If you’re heading to a semi-formal cocktail party, evening dinner or wedding, your dress must fit. However, not all cocktail dresses are made equally.
Before shopping, you should understand your body type and choose a style that complements it. This way, you’ll feel confident, comfortable and well-dressed.
Busty
When looking for designer cocktail dresses, you should be aware of your body type and choose a style that complements your shape. You should also wear clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
You can easily find a dress that suits your body type when you know what to look for. First, you should take proper measurements of your shoulders, bust and waist.
Then, it would help if you focused on choosing the best material for your dress. It is essential to select a fabric that will not be too heavy or too revealing on your body. You should also try the different short-listed dress options to see if they are flattering to your body.
If you are a busty figure, you should look for a style that emphasizes your bust and slims down your hips. A v-neck sheath dress can help you achieve this goal.
A sweetheart neckline is also a great choice, as it adds to the feminine look and flows naturally with your shape. This is one of the best ways to accentuate your curves and give your figure a slimming effect.
A large bust, broad shoulders and a narrow waist characterize inverted triangles. They also have slender legs that can be showcased with a short cocktail dress. It would help if you focused on detailing your hip areas, such as pleating or A-lines, and balancing your proportions.
Hourglass
Women with an hourglass figure often have similar measurements at their bust and hips and a narrow waist. The perfect cocktail dress for an hourglass body type accentuates that narrow waist and highlights your curves.
Choosing the right dress for your hourglass shape can be challenging, but with some know-how, you’ll be on your way to creating a stunning look. Here are some tips on how to find the best dress for your body type:
A fit-and-flare dress is an excellent choice for an hourglass figure, as it fits around the waist and flares out from the hips to complement your natural curves. This style also hides the upper thighs and rear end, which can be incredibly flattering on an hourglass body.
Another good option for an hourglass figure is a pencil skirt. These long, slim dresses will highlight your curves and make you feel sexy.
In addition, if you want to add some definition to your waist, try a shirt dress with a belt. This looks incredibly cute on an hourglass body, and the added purpose of the strap makes your defined waist pop.
A high neckline is not a good choice for an hourglass body as it typically makes your waist appear top-heavy. Low, scoop or V-neck designs work well on this body type.
Pear-Shaped
When shopping for a cocktail dress, choosing one that flatters your body type is crucial. A poorly chosen dress can make you look overweight or draw attention to areas you’re self-conscious about.
Pear-shaped women often have narrow shoulders, a tiny waistline, and broader hips. They need dresses that draw attention to the upper body and balance out their lower curves, such as halter tops, strapless dresses, or sleeveless options.
A-line, fit, and flare styles are generally flattering on pear-shaped figures since they skim the torso and hips without adding extra volume. Wrap dresses are another excellent choice for women of this shape, as they don’t cling to your hips and thighs and create a flattering silhouette.
Depending on your occasion, go for long or short cocktail dresses. Midi-length options are perfect for formal and black-tie events, while shorter styles work best at cocktail parties and other informal events.
If you have a pear-shaped body, opt for monochrome or neutral colors to highlight your bust and balance out your wider hips and thighs. Try a two-toned strapless or V-neck dress with an A-line, ball gown, or flowing design to achieve this look.
Rectangular
The rectangle body shape is one of the most common shapes out there. This is because of its straight hips, shoulders and waistline, but there are also many types of rectangular bodies.
A slender and feminine shape, the rectangle body type looks best in fitted dresses that create the illusion of curves. A flattering fit and flare, a-line skirt, a sheath with a defined waist-like seam detail, something with side ruching or a wrap dress are all perfect for this body shape!
Another excellent option for the rectangle body is a mermaid-shaped dress. These asymmetrical gowns will give you the feminine curves that your rectangle body needs and make your neckline look more accentuated and longer.
Similarly, a peplum dress will also create the illusion of a waist on your rectangle body because it hugs your midsection. The same goes for a long blazer with a defined waist.
Jackets can also be a great style choice for the rectangle body because they can be fitted and paired with a belt to cinch in your waist. Avoid those that end above the waist or boxy jackets, as they make you look square.