There’s nothing like a cute dress to make a girl feel feminine, fashionable and ready to take on the world, is there? Dresses indeed are our “when-in-distress” closet staple, be it a date, a meeting or party we’re heading to. Now the next time you’re going shopping for this versatile one-piece wonder (because, let’s face it, there’s always room for one more!), our crafty guide will ensure that you pick one that fits like it’s tailor-made for you and you rock your look like a diva. So go on – celebrate your curves, contours and height with this list of the best dresses for every body type!
1. Pear-Shaped Body
Your Figure: Narrow shoulders with slim arms and neck, and a wider lower half with rounded hips, thighs and legs.
What You Need: What you need to do is highlight your upper body – do that with embellished bodices, playful (even plunging) necklines, thin straps, cutout detailing, ruffles, pleated yokes, or statement slogans even. Or better yet, go backless! Longer hemlines are better for you, so think a full-skirted midi or skater dress. It’s right on trend too. If you’re opting for a colour-blocked one, find one with a darker skirt. Avoid bodycon or sheath dresses.
Get the Look: KOOVS Mix and Match Pinafore Dress In The Style Of Kareena Kapoor (Rs 1,495), Inc. 5 Heels on Flipkart (Rs 1,890), Style Fiesta Black Matte Sunnies (Rs 1,199) and Mango Pebbled Messenger Bag (Rs 1,790)
2. Athletic Body
Your Figure: A slim and straight figure with few curves.
What You Need: If we had your body, we’d never wear anything but fabulous dresses all the time! After all, there’s so much you can play around with. Nothing is off-limits for you. Deep necklines and strappy styles? Yes! Midis, minis or maxis? One (or maybe more) of each, please! Snug or loose? It doesn’t even matter. So make closet space for everything from bandage and shift dresses to sheath, skater and boxy styles. Fabric is no bar either!
Get the Look: AND by Anita Dongre Black & White Sheath Dress on Myntra (Rs 2,199), J Collection Heels on Jabong (Rs 1,899) and Pipa+Bella Blue Ball Tip Earrings (Rs 600)
3. Apple-Shaped Body
Your Figure: A big bust and round tummy with slim legs and hips.
What You Need: The only trick you need to remember is to keep the focus away from your torso by flaunting those toned legs. So say no to snug, embellished or essentially out-there bodices. Avoid keyhole detailing and mandarin collars while you are at it too, but V-necks tick the right box. So while dresses with flowy cuts are a good idea, you should look for shorter hemlines so that your legs are always the highlight of the look. A pleated drop waist dress will work like a charm too. But pick one that doesn’t hug your midsection too tightly.
Get the Look: Dorothy Perkins Lola Skye Dropwaist Scuba Lace Dress on Jabong (Rs 1,156), Forever 21 Touch of Glam Sandals (Rs 1,299) and Charles & Keith Shoulder Bag (Rs 9,999)
4. Hourglass Figure
Your Figure: Characterized by a narrow waist and wider hips and bust – you’ve got the “ideal” set of curves!
What You Need: Go all Kim K or Beyonce on them, we say! Put your bombshell body on display with structured, well-fitted and empire-cut dresses. The classic fit-and-flare dress, as usual, won’t disappoint. A word of caution, however: stay away from extremely voluminous styles unless you want to look like you’re wearing a gunny bag. After all, if you’ve got it, why hide it?
Get the Look: Stalk Buy Love Get Lucky Coral Dress (Rs 1,299), The Trunk Label Betty Heels (Rs 2,850) and Paper Lillie Premium So Chic Gold Link Choker (Rs 999)
5. Petite Body
Your Figure: If you’re under 5’4” and you’ve got a narrow frame, then you fall in this category.
What You Need: Your slim body (argh, we secretly hate you!) allows you to slip into barely-there, tighter-than-thou dresses and look fab like it’s no biggie. So wear those bandage and sheath dresses by all means, but try and add some volume whenever you can. Dresses with flowy skirts are a good way to accomplish that, as are flapper or tiered dresses. Halters, off-shoulders plus bold sleeves and necklines are a great way to highlight your assets. Either go short or long – no midway for you. We’d pick the micro-mini, if we were you!
Get the Look: Forever 21 Daring Draped Bodycon Dress (Rs 1,559), The Trunk Label Zoey Wedges (Rs 2,750) and Shopviolla Bronze Box Clutch (Rs 2,600)
6. Fuller Figure
Your Figure: Very curvy body with a voluptuous bust and butt.
What You Need: Strike a balance between too tight and too loose. And then throw a dark colour into the mix to really nail the look. Avoid extremely large prints and clingy fabrics while ensuring that your wrists and collarbones are always on display, as that will give you a slimming look. High necklines are best avoided. Free flowing maxis with fitted bodices and skater dresses are good options for you.
Get the Look: ASOS Little Mistress Watercolour Floral Print Maxi Dress (Rs 7,260), Van Heusen Clutch on Flipkart (Rs 1,795) and What When Wear Ovular Beauty Earrings (Rs 400)
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