Introduction: Why Understanding Your Body Type is Essential
We all have been in situation of feeling overwhelmed while shopping when we are standing in front of nearly unlimited number of dresses.
Despite unlimited options, you are confused and thinking about that one friend who somehow always looks amazing, well-dressed, and elegant. You want to be like that friend.
This is the essential reason why understanding out your body type and styling your clothes accordingly is crucial. When you select summer dresses that complement your body, even the most bland piece of clothing begins to look slick, elegant and skillfully styled.
This comprehensive dress styling guide is aimed at providing you with all the actionable information you need to achieve your best look in sundresses this summer.
So, let's start by discovering which body type you have.
How to Measure: Determining Your Body Type
To identify your body type, you'll need four key body measurements:
- Shoulder: Wrap the measuring tape around the broadest part of your shoulders
- Bust: Measure around the fullest area of your chest
- Waist: Measure around the smallest section of your waist
- Hip: Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your hips
Note: Make sure to take these four measurements before proceeding, so you're actually implementing this how-to guide rather than just consuming the information.
Body Type Classifications:
1) Hourglass Shape:
- Waist is narrow and well-defined
- Bust and hips are almost the same size and well-defined in shape
- Formula: waist/bust ≤ 0.75 and bust ≈ hips
2) Pear Shape (Triangle):
- Smaller upper body
- Wider hips compared to the shoulders
- Formula: hips > shoulders or bust
3) Inverted Triangle:
- Smaller lower body
- Broader shoulders compared to the hips
- Formula: shoulders or bust > hips
4) Rectangle (Athletic):
- Hips nearly the same as shoulders
- Less defined curves at bust, waist, and hips
- Formula: waist/bust ≥ 0.75 and bust ≈ hips
5) Apple (Round):
- Broad shoulders, slim hips, and no defined waist
- Formula: waist > shoulders or bust
Now that you know your body type, let's dive deep into each body type and explore the summer dresses that suit them best.
Suitable Summer Dresses for Each Body Type
1) Hourglass Shape
This body type has well-defined curves, and the focus should be on enhancing these natural shapes. Choose sundresses with belts or stretchy fabrics that hug your curves and accentuate them beautifully.
Best Dresses:
- Wrap dresses
- Belted dresses
- Fitted dresses
- Bodycon styles
Avoid These Dresses:
- Babydoll dresses
- Boxy cuts that hide your waist
2) Pear Shape (Triangle)
This body type features a thinner upper body and larger lower body. The focus should be on balancing these proportions by opting for summer dresses that enhance and add volume to the upper section.
Best Dresses:
- A-line dresses
- Dresses with detailing or ruching at the bust
- Puff sleeve dresses
Avoid These Dresses:
- Styles that emphasize the hip area
- Bottom-heavy patterns or embellishments
3) Inverted Triangle
You have a larger upper body with small hips and legs. To create balance, focus on enhancing the lower section while wearing less material or accessories on top.
Best Dresses:
- Spaghetti strap dresses
- Halterneck dresses
- Fit-and-flare dresses
Avoid These Dresses:
- Heavy ruffles or ruching on top sections
- High necklines
4) Rectangle (Athletic)
For this body type, the focus is on defining the waist to create curves and visual interest.
Best Dresses:
- Asymmetrical dresses
- Wrap dresses
- T-shirt dresses (when styled with belts)
- Ruffle dresses
- Tiered dresses
Avoid These Dresses:
- Straight-cut dresses with no definition
5) Apple (Round)
Women with this body type typically carry weight near the belly area. The goal is to create a flattering silhouette that skims over the midsection.
Best Dresses:
- Shift dresses that skim over the waist
- Belted dresses, but only with fastenable belts
- Ruched dresses
- V-neck dresses
Avoid These Dresses:
- Dresses with horizontal lines
- Fitted dresses that cling to the midsection
Fail-Safe Option for All Body Types
If you're unable to select the perfect dress for your body type, you can use a wrap dress as your fail-safe option. Wrap dresses look fantastic on all body types because they naturally adjust to your proportions and create a universally flattering silhouette.
Conclusion
In this article, you've been provided with a comprehensive guide on measuring your body and selecting your body type. Based on your specific body type, we've discussed the types of summer dresses for women that will look great on you and the styles you should avoid.
Each woman's body is different and should be treated as such. That being said, understanding your body type and choosing summer dresses in Canada or anywhere else that enhance your natural features rather than working against them is an excellent way to improve your appearance and boost your confidence. Whether you're shopping for sundresses for vacation or everyday wear, this dress styling guide will help you make informed choices that celebrate your unique beauty.
What Now?
Now, you have a clear understanding of how to filter different dresses out of unlimited options for your body type without feeling overwhelmed.
However, we are not done yet as other factors such as fabric, color, patterns, and accessories also play a critical role in a person's style. We will be covering them in our bi-weekly email newsletter.
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