A-line dress with an apple cut: 1. Valentino dress, price: from RUB 159,000; 2. Dress Dries Van Noten, price: from 68,850 rub.
Target: outline the waist, elongate the figure, hide excess folds on the stomach (if any), emphasize the slenderness of the legs, beautiful arms and décolleté.
What you can do: for a pronounced tummy, stylists recommend dresses with a high waistline - models in the Greek or Empire style. If you are short, airy sundresses with a straight cut and A-line above the knee, as well as shirt dresses, are suitable. They can be worn with or without a belt. If you want to visually achieve a narrow waist, you can try on a mid-knee sheath dress with a peplum and short sleeves. All vertical lines, patterns and finishes are welcome.
What not to do: shiny fabrics, golden shades, large prints, dresses with long sleeves (against the background of a massive body, the arms will look too thin).
If this is your body type, feel free to choose a flowy A-line dress or a high-waisted dress from an exclusive designer boutique. Romantic dresses with floral prints are decorated with Swarovski crystals, which add uniqueness and grace to the outfits.
Dresses for Pear body type
Dress with open shoulders on a pear: 1. Oscar de la Renta dress, price: from RUB 175,500; 2. Dress Emilio Pucci, price: from 217,000 rub.
Target: balance heavy hips, shift the emphasis to the chest and thin waist.
What you can do: All are fitted styles that gently flare out from mid-thigh. Dresses with an open back and a deep V-neckline are suitable - this will make the silhouette sophisticated. Models with puff sleeves, cap sleeves, open shoulders, and frills will add volume to the chest and upper body as a whole. It’s good if you can find a dress in which the top is light and the bottom is dark. In all cases, the length depends on the fullness of the legs, but the length below the knee will be unmistakable.
What not to do: Shift dresses will make you look massive. Models with thin straps will also enhance figure imbalances. All styles that taper at the bottom are not the best option, so you should be careful when choosing sheath dresses.
Dresses with a straight, slightly fitted silhouette with puffed sleeves and below-knee length from. Voluminous sleeves will balance the silhouette and make your figure harmonious. You can order elegant dresses delivered by mail or courier.
Dresses for Hourglass body type
Fitted hourglass dress: 1. Ralp Lauren dress, price: from RUB 148,000; 2. Alexander McQueen dress, price: from 184,500 rub.
What you can do: everything is fitted and form-fitting, flowing and airy: there are no strict restrictions if you are not overweight. If it is, then preference should be given to models with a high waist, wraparound, and V-neck. Loose, straight-cut dresses that are best worn with a belt.
What not to do: very large decor in the form of flounces, ruffles, bows only at the top or only at the bottom will disrupt the proportions of the figure. If you are overweight, you should still avoid tight styles like fishtails.
Tight-fitting dresses from the store are perfect for an hourglass figure. Refined and elegant models will emphasize a thin waist and make the figure more seductive. Sportalm clothing emphasizes a sensual, vibrant nature.
Dresses for Inverted Triangle body type
One-shoulder dress with an “inverted triangle”: 1. Givenchy dress, price: from RUB 233,500; 2. Off-White dress, price: from RUB 88,450.
Target: balance broad shoulders, visually narrow them, and draw attention to long, slender legs.
What you can do: models with a sun or half-sun skirt, baby-doll style, balloon dress and A-line dress with a round neckline. Asymmetrical cut models and one-shoulder dresses look great, because they elongate the torso. The length can be any.
What not to do: a high-waisted dress, as it shortens the torso and highlights already broad shoulders. Sundresses with very narrow or wide straps give the same effect. If there is too much contrast between your shoulders and narrow hips, you should avoid sheath dresses and V-necks.
Dresses for Rectangle body type
Rectangle wrap dress: 1. Ralph Lauren dress, price: from RUB 374,500; 2. Loro Piana dress, price: from RUB 151,000.
Target: give feminine shapes, outline the waist, accentuate the hips and chest, and advantageously present the elegance of the figure.
