Cocktail Dresses for your Shape
You’ve seen it in the store many times… It’s so sleek, so sophisticated, and so sexy. “But how will it look on me?” you ask. Good question. Before digging into your wallet for that perfect cocktail dress you’ve been wanting, there are a few things you may wish to consider.
So we all can’t have that ‘model perfect’ body that seems to grace the pages of most magazines these days, but is that any reason not to look your best? Of course not! With a few handpicked tips and tricks, you can emphasize the positive, and downplay the negative. Oh yes, and did I mention these will work regardless your size and shape?
Identify your body shape
The most important factor is to choose the right cocktail dress for your shape. While most individuals can identify attributes that will fall into more than 1 category, choose the category that best describes you overall:
Pear attributes:
- Slender/elongated upper body – Smaller bust – Hips and thighs larger than upper body
What to look for:
- Find an empire waistline dress or an A-line skirt. These help to de-emphasize your lower half, making the body look more proportional
- Two-toned dresses with light colors on the top and darker on the bottom will accentuate your torso
- Padded shoulders will balance the top and bottom
Straight attributes:
- Petite chest and bottom – Few visible curves – Slender legs
What to look for:
- A dress that incorporates a multitude of layers that gather
- A surplice tops or wrap accentuates the waist with a flowing skirt
- A cocktail suit with a peplum jacket
Round attributes:
- Waist curved outwards – Thick or thin legs – Wider appearance
What to look for:
- V-shaped necklines
- Empire waistline dresses
- Eye catching accessories
Inverted Triangle attributes:
- Broad Shoulders – Narrow waistline – Petite hips
What to look for:
- Asymmetrical hemline
- Flair skirt with a neutral colored top
- Wide legged cocktail suit
Oversized Hour Glass attributes:
- tiny waist – Large chest and hips – Small bone structure
What to look for:
- Monotone colors
- Looser fitting clothes
- Flashy accessories to divert attention from curves
5 Helpful Hints:
- Wearing full or 3/4 sleeves gives the appearance of slimmer arms.
- To look slimmer, wear dark colors
- Widely spaced straps downplay the bust
- V-necklines give the illusion of length and enhance the chest
- Glamorous earrings and necklaces draw attention to the face and away from the body.
Remember that beauty comes not only from style but also from self-confidence. When you feel good about the way you look, it shows. Spend a little time planning and shopping to find that perfect cocktail dress for your shape and you’ll be on your way to turning heads in no time.
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