https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 06 May 2026 20:10:20 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it/page/2#post-951150 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 20:03:04 +0000 catgirl 951150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such fascinating and enlightening answers here. &nbsp;Obviously we all have an instinct for what suits us. &nbsp;And what's interesting is that I tend not to like what doesn't suit me (empire waists, for instance) and be drawn instantly to what does. &nbsp;I guess that's a good thing, right?</p> <p>FAB answers, all! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it/page/2#post-951148 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 20:01:31 +0000 T-Rex 951148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I thought of another tricky dress shape for me...empire waists. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it/page/2#post-951147 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 19:59:43 +0000 Angie 951147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>High fiving Suz right back! My frock, top and jacket twin :). I'm sure we are the same width! </p> <p>I forgot to mention Una, I LOVE shirt dresses - both straight and flared. (Thanks for reminding me, Janet). If only I could find one with length under $500. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it/page/2#post-951120 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 19:35:02 +0000 T-Rex 951120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like this question. However, I have to divide it into two categories...what shapes/silhouettes look flattering on me, and what shapes/silhouettes *which fit me* can I easily find in stores. I think I could probably pull off just about any dress shape if it were made for my measurements. However, because I am short, short waisted with a wider waist than is typical (I have curves, just not as pronounced), and have a tendency to gain weight on my belly before any of it reaches my bust, hips, or bottom... it's not always easy to find particular examples of certain styles off the rack that fit me. Thank heavens for spandex is all I can say. If it weren't for that miraculous touch of stretchiness that has permeated much of the clothing industry, I would be unable to wear most of the dresses that are out there. </p> <p>The one exception to the "all shapes will potentially work" blanket statement I made above is the sack dress. I have one in a lightweight black wool with a cotton bodice covered in black cotton detailing that resembles wilting flowers (I swear it looks better in person than what I'm describing) that I love to wear. It's sleeveless, and adding a jacket or cardigan seems to move the stylishness of the sacklike shape into unstylish territory. So there's only a short window between seasons when I can wear it. If it were anything but black (or possibly a similar dark color), I think it would feel kind of juvenile to me. The length is good, hitting a little bit above the knee. Any higher would definitely up the juvenile factor. Any lower and it would truly feel like a sack. So...I have one example of that style that I feel works for me. </p> <p>I've mentioned my boyfriend here before. This is an example of why I both love getting his fashion advice and simultaneously take it with a grain of salt. I held up the dress to him as a possible outfit for that day, and he gave it an enthusiastic thumbs down. He hated it. Months later, he sees me wearing it and compliments me on it. He can be very silly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it/page/2#post-951043 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 18:07:05 +0000 citygirldc 951043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm petite and&nbsp;have pear shape tendencies with smaller shoulders and boobs, shorter legs. I look good in structured a-line dresses&nbsp;that cinch at my waist and flare out.&nbsp; I tend to carry my weight in my tummy and inner thighs so the a-line style works to hide those flaws.. &nbsp;You'll see me in shirt dresses and a-line skirts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it/page/2#post-951010 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 17:47:33 +0000 Charmian 951010@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>High five, IT sister! &nbsp;I'm an&nbsp;IT with hourglass tendencies.</p> <p>I love volume on my bottom, so I have no problems with fit-and-flare silhouettes. &nbsp;I know it's not everybody's cup of tea.</p> <p>I know my short li'l waist shouldn't like empire waists, but I do ... as long as it's the right empire waist. &nbsp;Too much pleating and volume emphasizes the non-existent distance from my bust to my waist, but&nbsp;a restrained empire waist implies a longer waist than I have. &nbsp;Here's some <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/w2w-7-weddings-1-graduation-35-dresses">super-old photos</a> of empire waists that pass my filter; note that&nbsp;dress #1 and #4&nbsp;have been purged for unrelated reasons, but #2 (and to a lesser extent&nbsp;#4) still illustrates the silhouette.</p> <p>I don't gravitate towards wrap dresses for the same reason: too much attention drawn to my short waist.