Hi ladies! Today I’m sharing dresses for different body types. I’m keeping it simple and sharing 5 body types; hourglass, apple, pear, rectangle, and inverted triangle. Knowing your body type is helpful for choosing clothes that will accent your best features and boost your confidence.
HOURGLASS
You’re likely an hourglass shape if your hips and bust are the same size. For those with an hourglass figure, dresses that highlight the waistline and flatter curves, such as wrap dresses or A-line silhouettes, work beautifully.
APPLE
You’re likely apple shaped if your shoulders are wider than your hips. Apple-shaped bodies can opt for empire waist dresses or styles that cinch just below the bust, creating a balanced look. It’s probably best to say away from puff sleeves and shapeless dresses.
PEAR
You’re probably pear shaped if your hips are wider than your bust. Pear shaped individuals can accentuate their upper bodies with dresses that emphasize the shoulders or feature embellishments while skimming over the hips and thighs. A-line or fit and flare skirts are the most flattering pear shaped dresses.
RECTANGULAR
If your hips, waist, and bust are equal, you may have a rectangular body. Rectangular body types can create the illusion of curves with fitted sheath dresses or belted styles.
INVERTED TRIANGLE
Lastly, you’re an inverted triangle if you have broader shoulders than hips, with little to no waist definition. An inverted triangle opts for dresses with A-line skirts, or asymmetrical hemlines can add balance by drawing attention away from the shoulders.
Remember, body types are unique; the key is wearing what makes you feel comfortable and confident in your skin!
I’d love to know your body type and where you find the best dresses.
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Beauty for the Heart™– But I keep praying to you, Lord, hoping this time you will show me favor. In your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer with your sure salvation. Psalm 69:13
If you struggle to set aside time for prayer, check out these simple steps to keep you focused. You can pray any time of the day, but I also find it’s good to have a specific time to read my Bible and pray.
1. Set a specific time: Choose a time of day that works best for you.
2. Create a sacred space: Designate a quiet and comfortable place to focus on prayer.
3. Use a prayer journal: Writing down your prayers can help you maintain focus and keep track of your thoughts.
Be flexible: Establishing a routine takes time, so be patient with yourself. If you miss a day or two, don’t get discouraged; simply recommit and continue.
There is power in prayer!
Let your beauty shine from the inside out today.
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I can’t figure out which type I am – probably a combination. Busty, very high waisted, not much waist definition, 5’5″, long legs. I find it very hard to find dresses since I am so high waisted. I can’t wear skirts at all. I just ordered one that Jo-Lynne styled today. We will see how it fits and looks.
The shoulders and hips should be about the same for an hourglass with the waist being 9 to 10 inches smaller. Other articles I read on this topic state the bust doesn’t have to be the same as the hips. I barely fall into the hourglass. Since I got older I can’t find dresses I like anymore. They are either too girly or too frumpy for my taste. The long dresses are very low cut and the modest dresses are too short. When I was young I could wear short dresses which would make my short legs look longer. Now I don’t care to show my veins. I’ve just about given up on dresses. I’ve been buying more pants lately especially high waisted ones which make me look taller.
If anyone wants more info on body types, Kay on Dressed for my day blog will give you a PDF booklet. I also have learned a lot from Chi Petite Dressing. She has a lot of info for petite women and body types. Both have YouTube videos. Thanks Cyndi for showing the dresses for body types.
Great posts and I appreciate the dress photos for each type. I thought I was an apple but that style doesn’t look good on me. I googled and there are body type calculators. I’m a rectangle and lose two inch in waist back the hour glass, large hours glass 😂
I like Old Navy and JCP mostly for dresses. I found some nice tie at the waist dresses at Amazon.
I’m a pear shape, short waisted and 5’4” tall. Dresses always look awful on me. It’s a hard search to find something that looks good other than a sheath dress!
I’m a pear shape, I think. I find most of my dresses at Nordstrom. Lately so many dresses are too frilly for my liking. I don’t like ruffles or floral. So I end up buying pants or pantsuits instead.
Thank you for this very helpful post. I appreciate your hard work and style.
I really liked this post. It would be really helpful to have those shaped models show the dresses. It would probably be a lot of work and too expensive for one influencer but maybe a collaboration with those shaped influencers. Maybe one each day for a week. Just an idea. Thank you for all your work in dressing us to look our best.
Morning is the best time for me for devotions/prayer and my bible study. I can get distracted reading blogs(yours and Jo-Lynne’s) which I love, but don’t want to take the place of my bible time. I pray a lot throughout the day too. Praying is just talking to God and I do that all day and night long. I love the BFTH verse. I don’t think I’ve heard that one before. I’m waiting for unanswered prayer of chronic migraines for 36 yrs. Still trusting Him. I have dresses from Loft, Macy’s, Old Navy, JCPenney’s and Nordstrom’s.
Need to know good place to get long T-shirts with a bra size 38 H. thanks
I would try Lane Bryant or The avenue
Thanks for the visuals of dresses for each shape. I am a petite pear. 4″11″ , 94 lbs and have a tiny waist. I wear alot of wrap dresses too. A-line, sheath, fit & flare are my favorites also. The wrap defines my waist and you can adjust everything easy. I also wear smoothing things when I need to. I shop Draper James line at Kohl’s , Loft, Any Taylor, Old Navy, Talbots, etc for dresses plus some more places I land upon. I love Ann Taylor for dressy occassion dresses and Old Navy has cute casual . Kohls has beautiful xs dresses ( not petite but xs) in Draper James line there. I have several for summer. Belk use to have PP but few now but I have found some online in the designer section like Michael Kors. I shop everywhere basically. Online I try Macy’s & Northstrom Rack too.
I love all your posts, but I especially love this one. I’m 5’4 1/2” and an hourglass shape. TJ Maxx and Marshall’s seem to always have something that is just right for my body type.
BFTH: Over coffee, first thing in the morning, getting up about 30 minutes before the rest of my family awakens is my perfect prayer time. Devotional and prayer first thing really help set the tone for the rest of the day. ❤️
At just 5’2 a little more chesty than I’d like and an otherwise straight figure, dresses can be hard to find. No puffy or large sleeves for me- I need no attend in that area 😃. Also many of the cute tiered style dresses are an issue bc they tend to look like maternity dresses.
Loft is a good place for me usually to find dresses for everyday wear.