We’ve all been through this predicament. We go into a shop, find a gorgeous dress that speaks to our soul and we head excitedly to the dressing room to try it on. Unfortunately, you can’t say yes to the dress because it made you look less than amazing and confident. Why? Most of the time it boils down to the silhouette and cut — given that the most flattering sort differs for each body type.
Below, a comprehensive guide.
Identifying your body type:
Apple: The opposite of an hourglass where your waist is wider than your shoulders and hips.
Pear: Similar to a triangle, pear body types have fuller and wider hips and butt which contrast against less broad shoulders.
Inverted triangle: People with this body type have wider shoulders that taper to narrower hips and waist.
Rectangle: Rectangular body types have similar widths from shoulders to waist and there’re no defined curves and waistline.
Hourglass: You have a curvy body with a fuller bust, hip and thighs while your waist has a smaller circumference. You have the “ideal” body shape that suits most, if not all, dress types.
Now that’s out of the way, let’s look at the different types of dress silhouettes.
#1: A-Line
What it is: An A-line dress is fitted at your natural waist and then flares out.
Who it’s best for: A-line dresses are great for all body types. For apple, rectangle and inverted triangle body types, the cinch helps accentuate the waistline, while the flare further de-emphasises the bottom-heavy look of a pear shape to help create the hourglass illusion.
https://www.femalemag.com.sg/fashion/type-of-dresses-for-body-types-tips/
A-line
Akris wool-blend dress, US$2,798.50 (S$3,780.21) from Net-a-Porter
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This prim emerald-hued number will ensure you look sharp, elegant and professional at work. Finish the power dressing look with gold bangles and nude pumps.
Preen Line floral-print crepe de chine midi dress, US$460.23 (S$621.68) from Net-a-Porter
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This off-shoulder piece is great for an inverted triangle body type as it distorts the shoulder line and makes it look less broad. Plus, the asymmetric quality at the hem acts like a dress slit and lengthens your gams. Match with your favourite stilettos to accentuate your legs.
Mango printed bow dress, S$29.90
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Celebrate the yearlong summer weather in Singapore with this retro floral number. To modernise the look, try adding a chunky statement belt to cinch the waist further and slip into your black pumps.
Zara contrasting pleated dress, S$55.90
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Unlike your regular LBD, this tulle-trimmed number features a pleated design which doesn’t need much ironing, making it the perfect dress for days you overslept. Rock a leather jacket and studded leather heels for that badass, grungy rocker chick aesthetic.
Read more on the next page.
#2: Bodycon
What it is: A form-fitting, body-hugging dress that emphasises the curvatures of the body.
Who it’s best for: Hourglass body types. The hourglass type is considered the most traditionally feminine body shape, and a bodycon fit will accentuate that even more.
https://www.femalemag.com.sg/fashion/type-of-dresses-for-body-types-tips/
Bodycon
Cushnie cutout ribbed-knit mini dress, US$1,043.49 (S$1,409.55) from Net-a-Porter
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Made with stretchy black knit, this Cushnie dress will hug and complement the contours of the body. Pair it with a simple pair of strappy sandals and match with your favourite minaudière for a date night. The cutout also adds a sexy boost for your confidence.
Hervé Léger fringed tulle-paneled bandage gown, US$1,837.49 (S$2,482.08) from Net-a-Porter
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The added fringe elements to Hervé Léger’s signature bandage dress help add stature and height. Pops of colour would work great against the deep blue colour — we suggest yellow PVC pumps and a gold clutch to round up the look.
Bershka short fitted dress, S$39.90
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Show off your wild side with this zebra print-like Bershka bodycon dress that will accentuate all the right curves. Show your man you mean business and finish with a bold red lip and black stilettos.
H&M fitted dress, S$24.95
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Made with comfortable soft knit, the white and lime green trim bands along the sides of this H&M piece not only flatter the curves but also add length. Channel sporty chic vibes with your favourite pair of white court sneakers.
#3: Layered
What it is: Panels of fabric are added to give extra volume and texture to the dress. One good example would be ruffle dresses.
Who it’s best for: This depends on where the layers are located on the dress. Ruffles along the shoulder and bust are great for pear and apple shapes to draw the eyes away from the hips and waist, while ruffles located at the waist and below are geared towards inverted triangles. Rectangle body types can wear both to create an hourglass silhouette.
https://www.femalemag.com.sg/fashion/type-of-dresses-for-body-types-tips/
layered
Halston Heritage layered satin dress, US$430.74 (S$581.84) from Net-a-Porter
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This dress is too pretty to give it a miss. The addition of an extra satin layer around the bust makes this dress suitable even for ladies who are more conscious of their cleavage. The neutral colour also makes the dress suitable to match with gold, rose gold and silver jewellery.
Simone Rocha layered embellished tulle and cotton-jersey midi dress, US$785.17 (S$1,060.45) from Net-a-Porter
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Simone Rocha is an Irish designer known for her modern, feminine take on fashion, and you can clearly see that in this piece. The diagonal and asymmetrical ruffles break the lines of perspective, adding a touch of evocativeness and uniqueness to this simple cream tulle dress. Wear this with a rattan bag and nude flats for an easy, relaxed weekend.
