Choosing a dress for your body type is essential to not only looking your best, but rocking the kind of confidence that will get you noticed.
That being said, no body is perfect. Bodies come in all different shapes, sizes, and dimensions.
In this short guide, we will review not only choosing a dress for your body type, but how a tailor can help you achieve the perfect fit. To finish it all off, we’ll take a take a look at some practical tips for taking care of the dresses in your wardrobe.
Choosing a Dress for Your Body Type
Choosing a dress for your body type mostly boils down to selecting one that accentuates your most prominent features.
For instance, if you have full hips and thighs, try to choose a dress that stops an inch or two above the knee.
It should feature an A-line skirt, but make sure it isn’t too full. Wearing a shorter and fuller dress might end up looking more like a tutu.
Consider drawing attention away from your lower half by wearing a dress with a plunging V-neck, halter top, or embellished neckline.
If you have a thick waist, work to elongate the appearance of your torso by taking the attention off your waist.
To do this, pick a dress with an empire or drop waist. This will help to relocate your waist list.
In either case, choose a chain or sash belt that sits low on your hips. This will work better than a thick belt around your midsection.
If you have larger arms, choose a dress designed with bell sleeves. Full-length or 3/4 sleeves work best. Just be sure to skip the sleeveless or cap sleeve dresses.
If your have smaller breasts, it is best to skip dresses with deep plunging necklines. Aim for a dress with a scoop or bandeau neck.
Sequins or other adornments coupled look with layered necklaces will also add dimension and depth to your bust.
On the other hand, if you have larger breasts, consider a halter top dress or one designed with a deep V-neck. Both of these options will serve to complement your ample endowment.
At the same time, be sure to select fabrics that will gently skim your body instead of binding to it. The latter could result in drawing unwanted attention.
If your objective is to take some of the attention away from your bust while balancing out a tinier lower half, a dress with an A-line skirt works well. Just choose one that falls a couple inches above your knees.
If you wear a plus size dress, be sure to avoid wearing dresses that are too large. Contrary to popular belief, over sized clothing results in making your body look larger, not smaller.
Pick a fabric for your dress that doesn’t cling to the surface of your body, but drapes over it well.
Full-figured women tend to appreciate wrap dresses, especially if paired with vivid colors or prints.
If you have a naturally thin frame, consider a sweater or knit dress.
You may also wish to pair your dress with additional layers, such as a fitted jacket or a cardigan. Both of these options will add some bulk to your frame.
For those with skinny legs, it is a good idea to skip over miniskirts. Opt for longer, flowing dresses instead. A bubble dress can also help to fill out the dimensions of your lower body.
Complete your look with a thick belt for added definition.
Is there a catch-all solution?
One particular style that works well for most women is the shift dress.
It is designed to hang straight down from the shoulder, which happens to work well with the majority of body types without clinging.
If it is a summer dress you are after, the shift dress works well in cotton, linen and light knits. Choose wool or heavier knits for cool, fall weather.
Have Your Dress Tailored if Necessary
In many cases, women choose a beautiful dress off the rack that fits almost right, but not perfectly.
In that case, it is time to enlist the help of a professional tailor.
If you live in or near Toronto, consider working with Love Your Tailor.
Our team of professionals has been working on the toughest alteration jobs in the Greater Toronto Area since 1987.
We do all types of repairs and alterations to dresses and skirts in our state of the art facility, and we would be thrilled to serve you.
Take Good Care of Your Dresses
After you have chosen the perfect dress, and you have had any necessary alterations done, you will want to keep it in the best condition possible.
To begin, always dry clean more formal dresses. It will result in the following benefits:
- You dress will look new for longer.
- Your dress will not fade as quickly.
- The material will not wear out as fast.
To prevent your dress from wrinkling, have it professionally pressed or steamed every so often.
When you sit in a car wearing a dress, push the majority of the fabric to the side so you’re sitting on as little of it as possible.
When you store your dress, hang it up with some room left over to breathe.
Should you happen to get a stain on your dress, follow these tips:
- Treat the stain as quickly as possible
- Test your treatment method on a hidden part of the dress first
- Rub the stain from the back of the fabric instead of the front
- Review the care instructions provided by the manufacturer on the garment
- Do not dry or iron the dress until the stain is gone
- Blot or scrape the stain instead of rubbing it
- Always blot stains with a clean, white towel
- Club soda, lemon juice, baking soda, and salt are your stain removal friends
If you are having trouble caring for your dress, including removing stains and wrinkles, contact our experts at Love Your Tailor.
We can do the job for you quickly and professionally, making sure to maintain the integrity of your best dresses.