Best Dress for Your Body Type
The perfect dress. We have all found it while scrolling through pages of dresses online or perusing rows of store racks only to try it on and realize it is simply not flattering. The key to finding your dream dress is to understand your structure and shop based on your unique proportions. Though most information you read simplifies proportions into the term “body type” and then categorizes it into 4 or 5 “fruits” at Unfoldid we take a more holistic approach. We know that every body is different and being a “Pear” is not enough information to build a wardrobe around! Are you 5’9” or 5’2”? 34B or 36EEE? What are your personal style goals?? The Unfoldid Method shows you the science behind your structure and teaches you how to use your proportions to get the look you want. While you build your Style ID, here are our top tips to help you find YOUR perfect dress.
To soften hips:
Choose A-line or fit and flare styles. The proportions are perfect to create a more defined waist while gracefully draping over the hips. Be sure it is fitted high at the natural waist and floats away as it hits the hip. If you are petite choose a less full and shorter version so it doesn’t overwhelm your body. The second option to soften hips is to build up your shoulder-line, altering the proportional balance. A broader, bigger shoulder naturally makes the hips appear smaller by comparison. Try shoulder pads or puff shoulders and sleeves and horizontal necklines. Avoid hiding the waist by having fabric drape straight off the broad shoulders. Instead look for cuts that drape in or nip at the waist.
To soften a broad shoulder:
Look for V necks or a deep U. This neckline breaks up a broad shoulder creating better balance overall. Stay away from any neckline that is wider (horizontal) than it is deep! A V-shaped layer such as a jacket or sweater or adding a pendant necklace will have the same effect. Avoid drawing attention to the shoulders with epitaphs, puffy sleeves, bold color or sequins directly on the shoulders.
To create curves at hip:
A shift dress that contours in at the bottom (think 1950’s pencil skirt) will give a flattering curve to straight hips. Not feeling that sassy? Then choose a mild A-line or puff skirt in a bold color — the added volume and interest creates the illusion of great curves! Remember to keep the natural waist (the place where you “kink” when you lean to the side) smooth and sleek. This adds to the impact of the proportional difference we are creating from the bottom of the skirt to the waist.
Feeling too curvy on top:
Choose V-necks or even a keyhole to downplay a larger bust. No need to show cleavage to get the effect. A high V-neck works just as well. Or try adding a short pendant necklace to your solid neckline for the same V effect. A sleek V-shaped layer like a V-neck cardi or V-stance blazer will also breakup and downplay the bust
To make your waist appear smaller:
A-line, fit-and-flare or styles with extra volume at the hem create the perfect proportions to create and flatter your natural waist (the area that kinks when you bend to the side). The width of the skirt creates a greater difference of proportions between the hip area and your smaller waist -- no matter the size of your waist. In fact, the wider the flare the smaller your waist will look -- it’s simply a matter or proportions. An empire waist dress that hits just below the bust also creates great curves while camouflaging everything below!
Save time and let us find options specifically for your body type and either bring them directly to you or send you a list of links to order online!