PB TIPS & TRICKS
4 dress silhouettes
which one suits your figure best?
Basically, there are four dress silhouettes that are each characterized by a specific shape on the body. For every body type there’s a perfect silhouette that flatters and enhances your body features in the best possible way.
1. Fitted dress
A fitted dress embraces your feminine figure including your feminine curves in detail. This silhouette is also called figure-hugging or bodycon silhouette and is a stylish base that makes a lasting impression. The fitted dress with a mini length showcases a tempting style, while the fitted midi dress is a reflection of classic elegance.
Do’s & Don’ts
Do you have an 8-line/hourglass figure? Go for a fitted dress. Prefer a printed dress? Opt for romantic patterns and motifs with round shapes that emphasize the curvy lines of your hourglass figure.
Have fuller hips, thighs and buttocks? Then avoid fitted dresses; especially in jersey qualities, because these will creep up as you walk and move.
Freedom of movement is very important when wearing a fitted dress, so it’s best to choose a jersey quality - a thicker ponte jersey is very flattering - or a woven quality with added stretch. Also, a slit creates freedom of movement when walking.
Styling tip
If you want to wear a fitted dress when you don’t feel fully comfortable in this silhouette, create a layered look and pair a bodycon dress with a longer blazer or open cardigan.
2. Straight dress
The straight dress categorizes under the classic silhouettes and represents feminine timelessness. The straight silhouette shows a straight shape starting at the shoulders, features a loose -fit waist and barely touches the hips - the chest, waist and hip measurements of a straight silhouette hardly differ.
Do’s & Don’ts
Do you have an H-line or V-line figure? A straight-cut dress is the perfect choice. Especially dresses with a lowered, minimally defined waistline are a match with both body types.
A straight dress is suitable for the 8-line, when paired with a waist belt.
This dress type is also suitable for the O-line because this dress doesn’t emphasize the waist. Especially, straight-cut dresses with a V-neck or wider round neck are a good choice for the O-line, due to the attention being drawn to the top of the dress.
Styling tip
A straight shirt dress is also a great cover-up. Wear unbuttoned and layered over a top-and-jeans-combination for a styling twist.
3. Fit & flare dress
The fit & flare silhouette is characterized by a fitted top and a flared skirt for a flattering and stylish effect. The dress showcases a close fit till the waist, hips or thighs followed by a flared skirt. The fit & flare dress shows similarities with the A-line dress, but has a different point of transitioning from fitted to flared. Also, an A-line dress doesn’t have a fitted top.
Do’s & Don’ts
Do you have a round or straight A-line figure? Avoid fit & flare dresses that are fitted till the hips. These dresses emphasize the widest feature of your body and optically broadens it. On the other hand, a fit & flare dress that flares from the waist down is perfect for the round and straight A-line body type.
The fit & flare dress is suitable for an 8-line figure, especially when it hugs your body till the knees and flares from the knees down. In other words, a mermaid dress.
Want to optically lengthen your legs? Pick a fit & flare dress with a super high-rise waist and emphasize with a belt at the waist.
Styling tip
Easily transform your fit & flare dress into a sweater-and-flared-skirt look by paring with an oversized sweater. A perfect styling tip on colder days and a great way to wear your summer dress all-year round.
4. A-line dress
The A-line dress is characterized by an A-line silhouette from the shoulders, chest, waist or hips down. A variant on this is the empire waistline with an A-line starting right underneath the breasts. The A-line silhouette is flattering thanks to the feminine style, without emphasizing hips or thighs
Do’s & Don’ts
Do you have a round or straight A-line figure with larger hips? A dress with an A-line silhouette is an absolute do! An A-line dress is flattering, because this dress doesn’t emphasize the hips or thighs of both these body types.
Do you have an H-line, V-line or O-line figure? Avoid the A-line dress. This dress emphasizes the waist, while the mentioned types ask for a dress with a loose waist.
Do you have a flat(ter) buttocks? Go for an A-line dress with fine pleats at the back and pick a dress designed in a more rigid fabric.
Styling tip
Emphasize the A-line silhouette by complementing your look with a belt at the waist and show your feminine figure.
PB Blog
Which items are suitable for your body type?
Discover your body type and choose items that suit your body shape
Blog by:
Joyce
Joyce knows everything about different body types. She excels at providing smart styling tips and tricks to highlight your best features. Additionally, she is the go-to person for occasion outfits with that little extra something.
