Choosing the Right Dress Silhouette for Your Body Shape

Jan 29, 2023

If you're a bride-to-be, it's likely that you've been eyeing tons of dresses and wondering how each one will look on your body. When it comes to wedding attire, silhouette matters just as much as fabric and color. The right dress shapes can help flatter your figure, while others might not be so flattering, but don't worry! We'll walk through some of the best dress silhouettes for every body type so that you can find the perfect dress to draw all eyes to you on your big day. From wedding dresses to classic formal dresses, understanding silhouettes makes all the difference when shopping at The Dress Outlet.

Sheath dresses are great for highlighting your slim and streamlined figure.

The sheath silhouette is slimming and elongating, which is the perfect choice of dresses for pear shaped body. It's also easy to wear as it flatters your figure in all the right places. This style is most flattering for those with a long neck, a small bust, or a narrow waist.

If you have a pear shape, you can use this silhouette dress to balance out your top and bottom half: The tapered waist will emphasize your lower body.

If you have an athletic build or longer legs, this dress may make them look even longer than they already are! If so, avoid wearing heels with this dress unless they're low-heeled sandals that hit just below the ankle bone (or more high-heeled shoes). Sheath styles are commonly seen in evening gowns and sleek cocktail dresses available at The Dress Outlet.

Quinceniera Dresses Quinceanera Dress Long Detachable Hooded Cape Glitter Ball Gown Gold

An A-line wedding dress gives your upper body volume without looking bulky.

An A-line wedding dress is a classic style that works well for most body shapes. The flowing skirt of this style can make you look thinner, but it can also make you look larger if you have a large bust or hips.

For example, if you're small-chested and have narrow shoulders, an A-line silhouette will help balance out your frame by creating the illusion of a wider silhouette in comparison.

On the other hand, if your figure is fuller at the top (particularly around the bust) and/or bottom (hips), an A-line wedding dress may draw attention to these areas and create an unbalanced appearance.

If you are tall, an A-line gown can help draw the eye up toward your face and make you appear shorter. If you're short or of average height, however, an A-line wedding dress may make you look even smaller because it will emphasize your body's vertical lines and create a taller figure than what is actually there. A-line silhouettes remain one of the most popular bridal gowns at The Dress Outlet.

Ballgown: the true ballgown silhouette has a fitted bodice that flares out into a full skirt at the waist.

Ballgowns are a classic silhouette that has been around for a long time. The true ballgown silhouette has a fitted bodice that flares out into a full skirt at the waist. Ball Gowns are usually strapless and can have a sweetheart neckline or off-the-shoulder sleeves. They’re generally not one-shoulder, but they can be if you want to try something different!

Plus Size Dresses Plus Size Long Formal Strapless Satin A Line Prom Dress Sienna

An empire waist dress accentuates your bust line and gives you a more balanced look to emphasize your narrow waist.

An empire waist dress accentuates your bust line and gives you a more balanced look to emphasize your narrow waist. It's perfect for pear shaped women as it draws attention away from their hips, giving them a more hourglass shape.

It also works well on dresses for apple shaped body because it helps draw attention away from their wider upper bodies and makes them look slimmer. It is one of the best dresses for apple shape figures!

Likewise, empire waist dresses for rectangle shape are a fresh and eye-catching choice. It can be sexy and charming at the same time. For example, if the color is black and white, it will make the body look slimmer. The fabric is lace, the texture is soft and smooth. For those who want to show their elegant taste, this style of dress will be your best choice.

Mermaid Dresses: With its trumpeted skirt, this style may make your hips seem wider than they are.

If you're looking for wedding dress silhouettes that will show off your hourglass shape and make you look twice as tall, the mermaid gown is a perfect choice. It's an ideal option for someone with an hourglass shape (which includes most women) who wants to draw attention to their curves and lengthen their body.

If you have longer legs or a smaller bust, you should consider wearing a mermaid dress if it has straps attached; otherwise, opt for something else because the top may be too loose on top while being too tight around the hips.

Prom Dresses Long Motif Glitter Formal Prom Dress Black/Hot Pink

There are many silhouettes that can help you achieve the perfect look on your wedding day, whether you've got curves or not!

A mermaid silhouette is ideal for a woman who wants to show off her curves. This type of dress is extremely flattering, especially if you are looking for the best dresses for hourglass shape. Mermaid wedding dresses have a fitted bodice that flows into a long train, which creates a beautiful silhouette that elongates your body while also highlighting your curves. If you're looking for something less traditional than the typical mermaid dress, try going with a trumpet style instead!

Another great choice if you want something more body-conscious but still elegant and feminine. An A line wedding dress has the same basic silhouette as a princess gown with its fitted bodice and full skirt. However, unlike princess cuts, which are usually strapless or sleeveless with very little embellishment (other than perhaps lace), this cut comes in many different lengths, from short/mini to long/maxi, which gives brides more options when it comes time to select their perfect gown for their special day!

As you can see, the silhouette of a dress is just as important as its color or pattern. When it comes to dressing for your body type, types of dress silhouettes are one of the most important factors that you need to consider. It’s easy to find an off-the-rack garment that fits well in terms of size and shape but doesn’t flatter your figure if you don’t know what kind of dress silhouette works best for each body type. Shop now from our extensive collection of wedding dresses at The Dress Outlet!

Prom Dresses Long Formal Prom Fitted Dress Dusty Blue

FAQs

Q1. Why is the dress silhouette important when choosing a wedding dress?

A: Because the right silhouette enhances your body shape and creates a balanced, flattering look.

Q2. Which silhouette works best for pear-shaped bodies?

A: Sheath and empire waist dresses help balance the upper and lower body.

Q3. Can short brides wear an A-line wedding dress?

A: Yes, but they should be styled carefully, as A-line dresses can emphasize vertical lines.

Q4. Where can I shop multiple silhouettes in one place?

A: You can explore a wide variety of silhouettes at The Dress Outlet.

Final thoughts

Choosing the right dress silhouette is essential to feeling confident and beautiful on your wedding day. Whether you prefer the elegance of a sheath, the drama of a ballgown, or the curve-enhancing appeal of a mermaid dress, understanding silhouettes helps you make the best choice for your body type. With a wide selection of wedding dresses, formal dresses, evening gowns, and designer dresses, The Dress Outlet makes it easy to find a style that truly complements your shape and personal taste.

Dress silhouettes and body type guide

Dress silhouette	Best-suited body type	Key benefit	Popular at The Dress Outlet
Sheath	Pear, athletic	Slimming and elongating	Cocktail dresses, evening gowns
A line	Most body types	Balanced silhouette	Wedding dresses, bridal gowns
Ballgown	Hourglass	Defines waist, hides hips	Formal dresses
Empire waist	Apple, rectangle	Accentuates bust	Designer dresses
Mermaid	Hourglass	Highlights curves	Prom dresses

More from Fashion

formal dress

Style Dispatch: Kylie Jenner Decodes Marty Supreme Method Dressing

The Anatomy Of Retro Glamour Understanding the difference between a modern gala look and a vintage-inspired "method" look helps in making the right shopping decisions. Feature Vintage M...