Finding the Perfect Dress

The internet opened up a whole new world for men and women in shopping for clothes. When a person can’t try the clothes on, however, it’s hard to know what will look good and which items will end up being returned. Fortunately, women find they can narrow the choices to those that flatter their figure by taking a few simple steps. It all starts with measuring the body and determining your body shape. Once you have determined this, it becomes easier to find dresses you’ll love once they arrive at your home.

The Waist

Dresses fitted through the bust fall under the empire waist category. From the fitted part down to the hem, the dress flows freely rather than being fitted. Most women who need a new dress find they can wear this style with ease. It flatters women on the curvy side and those with an apple shape, as the dress emphasizes the bust while minimizing other parts of the body. Petite women find this style helps to define their silhouette, especially when they wear a maxi dress.

A-line dresses suit women of any body type. The fitted waist that gradually flares out to the hem minimizes the appearance of the midsection and lower body while drawing the viewer’s eye to the bust. Bridesmaid dresses come in this style because it is so flattering to most women, and ladies find a variety of dresses in this style to suit any occasion.

Think of dresses popular during the 1920s, such as flapper dresses, and drop waist dresses come to mind. Many women today choose this style in a mini length, but need to take care when they make their selection. Drop waist dresses aren’t meant to fit close to the body. They look best when they hang freely, and women who are lean and athletic often find this is their preferred style. The dress lacks curve in the hip area, allowing them to emphasize their best features while downplaying others.

The Shape

Fit and flare dresses complement any woman and never go out of style. This dress remains fitted throughout the bodice and flares just below the hip. Women find it slims and balances their silhouette, emphasizing the good points while hiding the bad. Every body type looks good in this style. Women with an apple shape find it gives them a waistline, while athletic ladies state it gives them the illusion of curves. Hourglass shapes love this dress, as it follows the natural lines of their body.

Shift or column dresses look like a rectangle when hanging, so they are easily identifiable. As the style isn’t fitted, women find the dresses to be comfortable and forgiving. This remains a favorite of women in the workplace where form-fitting dresses aren’t appropriate. Long and lean women love this dress, as do women with an apple shape. Combine the dress with a nice pair of heels and you are ready to go anywhere. However, hourglass women discover shift dresses hide their figure, so it’s best they look to other options.

Darts, typically found in the bust area, define the form-fitting sheath dress. Women find this style balances their figure and is appropriate for cocktail parties and date nights. Women with an hourglass figure often choose this dress to highlight their slim waist and best features. Athletic women and those with a long, lean body find this dress style makes them look curvier than they are.

Trapeze dresses look similar to A-line dresses, but don’t fit as snugly. A-line dresses fit through the waist, while the trapeze dress remains loose over the entire body. When the dress lies flat, it resembles a triangle, and athletic women find it accentuates their figures perfectly. Curvier girls also look good in this dress, but it hides their best features.

Every woman finds they can wear a wrap dress and look great like doing so. The style highlights or creates a waistline, and the butt is emphasized. As a result, the body appears balanced from head to toe. The knee-length dress works great for the office and a night on the town with nothing more than a change of accessories.

Length

Once a woman has determined the shape of the dress she wishes to buy, it’s time to consider the length. Women with great legs love mini skirts and dresses, as this allows them to show their best feature. Stick with skirts of fingertip length or those that stop at the same point the fingertips hit when the arms are held straight down at the sides. This length ensures other people won’t be able to see more than the lady wishes them to.

Most body types look good in a mini, and these pieces can be flirty and fun. However, women should only wear this length when they feel comfortable doing so and her outfit accentuates her best features. Wear with heels to make the legs look longer, something petite women are certain to appreciate.

Knee-length skirts and dresses serve women well in the workplace, as they aren’t too sexy and they aren’t too dowdy. This length provides a slimming effect and lengthens the legs while balancing the silhouette.

Women on the curvy side should choose a skirt that falls just below the knee and pair this skirt with gorgeous heels. Another option would be to choose a knee-length skirt and pair it with a top that highlights the shoulders or bust. The length of the skirt ensures it doesn’t detract from the upper half of the body.

Maxi skirts and dresses look outstanding on every woman, regardless of her body type. In addition, women state it stands as the most comfortable option available today in dresses and skirts. Athletic women often choose shapeless billowy styles, as they can do so without looking like they threw a garbage bag or tent on and headed out the door. Petite women need form-fitting styles so they don’t look dwarfed by the dress, although they can use a belt for the same purpose if they find a dress that is too big. Curvy ladies should look for a maxi that includes a belt at the waistline or one that falls right under the bust to highlight the shape and ensure they don’t hide their best features.

Take this information into account the next time you go to purchase a dress or a skirt. These tips narrow the choices and help ensure you get an outfit you love that makes you look and feel great. Try different styles and combinations, however, when shopping for new clothes. By doing so, you’ll discover what items flatter your figure and your coloring.