How to pick dresses that highlight your best features

Dresses are a versatile garment. You can find casual, everyday dresses right next to more formal, evening dresses and everything in between. Dresses come in many different styles and lengths, so finding the best ones for your body can take time. 

Here are some tips to help you streamline your dress shopping process and find dresses that highlight your best features. 

Identify your best features and body shape

Before you can think about clothing, you need to identify your best features. Think about the parts of your body that you love. You may like your legs, arms, waist or even shoulders. These will become the parts that you will highlight with your clothing choices. 

Next, figure out your body shape. There are certain shapes that most bodies fit, such as hourglass, triangle, apple, rectangle or oval. Hourglasses are defined by a smaller waist and even bust and hip measurements, whereas apples have broader shoulders than hips. 

Choose silhouettes that flatter your figure

Once you have identified your body shape, you can look at clothing that flatters it. One of the most universally flattering dresses is a wrap dress. These cinch you in at the waist, creating a sleek silhouette, which is especially helpful if your waist is less defined. 

If you are looking to elongate your torso, look for women’s dresses that have a dropped waist. This will give the illusion that your body is longer, nicely keeping you in proportion if you have longer legs. 

Use colour, pattern and detail to direct attention

It isn’t only the silhouettes of an outfit which can draw the eye to your preferred areas. Colour, pattern and detail can all help to direct attention.

A bold neckline, either in a contrasting colour or with embellishments, can help to highlight your shoulders. Vertical stripes are great for lengthening you and making you look taller. Colour blocking can be used in several ways, one of which is to define your waist. 

Evaluate fit, fabric and practical movement 

Fabric is another crucial component for highlighting or skimming over parts of your body. A rigid fabric may emphasise areas you’d rather not, whereas a fluid, floaty material may skim over them instead. 

Bear your occasion in mind as well. Some materials allow for more movement so would be better for day dresses. Stiffer materials are great for creating structure and interesting silhouettes will look perfect at a party or formal event.