dress simple and let the bottom stand out.
Ruffles and flowy skirts are the way to go to achieve a voluminous look.
What to wear:
- Dresses that flare from the waist or hips
- Skirt embellishments
- Dresses that add volume at the hips
- Simple, straight line dresses
- Shift dresses
- A-line dresses
- Patterns and pleats on the lower part of the dress
- Lighter colors on the lower part of the dress
What NOT to wear:
- Tight fit dresses
- Shoulder embellishments
- Dresses that emphasize the shoulder area and upper body (either through the wrong neckline or through details on the upper body)
- Dresses fitted at the bottom, which don’t add any volume to the hips
5. Party Dress for a Pear Body Type
A curvy set of hips with a narrow upper body sums up the Pear body shape.
An off-shoulder dress highlights your shoulders and helps to balance the attention toward your upper body.
What to Wear:
- A-line or full skirt (these will help hide a wider hip)
- A fitted open neck
- A V-neckline
- Strapless top
- Off-shoulder dresses
What NOT to Wear:
- Curve-hugging fabrics.
- Full poofy skirts
- Oversized/shapeless styles
- Super-short hemlines
When it comes to choosing the perfect dress, balancing your hips will get you the best results.
Wrap dresses will draw attention to your chest thanks to the overlapping detail and the slim-fitting skirt will complement your naturally curvy hips. Use these styling tips and discover dresses that will suit your body shape and accentuate your natural features.
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Style Fix Studio offers a range of personal styling services for men and women from Closet Audit, to Personal Styling Service with a Try-on Session, to Total Image Makeovers Services for all ages. Contact Style Fix Studio today to schedule a consultation with a personal stylist. Transform your look, transform your life!
