When a woman purchases a formal dress, she is often shopping for a special occasion. On those special occasions she, of course, wants to look as good as possible. Not every woman, however, knows how to find the formal dress that will flatter her body type. Buying the right dress can allow a woman to show herself in the best light possible.
Pear-Shaped Figures
Many women are a little larger through their hips than they are through their torsos. A well-chosen dress can hide any imperfections on a woman’s lower body and show off her slimmer upper body. Pear-shaped women should look for dresses that are fitted in the bodice with an a-line skirt. An ideal dress would feature a skirt that floats away from an empire waist. An interesting neckline, such as a halter or strapless look, will also help draw attention away from any problem areas.
Apple-Shaped Figures
Some women tend to carry their weight through their midsection rather than in their hips and thighs. The ideal formal dress for these women would make their torsos appear longer and leaner. Dresses with drops waists or empire waists will help draw eyes away from the wearer’s waist. A solid color or small-scale print is also a good choice.
Full Figures
Some women are proportionately shaped; however, they are also much curvier than other women. For these women, selecting a formal dress is all about showing off those curves. A wrap-style dress will certainly flatter these figures. This style of dress will draw attention to the woman’s slimmest point, her waist, and highlight her curves. Curvy women can wear large-scale prints or small-scale prints, but petite women with curves should stick to the smaller prints.
Stick Figures
Formal dresses chosen for straighter, narrower body types can create the appearance of curves on women that aren’t naturally curvy. The trick here is to select a dress that adds a little volume to the top or bottom of the body. Just take care not to add too much to both areas at once. An ideal dress would include a fitted top that shows off slender arms with a full skirt. Another alternative would include a ruffled top with a narrow skirt.
Large Busts
Women with large busts often think that they have to avoid formal dresses that show off their generous cleavages. They imagine that they must select dresses that have high necklines that minimize their chests. In actuality, however, the opposite is true. A v-necked dress can be perfect for women with large busts, but they must make sure that the dress offers enough support for their upper body. Spaghetti straps or bodices constructed with flimsy fabrics should be avoided.
Small Busts
Formal dresses can also create the appearance of cleavage for women who haven’t been blessed with a large bust. Dresses that feature gathers or pleats around the bust area can create volume in the places that Mother Nature didn’t. Strapless dresses paired with an empire waist can also curves to any woman’s figure.
