Choosing the Right Dress for Your Body Type

No two bodies are the same. We come in all different shapes, sizes and dimensions. One thing is certain, when you look well-dressed, you feel more confident. To achieve a good fit with your clothes, you not only have to look at your body type, but then have the dress tailored for the best look. Let’s talk about some of the ways that choosing the right dress for your body type can make you feel amazing.

No matter what your body shape is, you can feel good about your clothes when you accentuate your best features. No matter what size you are, choose a fabric for your clothes that doesn’t cling to your body, but drapes over it well and gently skims your body.

• Pear Shape – your hips are wider than your shoulders

Spaghetti straps and decorative necklines look great on you. A fit-and-flare dress focuses attention on your curves and shows off your smaller top half. Skip dresses with plunging necklines if you have smaller breasts.

• Inverted Triangle shape – Your shoulders and bust are wider than your hips.

Voluminous skirts with a fitted jacket work good on this shape. You want to focus on your legs and slim down your shoulders. Oversized clothing often makes you appear sloppy and bigger than you actually are.

• Rectangle – your shoulders, hips and waist are about the same size.

Create curves with skirts that have ruffles or shirts with bows and embellishments. Use belts to give the illusion of shape.

• Apple – you have broad shoulders and a full waist while having smaller legs.

Elongate your torso by choosing a dress with an empire or drop waist. Avoid thick belts around your midsection but select a small belt that sits on your hips. Bell sleeves can make larger arms feel more flattering.

• Hourglass shape – you have a small, defined waist with hips and shoulders roughly the same size.

Marilyn Monroe is one of the most famous hourglass figures, so remember how great she looked in a wrapped and belted dress. Peplum styles are wonderful for hourglass shapes because it draws attention to the narrow waist, full chest and curvy hips.

One style that complements many different body types is the shift dress, which hangs down from the shoulders without clinging. In the summer, a cotton or linen shift dress is perfect for almost any activity. For winter, look at wool or a heavy knit.

Get a Good Fit

A tailor can make your clothes appear to be made for you. Instead of having a boxy look due to the straight seams on a garment, your tailor can alter the appearance of the garment and give it shape. Clothes that fit you like a glove are simply more flattering, which gives you confidence.

Contact us for all types of dress alterations, such as shortening or lengthening hems, taking in waistbands or correcting a low shoulder seam. We also do repairs on all types of clothing, from replacing zippers and buttons to fixing leather. Make your clothes look great and last longer with dress alterations.