Finding the perfect dress for a special occasion can be a difficult task if you don’t know which shape you are. Yes! Knowing your body type will definitely help you to look amazing without spending hours in the fitting room.

If you don’t know your body shape you will want to download Ada‘s “Determining your Body Shape” Style Guide. There you will find styling tips for all kinds of clothes, but now, let’s focus on DRESSES! 🙂

1 – Rectangle

If you’re a rectangle shape your goal is to create a waistline. Opt for a dress that you can cinch at the waistline or right below your bust. The best way to add that cinch? Belts! Belts are 100% made for boxy silhouettes. I know, boxy silhouettes are a current trend but it’s not really flattering on anyone.

You can also opt for off-the-shoulder dresses to draw attention up.

Image Credit: Kismet Marin
Belt: Midi Wrap Belt

Know your Shape: Download the “Determining your Body Shape” Style Guide.

2 – Hourglass

You have the most wanted body shape (YAY)! Congrats! Your goal here is to maintain balance on the top and bottom half and highlight your waist. Dresses are your best friend but they work better if belted at the smallest part of your waist! Opt for belts that are colorful, they will bring attention to your beautiful silhouette.

Image Credit: James Meredith
Belt: Aqua Wrap/Obi Belt

Know your Shape: Download the “Determining your Body Shape” Style Guide.

3 – Wedge

If you have a wedge shape, also known as inverted triangle, your goal is to balance the proportions. A beautiful A-line midi dress will look great on you especially if the upper half is darker than the bottom (a gradient color.) You also want to cinch the dress right below your bust to create the illusion of bigger bottom half.

Image Credit: Minxasheville
Belt: Wrap/Obi Belt

Know your Shape: Download the “Determining your Body Shape” Style Guide.

4 – Apple

For the apple shape your main styling goal is to minimize your tummy area and highlight your slim arms or legs. So, a scooped neck dress with fabrics that contour your upper body and not cling to it will fit perfect on your beautiful shape. A highlighted waist will also help you to bring a balance between your upper and bottom half, creating that hourglass silhouette that we all want.

Image Credit: Pirouette NYC
Belt: Wrap/ Obi Belt

5 – Pear

Your styling challenge with a pear shape is all about flattering that waist and bringing focus to your upper body while elongating your legs. Your dress needs to have a v-neck or a wide scoop. Here you can also opt for a gradient color dress but with the darker color on the bottom half.

Flowy, prints and patterns are great but do show off small waist with a cinche.

Image Credit: Alyssa Campanella
Belt: Wrap/Obi Belt

Did you find this post helpful? Tell me in the comments! I’d love to hear your thoughts!