A dress looks its best when the cut matches the way you are built. Use this page to work out which of the five common shapes you are — hourglass, pear, apple, rectangle or inverted triangle — then see which silhouettes suit that shape and where to find them.
Working out your body shape
Take three measurements — shoulders/bust, waist and hips — and see how they relate:
- Hourglass — bust and hip measurements are close, with a noticeably smaller waist.
- Pear (triangle) — the hips measure more than the shoulders or bust.
- Apple (round) — the waist is the widest measurement, with weight sitting around the middle.
- Rectangle — bust, waist and hips come out at roughly the same width.
- Inverted triangle — the shoulders or bust measure wider than the hips.
Haven't measured yet? Our dress size guide walks you through it.
Which dress styles suit each shape
Put the waist front and center
Your top and bottom are in proportion and your waist is clearly defined, so pick dresses that follow it. Close-fitting cuts work well here: bodycon, bandage, wrap and fit-and-flare with a belt. Loose, boxy shapes tend to hide the curve you want to show.
Shop: bodycon · bandage · wrap · fit & flare
Even out the hips and lift the focus
When the hips are your widest point, go for skirts that fall past them without clinging, plus detail on the upper body: A-line and fit-and-flare shapes, off-shoulder tops and bold necklines. Pairing a deeper-toned skirt with a lighter bodice also helps balance things out.
Shop: a-line · fit & flare · off-shoulder · maxi
Lengthen the line and add shape
Aim for long vertical lines and structure that sits above or below the midsection: empire waists, loose maxi dresses, plunging V-necks and wraps that tie just beneath the bust. A-line skirts fall easily without hugging.
Build in some curve
Use the dress to add shape where you'd like it: ruching, peplums, cutouts, a cinched belt or a close bodycon fit all create contour. A fit-and-flare cut gives you a waist and hip line straight away.
Shop: ruched · bodycon · cutout · fit & flare
Bring fullness to the lower half
Wider shoulders look most balanced when the skirt carries some volume: A-line and pleated skirts, long flowing maxis and gentler necklines. Leave out puffed or embellished shoulders and choose a wider hem instead.
Quick reference by shape
| Shape | Styles that work | Where to shop |
|---|---|---|
| Hourglass | Bodycon, bandage, wrap, fit-and-flare with a belt | Bodycon · Wrap |
| Pear | A-line, fit-and-flare, off-the-shoulder | A-line · Off-shoulder |
| Apple | Empire waist/maxi, V-neckline, wrap, A-line | V-neck · Maxi |
| Rectangle | Ruching, cutouts, bodycon, fit-and-flare | Ruched · Cutout |
| Inverted triangle | A-line, pleats, long flowing maxi | A-line · Pleated |
Advice for petite & plus sizes
- Petite: mini or midi hemlines, a raised or empire waist, one color head to toe and vertical details all add visual height. Browse mini and midi dresses.
- Plus: wraps, A-lines and V-necks give shape and definition, and loose maxis are easy to wear and comfortable all day. Browse wrap, a-line and maxi dresses.
Body shape questions
How can I tell what body shape I have?
Measure around your shoulders/bust, waist and hips. Matching bust and hips with a narrower waist means hourglass; widest at the hips means pear; widest at the waist means apple; all three about equal means rectangle; widest at the shoulders means inverted triangle.
Which dress works best on a pear shape?
A-line and fit-and-flare cuts, because they fall loosely over the hips and pull the eye toward the upper body. An off-shoulder neckline adds width to narrower shoulders.
Which dress style is best for disguising a tummy?
Empire-waist and wrap dresses pull in just below the bust and fall loosely over the stomach, and A-line or maxi shapes flow past it. A low V-neck makes the torso look longer.
Which dresses suit an hourglass figure?
Any style that traces and emphasizes the waist — bodycon, bandage, wrap and belted fit-and-flare. Steer clear of loose, boxy shapes.
Which dresses work best on a petite frame?
Shorter mini and midi lengths, a high or empire waist and single-color outfits make you look taller. Bodycon fits and vertical lines help too.
Find a dress for your shape
Once you know your shape, browse the cuts that suit it — new styles are added regularly, and orders of $60 or more ship free.
Browse all dresses →Other guides: size guide · dress code guide · wedding color guide.