What you can do: dresses with a wrap, models with a low waistline, thin straps, peplum and rich decor in the chest and hips. Embossed fabrics such as pleated and corrugated, multi-layered ruffles and lace yokes, finishing stitches that imitate the smooth curves of the body, embroidery and frills at the hem are welcome.
What not to do: Straight-cut and shirt-type dresses are not suitable if worn without a belt, as well as all models with a square neckline.
Fashion blogger Lisa Hahnbueck in GucciWhat is the most important thing in a dress? Color, shape, texture, style, appropriateness, latest trends. Everything about a dress is important. However, the most important thing in a dress is the woman! Your ideal dress should suit you! Not a socialite, not a fashion blogger, not a local or global star, not a colleague, friend, mother or daughter, but you! This simple rule is often ignored, taking it for granted. Indeed, what a trifle when it comes to a trendy color, a trendy print or a branded item at a fabulous discount. Everyone understands, you have to take it, the second time you may not be lucky. Then, however, it is not clear what to do about it, and why the desired effect was never produced.
Or, for example, the legendary little black dress. It is common to think: “IT should be in every woman’s wardrobe!” Why? Who said? Of course, if you have the Victoria Beckham figure or the Gabrielle Coco Chanel type, then there is no question. And if you are the owner of curvaceous figures, very tall, and since childhood you cannot stand cases - they evoke bad associations in you - what then? Let's not forget that the little black dress is a beautiful legend that sells well. And this legend appeared thanks to the Great Mademoiselle. It was she who proposed a new type of woman: with a short haircut, a boyish figure with an impeccable, laconic style that does not lose its relevance to this day. Frankly speaking, Gabrielle introduced her type of appearance into fashion. And in this sense, as a woman, she evokes in me no less admiration than the legacy that she left to the Fashion World. So, why don’t we follow the ideas of this great woman, not in the sense of buying a dress from Chanel, but in the sense of respecting our own appearance. Agree, for some, a seasoned small dress is more suitable, while for others, a large and necessarily floor-length dress, and perhaps even an avant-garde one.
So, before you go looking for your dress, I recommend getting your own head in order. I’m generally silent about the wardrobe (this is a topic for a separate article). I will help you choose the right dress based on your body type. Let me note that no two identical pears are found in nature, just like two absolutely identical women. Hence the conclusion: there is no advice for everyone. However, there are general stylistic techniques that you may want to know about.
Body type: Pear
This type of figure is characterized by narrow shoulders, a pronounced waist, and heavy, wide hips. The shoulders are often sloping, and the overall silhouette widens towards the bottom.
Task: Hide the hips, emphasize the undeniable dignity of the waist, transfer all the accents to the upper part of the figure.
I do not recommend straight-cut dresses, tapered hems, or tight-fitting silhouettes. This will make your hips appear even wider. Shiny and textured fabrics also add weight to the bottom. And loose knitwear will completely ruin you. Another myth that I would like to dispel. It is generally accepted that with this type of figure you should avoid wide belts, which will emphasize the difference between the waist and hips. This is a stylist cockroach! No templates! Sometimes, the difference between the waist and hips is so piquant and so fascinating that not showing it is simply a crime. You should not lose sight of the individuality of the woman about whom I constantly write and speak in my master classes. After all, a lot depends on a specific waist, specific hips and a specific woman. And also on the cut, color and texture of the dress and belt.
Complementary to the “Pear” figure are dresses with a horizontal neckline and short sleeves; it will help to visually widen the shoulders, while balancing the top and bottom of the figure. The dress should be fitted, fit perfectly at the top of the figure to the waist and widen towards the bottom. The legendary New Look silhouette from Dior looks magical not only in fashion magazines from 1947, but also on young ladies of the 21st century.
Body type: Apple or Oval
This type of figure is characterized by lush breasts, smoothly turning into the stomach and the absence of a waist. Narrow hips and slender legs are common. Let's be honest: if you have a hard, drum-shaped belly instead of a belly, even the best shapewear will barely be able to cope with it. This is called male type obesity. The exception is “interesting situation”. But now we are not talking about the temporary characteristics of the female body, but about the type of figure. The apple will benefit from a comprehensive approach, including diet, sports and aesthetic medicine, as well as the right silhouettes and textures.