<br /><span><br />Angie seems to like&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-827---831-getting-better-at-this">structured A-lines</a> on me (photo #6). &nbsp;I do adore the balance they bring to my strong shoulders.</span></p> <p>I'm just discovering sacks now! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it/page/2#post-950946 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 17:00:32 +0000 qfbrenda 950946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm an IT and wear lots of different styles of dresses.&nbsp; My favorites are probably sheaths and faux wraps.&nbsp; I have just enough of a chest to fill out wrap dresses well enough to work.&nbsp; And wraps/faux wraps give me the illusion of having a waist.&nbsp; Sheaths work very well if they fit me well.&nbsp; I can't wear ones that are designed for an hourglass figure.&nbsp; </p> <p>I guess I'm going to have to try sack dresses. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it/page/2#post-950934 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 16:52:12 +0000 Aziraphale 950934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good question. &nbsp;I'm reading this thread with interest. &nbsp;I think I have some crossover with Rae here. &nbsp;I'm short, quite slim but with a somewhat fuller-than-expected bust, a short neck&nbsp;and not much in the way of waist definition. &nbsp;I have strong but bony&nbsp;shoulders, so I used to think I was an IT but after much experimentation (and drawing myself!) I've decided I'm a true rectangle. &nbsp;Sooo, it seems I can manage a number of dress styles. &nbsp;I have enough of a bust to nicely fill out a wrap, and the flared skirt balances out my narrow hips to give the impression of a proper hourglass. &nbsp;That's probably my best dress shape. &nbsp;Lower necks are better. &nbsp;Turtle necks and high crew necks look horrendous. &nbsp;I have a sleeveless halter neck a la Marilyn Monroe that looks good. &nbsp;I can do all sleeve lengths, from sleeveless to full length, but I tend to push the full length sleeves up to show my forearms. &nbsp;For some reason that works better. &nbsp;I can do a sheath (if it fits right), a wiggle dress, a shirt-dress (without a waist tie),&nbsp;and a very slim-fitting empire waist WITHOUT gathers under the bust (nothing makes you look preggers like under-bust gathering!). &nbsp;Hemlines cannot be lower than just below the knee. &nbsp;I absolutely look dreadful in anything loose that ties at the waist.&nbsp;I've never tried a sack dress, and am curious to know if it would work. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it/page/2#post-950876 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 15:47:43 +0000 Anonymous 950876@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>...and ditto towards tapering at the knee, if not, I look&nbsp;wider, much wider.&nbsp;A line is good but it has to be really fitted at the waist and high hip, if not, I get the same widening issue. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it/page/2#post-950863 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 15:39:25 +0000 rae 950863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Late to this, but I'm a short-necked, larger-busted&nbsp;Hourglass-Rectangle. More of a wider rectangle than Suz and Angie, though, since I'm both shorter and heavier. I prefer sheath or slim-cut dresses that taper toward the knee, have a lower neck,&nbsp;and have some waist definition. Otherwise it looks like I'm wide all the way down. Ruching or draping on the waist helps with the belly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it/page/2#post-950855 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 15:27:18 +0000 milehighstyle (Linda) 950855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Petite hourglass with pear tendencies, small bust, but my shoulders complete the hourglass shape - I need clothing&nbsp;to come&nbsp;in at the waist.&nbsp; A lines, fit and flares, fitted sheaths (provided they are not cut too straight), and wraps seem to work best.&nbsp;&nbsp;I can do shirt dresses as long as I belt them but feel that they are not my very best look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it/page/2#post-950792 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 14:27:48 +0000 Molly L-R 950792@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a pear, so a dress has to have a full, flared or fish-tailed bottom.&nbsp; Empire lines are a no-no as they create a tummy where I don't actually have one and people start no so subtly enquiring whether I'm pregnant.&nbsp; I don't even look at straight/pencil dresses any more after a disastrous derriere split situation :O :O :O </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it/page/2#post-950769 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 14:12:12 +0000 Anonymous 950769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, thanks, Suz!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it/page/2#post-950758 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 13:57:16 +0000 Suz 950758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ali, I agree. <b>GORGEOUS </b>curvy Amazon!!&nbsp;</p> <p>I also agree about tailoring. Taking the shoulders up is a simple fix for me sometimes, too.