How to Find the Best Dress For Your Body Type

By Macy Daniela Martin

Updated on 10/30/2016 at 10:00 PM

POPSUGAR Photography | Kathryna Hancock
POPSUGAR Photography | Kathryna Hancock
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It can be hard to heed general fashion advice — we get it. A tip for someone over 6'0" simply won't work for someone under 5'4" (and vice versa).

That's why it's important to consider one often overlooked thing while you're out shopping: your body type, especially when it comes to dresses. Sure, a tailor can easily solve major fitting and length issues, but if you're armed with the knowledge of exactly what will flatter your figure, you're going to feel much more confident browsing the racks.

With that in mind, we reached out to New York City-based Dominican fashion designer Cenia Paredes, whose line, Cenia, caters to women of all shapes and sizes, for some expert recommendations everyone can use. Ahead, find general tips to remember this season as you stock up on dresses, then keep reading to find your body type and the exact silhouettes that will complement it the most.

  1. Incorporate prints. "Geometrical prints are strong for the Fall. Florals [this time of year] tend to look more hand-painted, darker, and more moody."
  2. Wear details strategically. "Avoid a lot of details — drapings, ruffles, etc. — in the areas where you feel more pronounced."
  3. Try a maxi. "The narrow maxi with slits on the side is trending a lot right now. Wear with pumps, booties, or high boots."
  4. Wrap dresses are key. "They tend to look good on any body type. They are very flattering and tend to hide things that we like to hide, but, at the same time, they also flatter our best assets."
  5. Embrace your curves and find designers and brands that do, too. "I want to make the real woman look good in whatever body type she has. I really think about that when I am designing and creating my patterns. [The everyday woman is] equally beautiful, and I don't think she should feel neglected."
Petite
POPSUGAR Photography | Benjamin Stone

Petite

"Avoid dresses that are too long or too short. Usually, above the knee is a good length for you. Midi is a trendy silhouette, but if you go too low below the knee, it will make you look shorter. At your waist, try to go for draped waist style to elongate your torso. Fit-and-flare is also a good silhouette for you."

Athletic
POPSUGAR Photography | Kathryna Hancock

Athletic

"Go for a more fitted, revealing silhouettes, because you are [in shape] and you want to show it off. Any body-con style will be good for you."

Pear-Shaped
POPSUGAR Photography | Sisilia Piring

Pear-Shaped

"Wear styles that have more details around the shoulders and the neckline to balance out your figure, keeping your hip area as clean as possible."

Curvy
POPSUGAR Photography | Benjamin Stone

Curvy

"Wrap dresses are great for you. Wear dresses that have maybe a tie or a belt, because they give you more definition and make your waist look smaller. Also, colorblocks that have darker panels on the sides will elongate your figure and make you look slimmer. Try to wear clothes that are not too tight or too loose, just the right fit."

Tall
POPSUGAR Photography | Maria del Rio

Tall

"Look for maxis, ankle dresses, and midis, dresses that go to the middle of the calf. Right now, a silhouette that is trending a lot is the A-line midi, and [that is] fabulous for tall girls."