There is a mountain of information on style tips on the internet. Most spend a lot of time talking about body shapes, but at Dresses Only we have realised that most women don’t have textbook shapes.
That’s why we have researched different body sections so you can mix and match tips according to your unique body. We also have examples of dresses that might suit you better and make you feel more confident when you are out and about.
Shoulders
« If you have bigger shoulders, wear dresses that;
Add volume to the lower half of the body and balance broad shoulders
(empire or baby-doll dresses)
Draw the eye downwards to the bust (v-neck dresses) or the hemline (asymmetrical dresses)
Have thicker straps
Avoid dresses with frills, bows etc. at the sleeves or is off-the-shoulder style
as these accentuate broad shoulders
« If you have small shoulders, wear dresses that;
Accentuate the shoulders, such as off-the-shoulder or strapless dresses
Have dresses with thin or unusual straps
Come in/cinch at the waist to accentuate your upper body
Bust
« If you have a bigger bust, wear dresses that;
Have thicker straps (thin straps accentuate the bust area)
Have circle/open necklines
Have ¾ length sleeves to draw attention away from the bust
Feature detail on the lower half or an unusual hemline which draws attention downwards
Avoid V-neck dresses which accentuate the bust area, halter-neck dresses which flatten the bust and horizontal lines
« If you have a smaller bust, wear dresses that;
Accentuate your bust via ruffles, bow, beading etc. on the chest area
Are empire, v-neck, camel neck or halter-neck dresses
Have thin straps which give the bust volume
Waist
« If you have a bigger waist, wear dresses that;
Fall softly over the waist such as baby-doll and empire dresses (*Be careful not to go for sizes that are too big or risk a pregnant appearance) or come softly in at the waist (wrap dresses)
Are monotonal/one colour to give an overall slimming effect
Draw attention to the face though unusual necklines including off-the-shoulder and v-neck dresses or your legs through unusual hemlines
Also wear great shoes that draw attention to your legs, carry a cute bag at hip level or give your waist definition with ruching, thick belts or ribbons and scarves worn as belts
Bottom & Thighs
« If you have bigger bottom & thighs, wear dresses that;
Skim the bottom and legs (tunic dresses) and are not overly figure hugging
Fall just below the knee (which lengthens the hip and thigh area)
Have unusual necklines to draw the eye upwards such as V-necks, strapless and halter-neck dresses
Have vertical stripes or small prints
Are darker colours on the bottom which is slimming
Also wear accessories that draw the eyes towards your face (large necklaces or feature earrings), accentuate the waist such as belts (but don’t fasten them too tightly or they will suddenly accentuate your hips) and slim the legs (stockings which match the colour of your shoes or nude coloured shoes to match bare legs)
« If you have a smaller bottom & thighs, wear dresses that;
Are tighter and figure hugging around your bottom
Have pockets, pleats or other detail on the pockets to draw attention to the area
Height
« If you are tall, wear dresses that;
Feature unusual detail such as patterns and beads which attract the eyes
Are not too short: Mini dresses accentuate long legs and add height in tall women
Are not full length: Maxi dresses will also make you look taller
Have horizontal stripes
« If you are small, wear dresses that;
Give length to the lower body and emphasise the bust area (empire dresses)
Add height (maxi dresses)
Are looser fitting to create the illusion of curves or body hugging to emphasise curves
Are dark monotonal/one colour, have vertical stripes or feature smaller prints
Avoid ¾ length dresses which shorten legs
Also wear accessories that are smaller and shorter at the neck (so as not to overwhelm your body) and heels, heels, heels!
