Dresses for Every Body Type

Too Thin

If your body lacks natural curves, add feminine presence with fullness and a bold print. You can also pump up the volume with extra details like full sleeves, ruched waist, layers, ruffles and big prints.

Small Bust

Most clothing actually hangs better on women with smaller busts, but if you want to add more volume up top look for embellishment or fullness on the bust. This empire waist peasant dress features a gathered bodice, allover print (flattering to most body types) and a cap sleeve which gives the illusion of a wider shoulder and more substantial upper body.

Full Bust

Balance a top-heavy figure by opting for the most flattering necklines for the full bust: the V-neck, square neck or wrap style like this dress above. Look for fabrics that skim (jersey is good), but aren't clingy or too stiff. Also, avoid ornate necklines, embellished bodices and blouson styles.

Thick Waist

Disguise a thick waist by either raising, lowering or eliminating the waistline. This bold graphic shift works by skimming the body without defining the waist. A drop-waist dress, which hits somewhere around the hipbones, or empire waist dresses which have a raised waist are other good choices.

Wide Shoulder

You don't need to hide your upper body if you have wide shoulders. Instead, look for body-balancing details like the trendy asymmetrical neckline, like this one-shoulder style. Avoid puffy sleeves or voluminous tops paired with slim bottoms that will exaggerate your shoulder width.

Unattractive Legs

Don't want to show off your legs? You can still look gorgeous in a dress, instead of hiding your legs in pants. Try wearing a longer skirt (midcalf or longer) like this ankle-grazing style.

Plus Size

Just because your figure has curves doesn't mean you can't enjoy a pretty sleeveless dress. Show some skin and enjoy the flattering capabilities of a print sundress.
This style, with its allover print, skims the body for a flattering effect.

Petite

The perfect sundress for a smaller frame has lots of style like this belted orange dress. More flattery: look for a dress with a lot of shape -- here it has a round neckline and princess seaming -- and is scaled just right for your figure. Avoid too-cutesy looks (like puffed sleeves) so you won't look little girlish.

Flabby Arms

Don't worry! you don't have to look matronly to cover up flabby arms. The trick is to keep the sexy element with one of the pretty sleeves that are popular right now like lantern sleeves, puff sleeves, kimono or bracelet sleeves.

Bottom-Heavy Figure

The easiest way to balance a bottom-heavy figure is to choose a dress that skims over the lower half of the body. Fuller skirts, like this dress above, disguise heavy hips, while showing off the waist. A fitted halter or strapless silhouette -- which accents a trim upper body -- is very flattering for bottom-heavy figures.

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