Task: divert attention from the stomach.
It is necessary to visually stretch the figure. We achieve this by dividing colors (color blocking) vertically, as well as vertical lines, seams and trims. We focus on the advantages: face, décolleté, legs, beautiful fingers, hair. You should avoid both tight and baggy silhouettes. Both will make you appear wider in the problem area. You are also contraindicated in any form of glitter, prints - small, large or contrasting, warm and luminous shades that visually create a curved effect. For an apple, the shape is important, and, accordingly, the fabrics that will hold this shape. We need cool and neutral colors from medium to dark saturation. Dresses with a high empire waistline are suitable; a sheath with vertical seams and color blocking is possible. Loose, straight-cut dresses made of thick, soft fabric are also suitable. Smooth hairstyles, thin eyebrows and small accessories are taboo for the “apple”.
Body type: Rectangle
The name speaks for itself: the shoulders are active, clearly defined, and flow directly into the body. The waist is not pronounced, all body lines are clear, straight, parallel.
Task: elongate the silhouette and visually create a waist where there is none. At the very least, level out the shortcomings.
Dresses of a straight style that match the lines of your figure will treat you very kindly. The beauty of the rectangle and its style are emphasized by geometric patterns and patterns on fabrics. It is worth abandoning smooth, ornate designs, as well as all kinds of flowers. Strict business dresses, as well as A-line and Art Deco style dresses with a low waist, will complement this figure type. Deep or medium, but narrow V-shaped necklines in the neckline area are suitable. If we have a slender rectangle, then we can create a waist effect by visually expanding the shoulder area and hips. For example, the top of a dress has a horizontal neckline, perhaps with a flounce that doesn’t give up its position, the bottom of the dress has a full skirt, and there is a sash at the waist. A stylized kimono would work about the same.
Body type: Triangle or Trapezoid
He has a masculine athletic figure. As a rule, active shoulders, an undefined waist, narrow hips and slender legs.
Task: visually reduce your shoulders, divert attention from them, and place emphasis on narrow hips and beautiful legs.
You should avoid dresses with any horizontal neckline and decoration in the shoulder area, including shoulder straps, chains, shoulder pads, ruffles, lanterns, flounces, etc. You are prescribed deep set-in sleeves, semi-raglan, wide straps, narrow long necklines, any vertical. Accordingly, the ideal dress for a “triangle” would be one that corrects wide shoulders.
Modern fashionistas are often of the opinion that a long dress is exclusively an evening dress for a special event. But this opinion is wrong. In a floor-length dress, a girl is always the center of attention and makes a good impression on others. This outfit gives the girl femininity and sophistication. Men always single out girls in maxi dresses from the crowd, so their choice should be taken seriously.
Where does a floor length dress end?
The correct floor length of a dress is very important when creating a beautiful and seductive look. Many girls believe that a maxi dress should reach the floor, but this is not entirely true.
Stylists and designers are of the opinion that the ideal maxi length should be two, three or four centimeters away from the floor.
Some fashionistas prefer ankle-length outfits, and this option is appropriate. But this option is not suitable for every representative of the fair sex. Only petite girls can afford ankle length jewelry.
A floor-length dress is the choice for special occasions when a girl wants to create a spectacular look.
An evening dress of strict design should touch the floor itself. Your image will be as elegant and solemn as possible.
How to choose the optimal length?
Representatives of the fair sex rarely buy a maxi-length dress for every day, so they feel special in them. To make the outfit look perfect, you need to pay special attention to choosing the optimal length.
When trying on a long outfit, you must follow several rules:
- First you need to put on the shoes with which you plan to wear the dress. These could be shoes, ballet flats or sandals. The length of the dress depends greatly on the shoes. For example, for sandals with high heels, the length will be longer than when worn with ballet flats. Many salons and stores have fitting rooms for your convenience.
