Perfect dresses for hourglass, apple-shaped and athletic bodies
4. Hourglass: An hourglass figure has a pronounced bust, small bone structure, a defined waist, curved hips as well as pronounced buttocks and shapely legs. Essentially, it's a curvy, feminine figure, which you should show off if you're lucky enough to have it.
What to wear: Draw attention to your waist with wrap dresses or shift dresses paired with belts or accentuated waistbands. Semi-fitted dresses are the most flattering. "The goal is to keep the proportions as balanced as they appear," says Robin.
What to avoid: "Avoid oversized, bulky or stiff dresses that will make you look bigger than you actually are," advises Robin.
What to wear: Draw attention to your waist with wrap dresses or shift dresses paired with belts or accentuated waistbands. Semi-fitted dresses are the most flattering. "The goal is to keep the proportions as balanced as they appear," says Robin.
What to avoid: "Avoid oversized, bulky or stiff dresses that will make you look bigger than you actually are," advises Robin.
5. Apple-shaped: This body type is characterized by a top-heavy appearance. Generally, apple-shaped women have a wide torso (full bust and upper back), slim thighs and legs, a prominent tummy and a flat bum. Here's a good tip for figuring out if you're an apple-shape: Measure your hip-waist ratio and if the ratio is greater than 0.8, you are an apple-shape.
What to wear: "You want to create length and a smaller-looking mid-section," suggests Robin. Short dresses (above the knee) help draw the eye to your legs. "A monochromatic colour scheme is best," says Robin. "But make sure that dresses skim and never cling!"
What to avoid: Avoid tailored dresses, especially ones with waistbands. You don't want to draw attention to your waist. "Avoid dresses with skirts that are shorter than they are wide," says Robin.
6. Athletic: Athletic women have a well-defined and toned figure, broad shoulders, square hips, a flat stomach and a small bust. Generally, they have a square silhouette.
What to wear: Look for dresses that add feminine curves and give your figure some va-va-voom. Dresses with tie belts create a more pronounced waist and embellishments and details on the top will add inches to your bustline. You can wear a variety of dresses from ones with pencil skirts to ones that are flared and gathered at the waist.
What to avoid: Avoid dresses that have vertical patterns and lines -- they can make you look lanky. Similarly, forgo clingy or tight-fitting dresses and dresses with high waists. Remember, these features don't create the illusion of curves.
Regardless of your body type, the key to picking a flattering dress is balance. Maximize your assets and divert attention away from trouble spots. Armed with this information, you're sure to pick out the perfect frock for you!
Get smooth, hair-free skin: 3 ways to get perfect legs to match your perfect dress.
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What to wear: "You want to create length and a smaller-looking mid-section," suggests Robin. Short dresses (above the knee) help draw the eye to your legs. "A monochromatic colour scheme is best," says Robin. "But make sure that dresses skim and never cling!"
What to avoid: Avoid tailored dresses, especially ones with waistbands. You don't want to draw attention to your waist. "Avoid dresses with skirts that are shorter than they are wide," says Robin.
6. Athletic: Athletic women have a well-defined and toned figure, broad shoulders, square hips, a flat stomach and a small bust. Generally, they have a square silhouette.
What to wear: Look for dresses that add feminine curves and give your figure some va-va-voom. Dresses with tie belts create a more pronounced waist and embellishments and details on the top will add inches to your bustline. You can wear a variety of dresses from ones with pencil skirts to ones that are flared and gathered at the waist.
What to avoid: Avoid dresses that have vertical patterns and lines -- they can make you look lanky. Similarly, forgo clingy or tight-fitting dresses and dresses with high waists. Remember, these features don't create the illusion of curves.
Regardless of your body type, the key to picking a flattering dress is balance. Maximize your assets and divert attention away from trouble spots. Armed with this information, you're sure to pick out the perfect frock for you!
Get smooth, hair-free skin: 3 ways to get perfect legs to match your perfect dress.
Page 2 of 2
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