When it comes to finding the best dresses for your body type it’s important to first determine what category you fall into and then play up your best features. We’ve put together 4 body types and what dresses will look the best on you!
For Pear Shapes
The main traits of your pear shaped body are:
- Wider hips and thighs
- Narrower shoulders
- Wider bottom
- Smaller bust
This triangular shape means you’re basically wider on bottom than on top. You have a slender neck, slightly narrow shoulders, smaller bust, wider low hips and rear.
The key to finding the best dresses for your body type is to draw all the attention up top! Show off those fabulous arms, back and bust! Avoid clingy knits or other tight dresses but don’t veer too far in a shapeless direction. Instead, play up your upper half with dresses featuring fitted bodices and softly-flowing bottoms. Strapless, halter and spaghetti-strapped dresses all look lovely on you.
The more embellishment the better up top! Fool the eye by wearing dresses that feature all of their decoration on the bodice. Dresses that have some kind of embellishment up top whether it be ruffles, pattern or luxurious texture will all help to add a little more volume to your bust.

For Apple Shapes
The main traits of your apple shaped body are:
- Larger Bust
- Broader Shoulders
- Narrower Hips
- Less Defined Waist
An apple shaped body tends to have a softer, fuller middle with slim thighs and upper shapely legs. You often have fuller breasts, thinner hips and thighs and a flatter rear end than most.
The best dresses for your body type are ones that flow through the waist and skim nicely over troubled spots!
The goal here is balance! Make your torso look longer and make your shoulders and waist appear slimmer. We want to draw attention away from your tummy up to that beautiful face and all those other assets.

For Straight Shapes
The main traits of your straight shaped body are:
- Undefined Waist
- Narrower Hips
- Small Bust
Your rectangular shape features an undefined waist with broad shoulders and square hips of equal width. You’re most likely slim with a small-to-medium bust, flat stomach and bottom, and slender arms and legs.
When looking for the best dresses for your body type, search for ones that add curves! Dresses rich with all-over ruching and pleating. A halter style will add volume to your bustline and show off beautifully shaped shoulders. Bold patterns love your form, as does color-blocking!
If you do want to add more volume up top look for embellishment, ruffles or fullness at the bust.
Another option to create the illusion of curves is to draw attention to your waist, cinched in waist lines or a dress worn with a bodice will defiantly give you some defined curves and help you to achieve that hourglass look.
Maxi dresses are right on trend this season and would be one of the best dresses for your body type!


For Hourglass Shapes
The main traits of your hourglass shaped body are:
- Bust and hips nearly the same size
- Well defined waist – 9″ or more smaller than bust
- Full Bust
- Shapely Legs
Your figure is round and curvy, with a well defined waistline, fuller hips and bust. Your shoulders are somewhat broad, with curvy hips of a similar width and a defined waist. You likely have a delicate bone structure, medium bust and a derriere that’s definitely there.
The best dresses for your body type are almost endless! Since the hourglass is considered the perfect feminine shape, there is not much to be done but to accentuate this particular figure. Go for flirty in a jersey-knit dress that emphasizes your ideal waist-to-hip ratio.
Trendy one-shoulder dresses are super-gorgeous on an hourglass shape and look best in flowing fabrics!