- Now you should carefully look at the length of the dress in front of the mirror. By taking a natural pose, you can see how this outfit will fit on you. You should not bend or arch your back, because then the dress will rise a little and you will not be able to see the real length.
- Standing in a natural position in front of a mirror, you need to carefully examine the dress. The classic length is 2-4 centimeters from the floor. Also, ankle-length outfits are also very popular, but more among short, slender girls.
Summer felt its power so strongly that it seemed to have decided to melt us with terrible heat. Well, girls have the best form of clothing for such weather - a dress! If you choose the right material, it is almost imperceptible.
A dress of a certain length and style can either decorate or disfigure your figure. So, we advise you to choose models more carefully.
There are only 6 types of dress lengths, and only 3 of them are universal. They suit everyone, so we'll talk about them at the very end. But 3 controversial options are worth discussing if you want to know how to choose a dress according to your figure.
As we said, there are 6 types of lengths for dresses and skirts:
- maxi - to the floor
- 7/8 - midaxi - ankle-deep
- midi - calf length
- just below the knee
- to the knee
- mini - above the knee
Midaxi dress
The most “demanding” dress style is 7/8 or ankle length. Such dresses are suitable mainly for girls who can boast of model height, or more simply put, 170 and above. If you are not too tall, then stay away from such dresses. True, there are a couple of solutions to the problem: petite girls can wear an ankle-length dress if the material of the model is light and translucent, or the skirt at the bottom has flounces in the style of a godet, without completely hiding the legs. Also, any of us can indulge in ankle-length dresses with a deep slit to the middle of the thigh. An alternative to the cleverly tailored style is heels. Moreover, they are tall.
Dress just below the knee
It is absolutely not suitable for young ladies with narrow hips, as it will turn your figure into a sausage. This silhouette is designed to visually narrow the hips, but why do you need this if you have nothing to narrow. But for girls with a pear figure, this dress is ideal. This style requires medium or tall height; for short girls, this skirt length will shorten their legs.
Mini dress
Although this style of dress is considered ideal for everyone, in fact it is not. In terms of height, of course, it suits everyone - both short people and young ladies over 180 cm. But in terms of body type, one can argue. Only one style of mini dress suits girls with an apple figure - this is a 60s-style A-line dress. “Loose” minis, on the contrary, will add volume, just not to the stomach, but to the whole body, and you will look overweight.
Girls with pear and triangle shapes can wear mini dresses with an emphasis on the waist, which will transform the silhouette into an hourglass body type. Girls with an “inverted triangle” figure should choose mini dresses with thin straps, with dropped shoulders, asymmetry, or with an “English” armhole, which will narrow the problem area – the shoulders.
As for the length itself, then you should use common sense. If your legs are plump (just really plump, and not contrived), then it is better to cover them a little.
And now to the fun part - universal dress styles. That is, to universal types of length.
Knee length dress
This length is most popular in the summer season. Especially in the style of Dior’s dresses (with a circle skirt). In addition, this length is considered classic for a tube or sheath dress. Roughly speaking, these are models that reach exactly to the knee. Focus on products that completely cover the knees, but do not go lower, tearing off the most graceful part of the legs. Such dresses can be worn with any height, with any shoes.
Fashion trends change, but the need for a dress always remains. Prom, a friend's wedding, or just going to the movies - you can't think of a better dress to wear. Despite the abundance of existing styles used in the collections of fashion houses, and the general democracy, not every lady knows how to choose a dress that suits her style and figure. In this article you will find useful tips that will help you easily cope with this task and emphasize your image only from its advantageous side.
Which dress to choose for your figure?
The most important thing is to correctly assess your strengths and weaknesses and correctly determine your body type. Each has its own styles, preferred fabrics, which are present in the collections every season.
There are several main body types:
- Hourglass;
- Apple;
- Pear;
- Rectangle;
- Inverted triangle.
Important! The ideal type is considered to be an “hourglass”, so the task of any outfit will be to adjust the external parameters specifically to this silhouette.