Mango double layer dress, S$35.90
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Not only is this Mango layer dress in a slimming shade of black, the shift dress silhouette and the diagonal layers help break up the form of the waist. Perfect for those who are conscious of their waistline, you can make this LBD more interesting by wearing it with a chunky statement necklace and kitten heels.
Zara contrasting pleated blouse, S$69.90
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The placement of the ruffles around the waist of this zappy, electric blue piece from Zara makes it suitable for pear-shaped body types who might be conscious of their waistline. Finish with bold statement earrings and gold heels for a fun, playful look.
#4: Mermaid
What it is: The mermaid dress takes the form of a bodycon dress and then flares out from the legs down.
Who it’s best for: Because the main form of the mermaid style is bodycon, it will be best suited for the hourglass type. Rectangle body types may like this style to help them look taller as it elongates the torso.
https://www.femalemag.com.sg/fashion/type-of-dresses-for-body-types-tips/
mermaid
Bambah mermaid gown, S$2,237 from Farfetch
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This bright canary yellow Bambah gown is sure to command attention wherever you go. If it’s too ostentatious, play down the colour by matching with black pumps and acrylic bracelets. You can even match them with black boots for that skater girl vibe.
Michael Kors Collection ruffled stretch-wool crepe dress, US$511.24 (S$690.48) from Net-a-Porter
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We love the flattering shade of blue that this Michael Kors dress comes in. Show this piece off by simply pairing with white strappy heels. Note: Those with an inverted triangle body type or who are conscious of their shoulders should stay away from this sleeveless creation though, or pair it with the matching jacket to channel First Lady vibes.
Zalora mermaid hem sheath knit dress, S$44.90
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This feminine blush pink piece from Zalora comes with a belt that cinches your waist to create (or accentuate) an hourglass physique. Keep with the flirty, whimsical theme by wearing with nude heels.
Shopsfashion mermaid hem shift dress in navy, S$28.99 from Zalora
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Unlike most mermaid dresses, this Shopsfashion navy blue number comes in a sheath dress silhouette that makes it flattering for most body types. Bonus: The long stripes add height too. We recommend pairing it with sneakers for that sporty casual yet chic combination.
#5: Shift
What it is: Much like a rectangle body type, the shift dress falls straight from the shoulders without any curvatures around the waist and hip area.
Who it’s best for: Rectangle body types would be most comfortable in this style because the straight cut lines of the shift dress is reflective of the body shape. In addition, those who are conscious of their waist and hips might appreciate this form as can downplay curviness.
https://www.femalemag.com.sg/fashion/type-of-dresses-for-body-types-tips/
Shift
Gucci grosgrain-trimmed cady tunic, US$1,169 (S$1,578.85) from Net-a-Porter
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Featuring the Italian brand’s signature grosgrain trimming, we dare you to channel the glittering disco vibes of the ’70s by pairing this mini shift dress with metallic leggings. Big, curly hair required.
The Row rory oversized stretch-wool crepe midi dress, US$1,547.90 (S$2,090.59) from Net-a-Porter
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Founded by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, The Row is known for its minimalist boho vibes and this dress is nothing less. Strappy leather sandals and a fringed crossbody will help you complete the eclectic Americana look.
Pull & Bear long sleeve shift dress, S$39.90
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Checkered prints are a no-brainer and a perennial favourite — they allow you to add prints and colours without looking too much. Pair this Pull & Bear number with black boots, leather jacket and accessories for a rocker, edgy vibe.
Mango flowy shift dress, S$29.90
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Perfect for weekend brunch or a poolside chill with a sun hat, the tones of this mango-coloured piece will complement people with warmer skin tones and match well with gold-hued accessories. The side slits are a nice touch.
#6: Wrap
What it is: The wrap dress can be identified through three elements: V-neckline, an A-line shape and most importantly, a tie that goes around the waist.
Who it’s best for: Everyone actually. The front closure of the dress helps to cinch the waist and create that pinched-in hourglass shape. You can opt for a deeper neckline to further juxtapose against the A-line for a more curvaceous look, especially if you have a boxy or inverted triangle body shape.
https://www.femalemag.com.sg/fashion/type-of-dresses-for-body-types-tips/
wrap
Diane von Furstenberg eloise floral-print silk-crepe wrap maxi dress, US$605.70 (S$818.06) from Net-a-Porter
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We can’t discuss wrap dresses without talking about Diane von Furstenberg, a Belgian designer who is widely regarded as the creator of this flattering design. Made with lightweight silk-crepe, this floral number is great for Singapore’s summery weather. Match with your favourite pair of woven wedges and get ready to lounge by the pool with mimosas in hand.
Reformation cole wrap dress, S$375 from Farfetch
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Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, made waves when she stepped out in a tuxedo dress similar to this Reformation piece. Finish the look with a pair of black stilettos and the ensemble will easily bring you from work to play.
Zara colour block wrap dress, S$49.90
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The deeper V-neckline afforded by this two-toned colour block number from Zara accentuates the cleavage, while the deeper colours will prevent you from look too raunchy for work. Match with a pair of brown leather boots.
Striped wrap dress by Glamorous Tall, S$89.90 from Topshop
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We love how the long vertical stripes of this number help to elongate the stature and make you look taller. Complement the warm red tones with dainty gold jewellery and white sneakers to channel the inner French girl within you.