Fit to Flatter: Find the flattering dress for your shape. In a landscape of ever-changing trends, knowing what to wear to flatter your shape can be a challenge. Discover the confidence-boosting figure formula to help you shine this occasion season.
HOURGLASS
Your shape: Curvy with a small waist
Avoid
- Empire lines – they conceal your narrow waist
- High necklines add bulk to a full bust
- Shoulder pads throw the balance between your upper and lower halves
Your goal: Highlight your curves, accentuate your small waist and balance your upperand lower body.
- Sweetheart, scoop and v-necklines help draw attention to the small of your waist
- Wrap and bodycon dresses accentuate the definition of your curves
- Sheath and A-line silhouettes enhance the body’s natural shape
APPLE
Your shape: Slim lower body, carrying weight around your middle
Avoid
- Gathering / detailing at the waist – both add bulk and draw the eye to the area
- Stiff fabrics create a lumpy, unflattering silhouette
Your goal: Define the waist yet deflect the eye onto the face, shoulders, bust or leg
- Opt for an empire line to skim your stomach
- A v-neck / detailing to the neckline, shoulder and bust helps draw eyes up
- Opt for soft, floaty fabrics for a forgiving drape
- Gentle ruching will help cover your mid-section
BANANA
Your shape: Equal width at the shoulders, hips and waist
Avoid
- Fussy detail to the waist – you will lose all definition
- Sheath dresses’ long, straight lines will swamp the subtleties of your silhouette
Your goal: Create the illusion of a defined waist
- Detailing / embellishment to your top half will enhance the bust
- A peplum trim to the waist adds definition to your silhouette
- Accentuate your narrowest part – below the bust – with a cinched-in empire line
- Create curves with a structured A-line / ball gown shape
- Off-the-shoulder dresses create the illusion of wider shoulder and a proportionally narrow waist
PEAR
Your shape: Hips are wider than your shoulders, with a well-defined waist
Avoid
- Horizontal pattern on your lower body
- Hip-hugging pencil skirts disproportionately highlight the lower body
- Fussy detail / pockets at waist also add bulk
Your goal: Draw the eye to your upper body, flatter your curves and camouflage your lower body parts
- Voluminous sleeves, wide and chest-enhancing necklines keep the focus on your upper body
- A-line, full skirt and empire dresses gently flare giving the illusion of a well-proportion figure
- Statement jewellery helps detract attention from your lower body
- Elongate your legs with stilettos
- Voluminous hair balances upper and lower body