How to choose a dress size: non-standard solutions
When building the right silhouette, it is necessary not only to choose the right model, but also the size, not only of the outfit as a whole, but also of the neckline, sleeves, and other parts of the clothing.
When ordering a suit in an online store, you should focus on only two measurements - the volume of the bust, hips, almost all size charts are based on them. To choose a dress according to your figure, you need to take a very ordinary measuring tape, apply it in the right place, without pulling too much, but not too loose. The resulting parameters will be the starting point for finding the perfect outfit. You should also pay attention to the units of measurement when ordering on foreign sites; you may have to convert centimeters to inches.
Important! The standard selection starts from a height of 175 cm, so those with more modest dimensions may have to worry about adjusting the length of the dress.
How to choose a dress: important nuances
A properly selected silhouette can bring your appearance to perfection:
- If you're afraid to try something new, look no further than the V-neck. It will highlight the length of the neck and décolleté area.
- Flared, flowy models, outfits with a soft shoulder cut will allow you to “gather” your figure and add lightness.
- Among the trends, the “cocoon” is especially relevant - such a thing will ideally hide what is needed, and thanks to the correctly selected length, will give emphasis to the legs.
Important! When choosing “your” dress, you should take into account not only the general style, but also the right materials, and above all, the color.
How to choose the color of a dress?
It has long been known that there are four color types of female beauty:
- "winter";
- "summer";
- "spring";
- "autumn".
Important! The brighter your own appearance, the brighter and more saturated the colors in your wardrobe can be.
Experts will help you answer how to choose the color of a dress, but you can remember the following basic rules:
If you still want something light and flowy, then selected prints and patterns will help hide all the imperfections of your figure.
Important! When choosing, pay attention to the texture of the fabric, so smooth glossy materials will visually add weight, while matte ones (even when using “warm” colors) will actively hide the excess.
How to choose a black dress?
Black color is always at its peak, always in trend, Coco Chanel literally “invented the wheel” by creating her “little black dress”. However, with all the variety of styles, not everyone manages to choose exactly their own option. There are several reasons for this, and the main one is that:
- The deep coal-black color, which all representatives of the fair sex strive to keep up with, suits only girls with a bright and contrasting appearance.
- Others will have to choose softer shades, perhaps with blue or green tints.
Important! If you doubt the correctness of your choice, it is better to give preference along with a deep neckline, then, by literally “pushing” black away from your face, you will thereby save yourself from a possible mistake.
Dresses for plus size
Most often, when choosing, fullness is understood as the problem of a weak waist or the presence of a tummy. In such cases, to choose a dress according to your figure, you can use some visual tricks:
- Style with a non-standard waist. The main thing is that the line separating the bodice and skirt does not go along the problem area. Examples would be empire style dresses, where the skirt starts below the bust, or models with a low rise and a loose top. The latter look especially good when worn in light fabrics and will look great in the summer.
- Two-layer. Such models, thanks to the freedom of one layer from another, also perfectly distract attention from problem areas. Ideally, the lower part is made of silk or satin, and the upper part is made of guipure or lace.
- Trapezoidal models (A-silhouette). It’s great if the material is light and gathered in the right places in the form of a drapery.
Important! Sometimes such models are equipped with an “American” armhole; make sure that it is not there.
- Asymmetrical style. In this situation, the center of asymmetry should be located exactly in the waist area. This could be draping, pleating or embellishment, or a combination of these options.
- Sheath dress. This model is suitable for almost any woman, and complemented by a vertical geometric pattern it will be a salvation from all misfortunes.
Important! Such dresses do not have a seam at the waist due to the peculiarities of tailoring, and if you play with colors, you can drop several sizes.
- Wrap dresses. The drapery should be at the waist, and this option is better suited for summer outfits.
- Safari dress. It has a straight cut and looks like a shirt; there are often decorations in the Military style.
- "Bat". The blurred silhouette and multiple folds hide the figure.
Dresses for skinny people
Even Vasilisa the Beautiful will find flaws in her appearance, so mirroring the issue of having excess volume, there is the problem of their absence. Fortunately, just like choosing a dress for a figure with wide dimensions, finding an outfit for a skinny girl is not difficult. 
