How to choose the perfect dress style to flatter your figure

Your best physical features deserve to stand out. To emphasize your natural assets, here's how to choose the perfect dress style to flatter your figure.

The reason ladies’ dresses come in so many shapes, lengths and styles is because no two women are built exactly alike.

• To make the most of your natural assets, it's important to match your shape with an appropriate dress style.
• That means first knowing your body type.

A pear-shaped build calls for a dress that directs attention to the shoulders, neck and arms.

• Emphasize your slimmer upper-body by choosing a dress that cinches slightly at the waist to create the hourglass effect and features a square or draped cowl neckline.

A lightweight summer dress with airy sleeves can drape your upper arms and provide complete mobility while still keeping you cool.

• Look for 3/4 length sleeves in an evening dress or formal dress. A shirt dress also conceals the upper arms and is great for casual wear.

Several dress styles can help to create definition in the upper torso. The best choices for this body type include a sheath dress, strapless cocktail dress or shift dress.

• Any detail around the bust line will enhance your profile and fill out your silhouette.

In dresses for work, choose a demure style that subtly follows your generous curves without making the rest of your body look bigger.

• You can accentuate your bust in party dresses and cocktail dresses with halter tops and deep necklines.

 If you have a rectangular profile with wide shoulders, hips and thighs, then create curves with plus size dresses that define your waist. Consider a wrap dress, sheath dress or belted gown.

• Maxi dresses in bold prints with a tapered or belted waist can also provide a flattering, flowing look from top to bottom.

Diminutive women with slim builds can pull off the little black dress better than most.

• Choose evening dresses that expose and accentuate your legs. Smaller proportioned women also look great in a mini dress with a V-neck or in a form-fitting sheath.
• If you’re short but heavyset, elongate your legs with a mid-length plus-size dress that wraps or drapes your curves.

To add contour to a slim silhouette, opt for casual dresses that add volume without bulk. Accentuate your small waist with belts to broaden your shoulders and hips.

• Slender figures can be showcased in a strapless or sleeveless gown or maxi dress.

When shopping around, consider:

• Waist ties and belts help accentuate curves and can enhance your other features.
• Stocky builds can create stature with monochrome looks and mid-length dresses.
• Plus-size builds should showcase legs and cinch waists for more definition.
• Slim builds should avoid clingy dresses and all-black outfits.
• The little black dress (LBD) is a glamorous style that transitions easily from the office to evening wear.

Understanding your own body type is the first step toward developing a personal style.

• The sheer number of different dresses for women becomes much less intimidating once you’ve narrowed the choices to those that flatter your figure — and which make you feel good in your skin.