proximately the same measurement (within an inch
or two) and your waist is smaller than either of these
by at least a four inches (the more the better though)
then you are an hourglass shape. This classic old-Hol-
lywood shape (think Marilyn Monroe) can wear any
style of dress as most styles
are flattering. The mermaid though will really high-
light your curves and you'll even be able to pull off a
sheath.
then you have a pear shape. Many women fall under
this category! An a-line dress is the most flattering be-
cause it is full in the skirt, hiding the bigger hips on the
bottom. An a-line gives a balanced appearance of an
hourglass and even works with an upside down pear,
which is when your bust is larger than your hips.
are similar then you are a square or round body type.
To add definition and the appearance of an hourglass
shape you'll want to select dresses with gathers or
other details on the hips and bust. This will highlight
those areas and give you a feminine shape. Generally
an a-line dress will be the most flattering and have the
most options for you.
salons which carry petite sized dresses. To create an
illusion of height, you will want a dress with seams
or lace which run up and down lengthwise. You may
want to consider a high neckline, A line, empire, or
princess silhouettes, small collars and cuffs, short
sleeves or sleeveless with long gloves, or dresses that
are trim at the neckline and shoulders to draw the
eye upward. You should stay away from a belt, unless
it is a very narrow one. Also, consider a chapel train
with a floor length veil. Try to avoid frills and excessive
detailing.
to look for dresses with trims that wrap completely
around the gown and veil, wide midriffs and sashes,
large collars, big cuffs, raglan or butterfly sleeves,
flared or tiered skirts and low necklines.
slimming effect of a lifted waistline and A-line skirt.
Avoid tight waists, belts and cummerbunds, and
shaped midriffs in contrasting colors.
centuate your features with a dress featuring a well
defined midriff, a gathered or pleated skirt, and a
natural or sashed waistline.
cape collars. Accentuate them with sleeves that
gather at the top, necklines that are bare or widely
curved, and shoulder pads built into the dress.
smooth set in sleeves, low V necklines or high, cov-
ered necks. Avoid puffed or leg of-mutton sleeves,
bare necklines, broad collars, haltered tops and
shoulder pads.
elongated bodices and necklines that are V-or U
shaped or high with a keyhole yoke. Avoid cinched
waists, empire styles that come up high under the
bust, and clingy fabrics that accentuate your full-
ness. Choose instead full, billowing skirts with lots
of ornamentation, which will create a curvier lower
body. Keep sleeves simple with a natural shoulder
line, and avoid adornments on the bodice.
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in the same dress. Therefore, we've put together different styles of dresses to fit
certian body types. Read through the list below, find your body type and then go find
your perfect dress.