Dresses That Flatter Your Figure

Finding the most flattering dress for your body shape can be overwhelming, especially when facing rack after rack of myriad prints, cuts and colors. Instead of throwing your arms up and grabbing the least expensive dress -- hey, we've all been there -- prepare for your department store hike buy suiting up with knowledge about which garments are most flattering for your figure. Today we'll lay out the basics for each figure, so listen up!

Apple Shapes
Those with an apple shape usually consider their midsection as a problem area. One of the best way to flatter an apple shape in a dress is to choose a cut that draws attention up. A dress with a deep V-neck is a major do, as they pull attention up to sexy cleavage, elongate the torso and create a slimming effect. You can also try other fun necklines, including a square top. Avoid halters or dresses with large prints, super clingy fabrics and accent with earrings and necklaces.

Pear Shapes
A woman with a pear shape complains about a larger bottom and a smaller top. Though her lower figure is more full, the pear shape tends to have a narrow waist, so choose a dress that accents the waist and evens out the top and bottom halves. An easy way to do this is to choose a dress that has a bold color or pattern on the top with a neutral bottom. Always choose a dress that has a nipped waist, such as an empire cut, halter or a-line cut. Also try a shirt dress with a fitted cardigan or jacket and belt around the waist.

Pencil Shapes
Pencil shaped bodies are often the bodies designers have in mind when creating looks for the runway. They are sleek, narrow and often without voluptuous curves. To create a more curvy illusion, choose a dress that has a soft, flowing bottom, a boxy mini or pencil bottom that accents the hips. Also choose dresses with voluminous details -- such as ruffles -- at either the bust or hips. Dress shapes that work well on narrow/pencil/boyish frames include maxi dresses, halter dresses, sleeveless dresses and anything with a cinched waist.

Hourglass Shapes
The hourglass figure is often idolized among celebrities, but it can also be a very difficult one to dress. Because of the narrow waist and larger hips and bust, choosing the wrong dress can often lead to an unflattering silhouette. In order to create the most beautiful shape and accent your curves, hourglass shapes should select dresses that highlight the waist emphasize curves. Wrap dresses are flattering, as are V-necks, solid dark colors, fitted sheaths and shirt dresses with a playful belt. Avoid trapeze dresses or extremely loose dresses that hide curves instead of highlighting them. Also be wary of dresses that show too much cleavage or have voluminous detailing on the bottom (which can result in you looking either top or bottom heavy).