Are you wondering about how to find the perfect dress for your body type?
Finding the best prom dresses that suit your body type is all about identifying your unique body shape, knowing flattering styles and avoiding the styles that are inappropriate.
The most common body types including petite, apple, pear, hourglass, slender and busty are discussed here.
Petite
Characteristics of petite figure frame:
Petite is measured by stature instead of weight, so petite is not equal to slim.
The height of a petite girl is 5'3 (162cm) or under.
What we want to achieve when choosing a style:
Elongate your body
Elongate your legs
Add height
The best types of prom gowns for petite frames are:
Asymmetrical hemline
V-neckline
Monochromatic
Pleating
Prom dress shapes to avoid for petite ladies as these tend to create a shorter and wider appearance.
Boxy cuts
Shift dresses
Bateau / Boat-neck
Scoop neck
2. Apple
Characteristics of apple shaped frame:
A wide torso
Shoulders are broader than hips
The waistline is undefined
What we want to achieve when choosing a style:
Draw attention away from the waistline
Have the elongating effect
Draw attention to shoulders and legs
Create a more defined waistline
Prom dress styles for apple shape should draw attention away from the waistline and accentuate your shoulders, bust and legs.
Best types of prom dress for apple shape are:
Darker colours such as navy blue, black, grey and red
Floor-length
A-line
Low neckline
Styles that create a more defined waistline
Prom dresses to avoid for apple shaped body:
Avoid styles that make your torso look wider (e.g. too many details on the midsection)
Avoid off-the-shoulder and halter prom dresses that make your shoulders look broader
These styles of prom dresses will lead to either wider torso or broader shoulders.
3. Pear
Characteristics of pear body type:
Hips are broader than shoulders and bust
Your waist is well-defined- this is your strength
Your weight is gained in the lower parts (mainly thighs)
Your arms are slim and well-proportioned
Aim to achieve:
Attract people’s attention to the upper part
Accentuate your beautiful shoulders
Accentuate your well-defined waist
Elongate your legs
The best prom dress styles for pear shapes should be able to highlight your upper body.
Best types of prom dress for pear shaped body:
Off-the-shoulder
One shoulder
Ball gown
Empire waist
V-neck
Prom dresses to avoid for pear shaped body types:
Sheath dress
Mermaid dress
4. Hourglass
Shoulders and hip are roughly equally sized
Your waistline is well-defined
Aim to achieve:
Accentuate your waistline
Elongate your legs
Girls with hourglass figure should aim to highlight your waistline strength. Also, styles that elongate your legs.
Best types of prom dress for hourglass figure:
Fitted dresses
Wrap dresses
Belted waist dresses
V-neck
Open necklines
Sweetheart neckline
Prom gowns to avoid for hourglass figure:
Gowns with wide necklines that would cause the upper parts to look wider
High-waist gowns
Dresses with embellishments leading to added volume near the bust area
Styles that prevent your beautiful waistline from showing or widening your upper half should be avoided.