Choosing a dress that flatters your shape can be tricky, and it’s difficult to know where to start. As a wardrobe essential, dresses should not only complement your figure but also make you feel confident and stylish. In this blog, we’ll guide you through selecting the most flattering dresses for your body type, helping you highlight your best features and embrace your unique style with confidence.

Different body types

The best way to choose the perfect dress for your body type is to start by understanding the different body shapes. The most common body types include:

- Hourglass

- Pear

- Narrow

- Apple

Each body type has unique features worth celebrating. Whether it's highlighting your curves or showcasing your legs, the right dress can help you effortlessly accentuate your best assets and feel your most confident.

Finding the best dress for my body type

Hourglass body type

Individuals with an hourglass body type have proportioned bust and hip measurements. The figure of an hourglass body type is usually defined by a definite waist, as well as overall balanced body proportions.

What hourglasses should wear

Some of the best dresses for hourglass body types are:

- Open neck-lines - Open necklines draw attention to your collarbone and shoulders, creating an elegant and balanced look

- V neck-lines - Perfect for elongating your torso and emphasising your natural proportions

- Form-fitting waistlines - Dresses that cinch at the waist showcase your defined waist, accentuating the hourglass shape

- Skater style dresses - With their fitted bodice and flared skirt, skater dresses enhance your curves while offering a flattering, playful silhouette.

Pear body type

If you have a pear body type, you will typically have a thinner upper body and larger hips/thighs. In order to try and look more proportionally balanced, pear body types should aim to add volume to their upper body.

What pears should wear

Some of the best styles and dresses for pear body types to wear are:

- A-line skirts and dresses - These are perfect for creating a flattering silhouette by gently skimming over the hips and thighs, drawing attention to the waist and upper body

- V neck-lines - A V-neck can elongate the neck and torso, drawing attention upward to the face and collarbones

- Strapless tops - Strapless styles accentuate the shoulders and arms, adding definition to the upper body while balancing out the proportions of a pear shape

Narrow body type

A person with a narrow body type will often have more narrow hips and shoulders, with a less defined waist, giving them a more straight silhouette. This body type is often associated with more athletic and lean builds.

What narrow body types should wear

Some typical styles narrow body types should look to wear are:

- Flared or A-line skirts and dresses - These create movement and add volume to the lower body, helping to create a more balanced silhouette

- Embellishments - Details such as pleats, or decorative accents can add texture and interest to your outfit, enhancing your overall shape

- Volume increasing features - Styles with puffed sleeves or layered fabrics can add fullness to your figure

Apple body type

Apple body types are typically bodies that carry most of their weight in the centre of their figure, for example around the stomach. These body types tend to have a less defined waist and bottom, and usually have slim legs.

What apples should wear

Some styles that are a good choice for an apple body type are:

- A-line dresses - These gently flare out from the waist, providing structure while creating a more defined silhouette

- Wrap dresses - The wrap style cinches at the waist, accentuating your curves while allowing for a comfortable, flattering fit

- Swing dresses - With their relaxed fit and flowy design, swing dresses add movement and balance to the body, particularly around the midsection

- Anything belted - Dresses with belts or waist ties draw attention to the waist, helping to create shape and definition

Shop the best dresses for your body type with David Nieper

We’ve covered the best dresses for your body type to help you find the perfect styles that will flatter your shape. Shopping for the right pieces can feel overwhelming at times, but with David Nieper, the process is made easy and enjoyable. For more tips on styling your dresses, be sure to check out our article on How to Wear Dresses in Winter. And don’t forget to browse our collection of tops, skirts, and trousers to begin redesigning your wardrobe and making it work beautifully with your figure.