Among the options that hide thinness, you can choose the following models:
- Dress shirt. A distinctive feature of this outfit is the presence of a collar, like a shirt. The cut of the skirt and bodice can be different, but invariably simple.
- Tulip dress. Emphasizes the waist and adds volume to the hips thanks to the straight bodice and gathered skirt.
- Sheath dress. Smoothes the silhouette and adds weight in the right places.
Important! If the model has a peplum, then it will be an excellent option for both thin girls and slightly overweight ones: for the first, it will add the missing centimeters, for the second, it will hide existing flaws.
- Trapezoidal. A loose cut and lack of a pronounced waist will allow you to focus on your legs.
How to choose a dress according to your body type?
Throughout life, a woman's body undergoes changes - sometimes it gets fatter, sometimes it loses weight, and sometimes only in separate parts. Not only weight changes, but also height and posture, so it is necessary to adapt to the changes and, standing in front of the mirror, honestly and objectively assess the state of your figure, highlight what should be emphasized and what is better to correct or hide.
Depending on what nature has blessed you with, you can distinguish several basic female silhouettes:
- A-type. Better known as “pear”. It is distinguished by the presence of rather wide hips and small shoulders and chest.
- V-type Otherwise known as an “inverted triangle”. Opponent of the previous type, ladies with such a figure have a full bust and wide shoulders, but narrow hips.
- H-type. Or it is also called a “rectangle”. Girls with such a silhouette have practically no volume of any kind; the figure as a whole resembles a teenage boy.
- O-type. A rounded “apple” usually has slender legs and a slightly defined waist; the volume of the bust and hips may vary.
- X-type. The ideal hourglass for many decades. Ladies with this body structure are rightfully proud of their elegant waist and the presence of appetizing volumes in the chest and hips.
Pear body type
For any type of figure, it is necessary to create harmony between the top and bottom, bringing it as close as possible to the “hourglass”, highlighting the existing advantages. For ladies with a “pear-shaped” silhouette, the following solutions are suitable:
- The style is the one that will emphasize the waist. A trapezoidal dress would be a chic choice, and various darts and neck designs will allow you to play up the beauty of the bust.
- Color. To match the color of the dress to your face, for this silhouette you should take a closer look at dresses with a light bodice and a darker hem or with a gradient color.
Important! A trapezoidal skirt with minimal flare will hide the excessive massiveness of the hips.
Dress for an inverted triangle figure
We remember that owners of this type have very graceful hips, so it’s worth emphasizing this with a tapered skirt:
- Style: straight dresses or those with a low waist. If you need to balance a large bust, you should consider more voluminous skirts (“sun”, “tulip” or pleated skirts).
- Neck design - give preference to a beautiful and deep oval or V-shaped neckline.
Important! It is better to avoid large elements in the shoulder and neck area - puff sleeves or voluminous collars.
Dress for rectangular body type
The boyishness of this silhouette looks good on the covers and spreads of fashion magazines, but in real life, owners of such a figure have to use every possible means to “adding” non-existent volumes:
- Style - a dress with a peplum is simply a salvation for H-type girls; you can also choose a less festive option in the form of a sheath dress or kimono.
- To match the color of the dress to the face, such ladies should avoid an abundance of dark colors, otherwise there is a risk of looking exhausted, but otherwise the choice is huge, you can even try animal prints.
Apple body type
Ladies with this silhouette have two choices - change it or hide it:
- Style - either we change it with drawstrings and corsets, or we look for balloon dresses, multi-layered dresses or flared ones.
- Color – A geometric print would look best.
Important! An interestingly decorated hem will help balance your figure.
Hourglass figure type
- Style - any that will highlight seductive curves. If you lack sexiness, add a belt or strap to your waist.
- Color - the choice is also wide, but when using stripes you should give preference to vertical ones.
Important! For ladies with “double standards” (X body type and tendency to be overweight), you need to stay away from very bright colors.