Summer’s best dresses for your body type
We like to think of dresses as our wardrobe’s greatest fashion hacks! They can be more comfortable than even your trustiest jeans (without buttons at the waistline, they’re totally forgiving after a big pasta dinner). A good dress gives you that “ooh, fancy” feel. And, when you’re running late, they take the guess work out of matching tops with bottoms.
Snag a best-dressed award this summer in a dress that plays up your best features. Here’s the best dresses for your body type.
Curvy
Print Silk Jersey Dress, $238.80 on sale (plus Cash Back), Nordstrom
Caution, curves ahead? Play up your curves with a wrap dress. Nobody, of course, does the wrap dress quite like Diane von Furstenberg, who is credited with creating the iconic dress style in 1974. The V-shaped neckline and the way this dress type wraps around with a tie closure makes it a perfect style to accentuate your curves. We’re loving the abstract palm prints on this silky black and blue DVF wrap. New Jeanne 2 Diane von Furstenberg Print Silk Jersey Dress, on sale $238.80 (plus 3% Cash Back), nordstrom.com
Pear
Fit and Flare Black Dress, on sale $100 (plus Cash Back), Banana Republic
Pear-shaped bodies, defined by full hips and rears, meet your match! A-line dresses are great for hiding waists. They score double style points when designed with strapless bodices or embellished necklines, as those details tend to draw the eye upwards. Remix this perfectly tailored LBD all summer long. We’re enamored by the split neckline and flutter sleeves. Sloan-Fit Fit and Flare Black Dress, on sale $100 (plus 2% Cash Back), bananarepublic.com
Apple
Short Sleeve Dress, $34.99 (plus Cash Back), Target
Looking for an instant tummy tuck? An empire dress is perfect for apple body types because it has a fitted bodice that ends right under the bust, complemented by a flowy skirt. The high-waisted cut is ideal for creating perfect curves, too. This classic black-and-white dress has rich design details, like an embroidered bodice and gorgeous stitching on the neckline and sleeves. Embroidered Short Sleeve Dress, $34.99 (plus .5% Cash Back), target.com
Straight
Tank Dress, on sale $9.49 (plus Cash Back), K-Mart
Fitted sheath dresses and shifts are a great style for those with “straight” or “rectangular” body types, showing off shoulders and legs. If you want to create curves, look for dresses that are nipped some at the waist or under the bust. This tribal-print tank dress in soft blue is a classic shift that has a flattering round neckline with pretty bronze beading. Basic Editions Women’s Tank Dress, on sale for $9.49 (plus limited time 5% Cash Back), kmart.com
