June 28, 2018
Dress shapes to flatter your figure
It's hard to keep up with fashion trends AND adapt them so they work for your body shape, height or colouring. Our philosophy isn't about 'restricting' what you wear with a hard and fast set of 'style rules', or not venturing out of your tried and tested 'look' - but rather about celebrating your body shape and emphasising its good bits - rather than focussing on the bad!
In our quick guide we will show you some summer dress styles to flatter your shape - little tricks and styling tips we use with our clients to ensure they feel confident and happy in whatever they wear.
Dresses are a great wardrobe staple which some people overlook as too, well, 'dressy'. We couldn't disagree more! A one-piece look that can often be dressed down during the day with flats and a denim jacket, then up at night with a blazer and heels - dresses are really flexible and can make you feel confident and 'pulled together', effortlessly.
While, as women, we rarely fit neatly into one 'body shape' these styling tips will hopefully give you some inspiration on how to find your perfect dress this summer from workwear to a great versatile frock that will see you through to autumn:
For hourglass shapes:
A simple rule for hourglasses is to accentuate your natural waist (note: this is a lot higher than the 'waistband' on your trousers!). This knock-out red shift dress from Baum un Pferdgarten is great for hourglasses - the jersey stretches to accomodate your curves, the belt detailing accentuates your waist and the frilled shoulder balances out hips. Perfect.
For apple shapes:
Apple typically carry their weight around their middle but that doesn't mean you need to opt for shapeless tents. This gorgeous tunic dress from Vilagallo is 95% silk, with a dash of stretch. Don't be scared of print - it helps cover any lumps and bumps and the tunic length will draw attention away from your middle to your legs. Wear with sandals during the day and add drama come evening by picking out one of the bold colours with some statement accessories.
For pear shapes:
With fuller hips and a more slender upper body - play to your strengths! Look for dresses with embellished necklines, shoulder or back detailing to celebrate your assets then seek out A-line skirts that are great for skimming over hips and thighs, on-trend midi-lengths are great for elongating, too. This sheer, floaty number from Baum un Pferdgarten has a wide boat neck that will give the illusion of widing narrow shoulders and balancing out hips.The empire line is a great shape for pears as it skims over your bottom half.
For athletic shapes:
Shirt dresses are perfect for athletic figures, showing off your long limbs and slim torso. Look for a belted option to add waist detail and the illusion of curves - we love this denim dress from MBYM - it's such a style chameleon - worn with a Rosemunde lace-trimmed tank underneath for a layering look, or over a rollneck with tights and boots come autumn.
Not sure what body shape you are? Need help choosing trousers or other items to flatter your shape? We'd be happy to help provide some personal suggestions, just drop us a line and let us do the rest!
Main photo credit: by Pete Bellis on Unsplash
For hourglass shapes:
A simple rule for hourglasses is to accentuate your natural waist (note: this is a lot higher than the 'waistband' on your trousers!). This knock-out red shift dress from Baum un Pferdgarten is great for hourglasses - the jersey stretches to accomodate your curves, the belt detailing accentuates your waist and the frilled shoulder balances out hips. Perfect.
For apple shapes:
Apple typically carry their weight around their middle but that doesn't mean you need to opt for shapeless tents. This gorgeous tunic dress from Vilagallo is 95% silk, with a dash of stretch. Don't be scared of print - it helps cover any lumps and bumps and the tunic length will draw attention away from your middle to your legs. Wear with sandals during the day and add drama come evening by picking out one of the bold colours with some statement accessories.
For pear shapes:
With fuller hips and a more slender upper body - play to your strengths! Look for dresses with embellished necklines, shoulder or back detailing to celebrate your assets then seek out A-line skirts that are great for skimming over hips and thighs, on-trend midi-lengths are great for elongating, too. This sheer, floaty number from Baum un Pferdgarten has a wide boat neck that will give the illusion of widing narrow shoulders and balancing out hips.The empire line is a great shape for pears as it skims over your bottom half.
For athletic shapes:
Shirt dresses are perfect for athletic figures, showing off your long limbs and slim torso. Look for a belted option to add waist detail and the illusion of curves - we love this denim dress from MBYM - it's such a style chameleon - worn with a Rosemunde lace-trimmed tank underneath for a layering look, or over a rollneck with tights and boots come autumn.
Not sure what body shape you are? Need help choosing trousers or other items to flatter your shape? We'd be happy to help provide some personal suggestions, just drop us a line and let us do the rest!
Main photo credit: by Pete Bellis on Unsplash