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it/page/2#post-950754 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 13:52:21 +0000 Anonymous 950754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do get stuff tailored, especially sheaths&nbsp;-- I often have to bring the shoulders up a tad. &nbsp;And sometimes I buy a larger size for my upper body, then get the waist and hips taken in. &nbsp;Is "Curvy Amazon" a body type? &nbsp;I think that's what I am, ha. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it/page/2#post-950737 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 13:43:45 +0000 Transcona Shannon 950737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As a curvy petite apple, the best dress shapes on me are wrap dresses followed by fit-n-flare and maybe a sheath when the fit isn't too snug in the mid section. V-necks are my best friend as they help to elongate and slim my silhouette. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it/page/2#post-950549 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 05:43:26 +0000 Anonymous 950549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anything but a sack dress. It would have to be extremely short to be doable. I am a consumated pear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it/page/2#post-950542 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 05:18:54 +0000 AJ 950542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Adelfa - Thank you for mentioning surplice dresses!&nbsp; Now I know what style to call my Max and Cleo dress.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it/page/2#post-950535 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 04:17:09 +0000 Adelfa 950535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question, Una! &nbsp;I am somewhere between an 8 and an O. The sheath dress (high or low neckline) has been my standby for 30 years no matter what my weight. &nbsp;Lately I've been experimenting with surplice dresses with a band around my ribs, flaring out from there. They have been a good option for a casual look or just for&nbsp;days I want to be more comfortable. For me a sheath requires heels and a certain mindset. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it/page/2#post-950506 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 03:27:07 +0000 Mia 950506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rectangle with secondary type being pear. &nbsp;A "skittle" really so I look best in A-line, empire waist or shaped shift with some structure. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Drop waist when they are on the scene is good. &nbsp;Fit and flare is ok but I am happiest in silhouettes from the 60's and 20's.</p> <p>I don't care for most wrap dresses or anything body-con on me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it/page/2#post-950492 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 03:09:13 +0000 Suz 950492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>High-fiving Angie, my dress twin! She's slimmer and a couple of inches&nbsp;taller than I am but the basic shape is similar (smack dab between a rectangle and slim hourglass)&nbsp;and I look best in the kinds of dresses that flatter her most: high necked sheaths. I like fit and flare, too, but have more luck with skirts paired with blouses or tops&nbsp;in this silhouette than in actual fit-and-flare dresses, probably because I am short waisted but not truly petite (so petite dresses are generally too short for me even though the waist placement is better).&nbsp;</p> <p>I have a relatively strong shoulder line (my shoulders are the widest part of me in fact) so I can wear a shift pretty well, too, if it's cut right. And I like the look of that in summer, especially.&nbsp;</p> <p>I can't fill out the top of a wrap dress, alas. I look even worse (if possible) in a "surplice" dress -- i.e. a faux wrap. Ugh.&nbsp;</p> <p>Skirts should be either quite full or quite narrow (even tapered, esp. if midi length). The A lines that used to look so fab on me when I was just a bit curvier now&nbsp;hang sadly limp and foolish.&nbsp;</p> <p>This is why I haven't found a shirt dress that I like. Many are A-line. The top portion would look fab on me (esp. if in a classic shirt-collar style) but an A line bottom would be less than fab.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it/page/2#post-950488 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 03:05:17 +0000 Liz A. 950488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm an hourglass (X shape)&nbsp;with strong shoulders and a round butt, and I wear empire waist almost exclusively! &nbsp;Am I the only one? &nbsp;I would love to wear sheaths, but I almost never find one that fits shoulder, waist, and hips. