Dress Buying Guide
Every woman needs 1) A fabulous dress and 2) Their best friend. Or is it the other way around? While we can’t help you much in the friend department, we definitely can help you find an amazing dress. Let us guide you through the different dress styles, silhouettes, and features that will set you up for success in creating the perfect look. For an even more in depth, analysis on finding the best dress for you, make sure to first check out our Dressing for Your Body Type guide. Now let the shopping begin!
Dress Styles And Silhouettes
Bodycon
Bodycon is short for “body conscious”. These dresses are very form fitting and show off the wearer’s shape, therefore, being “body conscious”. There is a variety of features that can be seen on a bodycon dress but in general if the dress is skin tight, it falls under this category. Unlike the sheath style, the bodycon shows your figure more, is more often a mini length, and features a thinner fabric.
Body Types Best Fitted For: Hourglass, The Rectangle
Mermaid Dress
The Mermaid dress has a form-fitting body down to the knee or lower calves, where the skirt starts to flare out like a fishtail. Hence, the name Mermaid Dress.
Body Types Best Fitted For: Hourglass, The Rectangle
Sheath Dress
The Sheath Dress is a form fitting dress that does not have a waistline. This dress is usually midi length or knee length, though other variations of this dress can be available.
Body Type Best Fitted For: Hourglass, The Rectangle
Shift Dress
This dress is typically a mini length. It’s ideal for every, body type and size. The shift dress is straight with a simple line and hangs loose on the body, it is not form fitting or constraining. With this dress, the waist, curves and figure are played down.
Body Types Best Fitted For: Hourglass, The Rectangle Apple, Pear, Inverted Triangle
Skater Dress
The skater dress is a classic style suited for anybody and everybody! The skater dress, also known as fit and flare, accentuates the smallest part of the waist and flares out, either subtly or dramatically, over your hips and thighs. If you are looking for a classic silhouette and a flattering shape, you can’t go wrong with this style
Body Types Best Fitted For: All
Wrap Dress
The wrap dress features a front closure by wrapping one side of the dress across the other and tying the fabric at the waist or back. The wrap dress is super flattering on anybody because of the way it sits, and ties around the hip.
Body Types Best Fitted For: All
Now that we have gone through all of the different styles and silhouettes, it’s time for the specific features. Keep in mind, any of these features can be found on any of the styles above. The combination is all about your personal preference and what you feel suits you the best!
Types Of Design Elements And Features
Bandage
Bandage garments are made up of wide, very stretchy bands that have been sewn together as seen in the top above. These garments are very form fitting and flattering as well because they pull the wearer in, creating a very slimming effect- acting like shapewear and clothing at the same time. They create smooth and attractive lines on the body.
Halter
Halter tops/ necklines have a strap that pulls the top up and is secured on the body by going around the neck. The upper back and shoulders are bare. Halter styles usually portray a v-neckline or a high neckline. This style neckline usually pulls cleavage up and has a neckline that draws attention to the face removing focus from the body. When wearing a halter, be sure to choose your accessories carefully as to not overdo the emphasis on the face.
Sweetheart Neckline
The sweetheart neckline has a double curve to the neckline. Each curve goes right over the breast similar to a bra. The neckline got its name due to the fact that the neckline looks like the top half of a heart. This design will either flatter your cleavage very well or show off cleavage you never knew you had. This design also has a similar slimming effect on the wearer as the V-neck does.
V-Neck
As the name implies, V-necks have a neckline that is in the shape of a V. They can be deep plunging or as in the case of the dress above, just show off a little bit of cleavage. This universally flattering design draws the eyes out, then up and down to the V-neck creating a slimming effect on the wearer.
Now onto the third step, choose your length!
Knee Length Dress
The knee length caters to a more conservative dressing approach. With a knee length dress, you will instantly look more professional and put together. If you are feeling daring try a knee length dress with a showy neckline to balance it out. Heels are a must with this style to give your leg the look they deserve.
Maxi Dress
The maxi length falls at or below the ankle. This dress is easily the most versatile of all lengths, achieving all of your casual and formal dreams. It is the perfect summertime dress but can easily be worn into the winter with a trendy jacket. It is known to elongate your frame and looks great on everyone!
Midi Dress
The midi length falls right in the middle of your lower leg or calf. This dress can be tricky for petite women as it can make your legs look shorter than they are. This problem though can be fixed with a sexy pair of platform pumps that will help elongate your legs.
Mini Dress
The mini length usually falls at about mid-thigh. It is a fun and flirty length that is rather sexy and shows that you have legs for days! It is a great style that can serve casual or formal looks depending on the features and style of the dress.