Choosing a Formal Dress to Suit your Figure

Choosing a Formal Dress to Suit your Figure

Formal Dresses

Your prom, ball or formal event is the place for you to shine. Every woman
wants to look her best, and the way to do this is to make sure that you
select a dress that complements your figure type. Each figure type has
features that you will wish to emphasize.

We can all think of times when we've seen other people wearing formal
dresses that don't suit their figure. Don't let this happen to you on your
big night: use this guide to choose a dress style that will flatter you and
bring out the prom queen in you!

What is your figure type?
Tall and slim
You are 170cm or taller. You are generally slender and gently curved. Your
shoulders and hips are approximately the same width. You have an average
sized bust.

The goal is to emphasize your long legs and accent your curves.
The following dress styles will look best on you: Empire, Sheath, Princess Gown, A-Line
If you desire the appearance of a fuller chest, try an empire style dress.
Transform your body into a feminine hourglass by adding detail at the
waistline (a belt, ribbons, ruching, or darts). If you need to add fullness
to your slender figure, try a princess skirt or an A-line dress.

A dress with patterns or elaborate beading can help break your long line and
add more definition to your shape. A sheath dress looks fabulous and flows
nicely on your long silhouette.

Try a body hugging dress that emphasises your subtle curves. Look for one
with a slit to reveal your long legs. An open neckline, a cutout back or a
plunging V-neck also works for you.

Pear shape
You are either short or tall and you are bottom heavy. Your hips, bottom and

thighs are larger than your upper body.
Make the most of your best assets which are your arms, neck and bust.
The following dress styles will look best on you: Empire, Princess Gown, A-

Line
Choose dresses that emphasise the bodice and loosely flow over the body.

Formal Dresses

Strapless bodices are the best choice for your figure. Choose either empire,
A-line, or ball gown and if possible choose a strapless bustier or a halter
with a round neckline.

Hour glass

You are either short or tall and have a medium to large bust. You are curvy
especially around the hips and bottom and you have a smallish waist. This is
is smaller than your shoulders/bust and hips. Celebrity examples include
'Beyonce' and 'Salma Hayek'.

If you have this figure type, your goal is to show off your curves.
The following dress styles will look best on you: Sheath, Princess Gown, A-
Line
Try a fitted sheath dress either plain or embellished and this will show off
your curves. If you have generous hips look for an A-line ball gown which
will flatter your lower half.

A strapless bodice that is beaded or embroidered at the bust is especially
good as it draws attention upward. Also great are corset bodices that will
give you a cinched waist.Apple shapeYou are either short or tall. You have a
heavier mid-section than the rest of your body. You are thick-waisted or you
have an rounded or prominent tummy.

Your goal is to slim and lengthen your body.
The following dress styles will look best on you: Empire, A-Line
Empire dresses look great on your type of figure. The high waist detracts
from your tummy and lengthens your overall figure. If you choose an A-line
gown, it is best that you choose a bodice with boning for a slimming effect.

Formal Dresses

Large bust
You are either short or tall and have a C-cup or bigger.
You should aim to subtly emphasize your bust line whilst ensuring support.
The following dress styles will look best on you: Princess Gown, A-Line,

Halter
It's best to go for something with straps as this will hold bust in place
and if you choose an A-line or princess style gown it's advisable to select
a corset type bodice for added support.

Halter gowns with good coverage will flatter your bust-line without showing
too much cleavage and with halter necks you can adjust it to get the support
you might need. Another way to detract from bust area is to wear a dress
that has details like beading or embroidery on the lower skirt or hemline.

Small bust

You are either short or tall and have an A-cup or smaller.
You should aim to emphasize your subtle curves.
The following dress styles will look best on you: Empire, Princess Gown, A-

Line
An Empire style is the best by far for you and even better if the
bodice/bust area is ruched, beaded, embroidered or has ruffles. This will
give the illusion of you having a fuller bust. A strapless bodice in a ball
gown is fine, but it will need to be very well fitted to your figure.
Plus-size/full figured
You are either short or tall and have a large bust. You have a large frame
with 'Rubenesque', voluptuous curves.

The goal is to support your bust, whilst showing your curves to best
advantage.

The following dress styles will look best on you: Empire, Princess Gown, A-

Line
If you've got a large bust it might be best to avoid spaghetti strap dresses
as they don't offer much support. V-neck, sweetheart and round bustlines are
excellent for you. Go for thick straps and halter tops.

Look for an A-line gown that gives shape to the waist and then flows over
the lower body. Corset tops/waists will pull you in and shape your body.

Also consider buying a two piece ball outfit, so that the top can give some
coverage over the tummy and possibly bottom.

Conclusion

Every woman is different, but with the right choice of formal dress, everyone can look their best.