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it/page/2#post-950481 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 02:47:35 +0000 velvetychocolate 950481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Plump hourglass, and surprisingly - most shift dresses work best. they just skim over the curves and are somewhat sleekifying, if that makes sense. Also, some tailored shirt dresses can work well too. </p> <p>Wrap dresses and the like can be a bit too "va va voom" for some reason. I tried the sweater dress trend a couple of years ago, and you know what? I never actually wore the one sweater dress I bought. It's still hanging in my closet, never worn. </p> <p>Hands down, the shift dress. I don't really like the "va va voom" effect of other styles, and find that shift dresses and the like are better for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it#post-950475 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 02:28:12 +0000 Sveta 950475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like Janet I am an hourglass with pear tendencies but smaller bust: my hourglass balance comes from my shoulders, not my bust. Therefore wrap dresses are awful for me: I cannot fill up the top part Fit-and-flare are slam dunk, sheath can be hit-or-miss depending on the cut and fabrication.&nbsp;I can pull off an occasional sack dress if it is above the knee. Like Angie I need a higher neckline. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it#post-950438 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 02:00:20 +0000 Vildy 950438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;I'm a moderate 8 shape. My shoulders are somewhat bigger than my hips but they are not straight across. My upper arm is larger than my shoulder. I always have *some* waist. I have that lower belly protruding if I don't watch the dairy. <br />I look narrower from the front and back than from the side. </p> <p>I've never been able to wear a shift/sack because from the side it looks like somebody dumped a bunch of potatoes in the sack. But I can wear a sheath, so long as I watch the dairy because I don't want to wear spanx.&nbsp; </p> <p>I don't wear wrap dresses because they seem to show too much bosom and I prefer not to and don't like the look of camisoles. Also they seem very insecure in the skirt area. I don't want to have to think about it or wear a kilt pin.</p> <p>I can't wear shirtdresses because I look a tied parcel. Though if it were not a true shirtdress and very shaped with princess seams and needed no belt to show waist definition, I could.&nbsp; I can't wear a full skirted gathered dress but I could wear a bias cut one.&nbsp; Though I never seem to find any. I could wear a fuller skirted dress if the fabric were thin and silky and pleated into the waist.<br />My legs are short so I can't wear a drop waisted dress. </p> <p>I can wear those dresses everyone makes fun of - the Laura Ashley style with ties that reach round the back to give waist definition without gathering. </p> <p>I can't wear those Eileen Fisher things that are unstructured and with loads of fabric. </p> <p>I pretty much hate the qualities of jersey and don't wear most of the dresses I see that seem to be on offer, on account of this. </p> <p>I wear a coatdress really well.&nbsp; I guess that means that I mostly want structure in a dress. </p> <p>I do, though, have a few moderately full maternity dresses that are thin and somewhat floaty in dark prints for summer. </p> <p>ETA: I have a moderate swayback and I think this is what kills the shift/sack dress for me.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it#post-950399 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 01:04:27 +0000 Jaime 950399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a rectangle or an apple with a bit of IT and I like shift dresses or dresses that are fitted at the rib cage and are drapey sack like after that&nbsp;- I know this sounds like a princess style but what I have in mind is a certain drapey style that is popular here. I recently tried a big sack dress and looked like a big sack imho. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it#post-950356 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:10:49 +0000 catgirl 950356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anna, you're confirming my theory that most dresses are made for hourglass figures. :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it#post-950354 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:07:00 +0000 annagybe 950354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hourglass. I do well in body con, sheath, sack, A-line, fit &amp; flare, shirt dress. Don't own a wrap dress but pretty sure I could wear one. Don't do empire cut or baby doll. I guess I should wear more dresses. I tend to save them for the opera &amp; going out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it#post-950350 Thu, 06 Jun 2013 23:56:38 +0000 Echo 950350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am an hourglass with pear tendencies and a bit of a tummy. Sack dresses and anything drop-waisted is simply disastrous on me. Wrap dresses work, although I prefer fit and flare styles. Sheaths work when I am slightly slimmer, although there are definitely fit issues with many of them. I am not that big busted, but higher necklines often make me look heavier. Empire waist dresses have a tendency to make me look pregnant - either that or since being pregnant and often wearing empire styles, I associate them strongly with pregnancy and so I avoid them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-body-type-and-best-dress-shape-for-it#post-950348 Thu, 06 Jun 2013 23:54:43 +0000 bj1111 950348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>una...it's the ruched squares that hide all the sins of overeating. &nbsp;will photo for proof. &nbsp;must wait for hubs to return for sworn statement. </p>