How to Look Stunning and Flatter Your Body in a Dress

How to Look Stunning in Your Dress

When you want to look and feel your absolute best in a dress, there are many tips and tricks you can use to accentuate your best features. With the right dress silhouette, colors, accessories, and styling, you can look simply wonderful and boost your confidence.

Choose Flattering Silhouettes

Selecting a dress silhouette that complements your body shape is key to looking great. Consider:

• Pear shape - Try A-line or empire waist dresses to balance shoulders and hips
• Rectangle shape - Dresses with belted waists, wraps or ruching add shape
• Hourglass - Form-fitting sheath dresses accentuate your curves
• Apple shape - Empire waists and A-line skirts disguise a midsection
• Inverted triangle - Full skirts or peplum details add balance to broad shoulders and narrow hips

Strategic Color Choices

Selecting colors that enhance your complexion and features helps you shine:

• Fair skin - Soft pastels, jewel tones, metallics and black flatter fair skin
• Olive skin - Emerald green, teal, dark purple and gold complement olive complexions
• Dark skin - Bright reds, blues, purple and white pop against darker skin
• Showing skin - Darker colors make exposed skin glow while lighter shades recede

Play with Patterns and Prints

Prints and patterns can help camouflage areas or create stunning visual interest when used strategically. Some tips:

• Large floral prints hide wider hips or thighs
• Diagonal or vertical stripes elongate the body
• Small prints and narrow stripes slim the figure
• Dark backgrounds with light patterns minimize areas
• Chunky patterns and large prints overwhelm a petite frame

Accessorize for Symmetry

Add balancing accessories to create an attractive symmetrical appearance with your dress. Try:

• Wearing a belt around the waist or hips
• A long necklace that falls below the bustline
• Shoulder covering bolero
• Matching earrings and necklace sets
• Cuff bracelets on each wrist
• Sculptural cuffs above the elbows

Don the Right Undergarments

Choose undergarments to produce a smooth silhouette under your dress:

• Underwire, T-shirt or strapless bra for support and lift
• Shapewear slims tummy, hips and thighs
• High-waisted briefs and shorts conceal panty lines
• Slips made from slippery fabrics prevent cling

Pick Flattering Footwear

Completing your look with shoes that lengthen the legs and shape the calves makes a big impact. Go for:

• Pointed toes to visually elongate
• Nude shoes to extend the leg
• Ankle straps that slim the ankle
• Metallic shoes that catch and reflect light
• Heels to define calves and lift the rear

Hairstyles and Makeup

Hair and makeup tricks give your whole look extra polish. Try:

• Big, bouncy curls or volumizing updos for fullness
• Smooth blowout with ends flipped under
• Center parts and sleek low ponies to elongate face
• Defined brows and lush lashes frame eyes
• Highlight upper cheekbones and dcolletage
• Berry or red stained lips

Posture and Poise

How you carry yourself impacts your overall look. Practice these tips:

• Stand and sit tall with shoulders back
• Engage core muscles and keep back straight
• Head up and chin parallel to floor
• Step heel to toe when walking
• Take even strides and swing arms
• Slow poised movements and gestures

Rock Your Size and Shape

Most importantly, wear your dress with confidence and embrace your body as it is. A little black dress looks stunning on all figures when worn with self-assurance and a smile.

Dress Styles to Flatter Different Body Types

Choosing a dress silhouette that complements your shape is an easy way to highlight your best assets. Here are top styles for different figures:

Pear Body Shape

A pear shape with wider hips and narrower shoulders and bust can balance proportions with:

• A-line dresses
• Empire waist styles
• Babydoll or loose fitting dresses
• Wrap dresses
• Dresses with uneven hemlines

Apple Body Shape

An apple shape with a rounder midsection looks great in:

• Empire waist dresses
• Wrap styles
• Dresses with diagonal details
• Fit and flare dresses
• Sheath dresses with high neckline

Hourglass Figure

With curvy hips and bust balanced by a slim waist, show off your shape in:

• Bodycon dresses
• Pencil dresses
• Peplum dresses
• Wrap dresses
• A-line dresses with belt

Rectangle Body Shape

A straight up and down rectangle shape can create curves with:

• Fitted wrap dresses
• Peplum details
• Sheaths with ruching or draping
• A-line dresses with tie belt
• Soft, unconstructed A-line dresses

Inverted Triangle Shape

Balance broad shoulders and athletic build up top with:

• Empire waist styles
• Babydoll or loose dresses
• Dresses with cap sleeves
• A-line or full skirts
• V-necklines

Petite Frame

Avoid overwhelming a smaller frame with:

• Narrow silhouette dresses
• Dresses with vertical details
• Bright, solid color dresses
• High neckline sheath dresses
• Simple, minimalist styles

How to Accentuate Your Best Assets in a Dress

When wearing a dress, you can highlight your favorite features or downplay problem areas using these tricks:

Show Off Toned Legs

• Go shorter - try mini, midi or knee-length
• Slits up the side
• Bodycon styles
• Sheer overlays
• Pointy shoes
• Ankle strap heels

Slim the Waist

• Wrap dress
• Fitted bodice
• Empire waistline
• Shapewear
• Cinched details
• Belt at natural waist

Draw Eyes Upward

• Deep v-neckline
• Off the shoulder straps
• Illusion details at bust and neck
• Keyhole backs
• Choker necklaces
• Strappy shoes

Flaunt Your Back

• Halter, crossover, or one-shoulder necklines
• Open or cut-out backs
• Crisscross back straps
• Low back details
• Backless style

Elongate Your Frame

• Floor-length hemlines
• Vertical seams or details
• Monochromatic looks
• High necklines
• Tank dress silhouette
• Minimal accessories

A dress allows you to really highlight your best assets. Choose styles and accents that draw the eye to your favorite features.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.