How to Choose the Perfect Dress for Your Body Type

Finding the perfect dress isn't just about following trends—it's about understanding your unique body shape and choosing styles that enhance your natural beauty. Whether you're shopping for a casual everyday dress or an elegant evening gown, this comprehensive guide will help Australian women find their most flattering silhouettes.

Understanding the Five Main Body Types

Before we dive into dress recommendations, let's identify the five primary body shapes. Remember, every body is beautiful—this guide is simply about highlighting your favourite features and feeling confident in what you wear.

1. Pear Shape (Triangle)

If you have a pear-shaped body, your hips are wider than your shoulders, and you likely have a defined waist. Your lower body is fuller than your upper body.

Best dress styles for pear shapes:

• A-line dresses - Skims over hips while accentuating the waist
• Fit-and-flare dresses - Creates balance between upper and lower body
• Empire waist dresses - Draws attention upward to the smallest part of your torso
• Off-shoulder or boat neck styles - Broadens the shoulder line

2. Apple Shape (Round)

Apple-shaped bodies carry weight around the midsection, with a less defined waistline. You likely have great legs and a fuller bust.

Best dress styles for apple shapes:

• Empire waist dresses - Cinches under the bust at your narrowest point
• Wrap dresses - Creates a flattering V-neckline and defined waist
• A-line silhouettes - Flows away from the midsection
• V-neck and scoop neck styles - Elongates the torso

3. Hourglass Shape

The classic hourglass has shoulders and hips of similar width with a clearly defined, narrow waist. This balanced shape suits many dress styles.

Best dress styles for hourglass shapes:

• Wrap dresses - Highlights your natural curves
• Bodycon dresses - Shows off your proportions
• Belted dresses - Emphasises your defined waist
• Fit-and-flare styles - Celebrates your balanced silhouette

4. Rectangle Shape (Athletic)

If your shoulders, waist, and hips are similar in width, you have a rectangle or athletic body shape. Creating curves and definition is often the goal.

Best dress styles for rectangle shapes:

• Peplum dresses - Adds curves at the hip
• Belted styles - Creates waist definition
• Ruched dresses - Adds dimension and curves
• Layered or tiered skirts - Creates visual interest and shape

5. Inverted Triangle Shape

With broader shoulders and a narrower hip line, inverted triangles benefit from styles that balance the upper body with the lower half.

Best dress styles for inverted triangles:

• A-line dresses - Adds volume to the lower body
• Full skirts - Balances broader shoulders
• V-neck styles - Narrows the shoulder line visually
• Dresses with detailed or printed skirts - Draws attention downward

Universal Flattering Tips

Regardless of your body type, these styling tips work for everyone:

1. Know your best feature - Whether it's your legs, décolletage, arms, or waist, choose dresses that highlight what you love most about yourself.
2. Invest in proper undergarments - The right bra and shapewear can transform how a dress fits and looks.
3. Consider fabric - Structured fabrics hold shape, while jersey drapes beautifully. Choose based on the look you want to achieve.
4. Don't ignore the fit - A well-tailored dress in a simple style will always look better than an ill-fitting designer piece.
5. Try different lengths - Midi, maxi, and mini all hit the leg at different points—experiment to find your most flattering length.

Colour and Pattern Considerations

Beyond silhouette, colour and pattern placement can also flatter your figure:

• Darker colours create a slimming effect on areas you want to minimise
• Lighter colours and prints draw attention and add visual volume
• Vertical stripes elongate and slim the body
• Strategic colour blocking can create the illusion of curves or balance

Finding Your Perfect Dress in Australia

Now that you understand your body type and what styles work best, it's time to start shopping! At Best Dress Australia, we've curated collections of highly-rated dresses from Amazon Australia, making it easy to find flattering styles with fast delivery and easy returns.

Browse our collections:

• A-Line Dresses - Universally flattering for most body types
• Wrap Dresses - Perfect for creating waist definition
• Fit & Flare Dresses - Ideal for pear and hourglass shapes
• Bodycon Dresses - Great for showing off curves

Remember, these are guidelines, not rules. The best dress for you is one that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works for your unique body!