How to Choose Cocktail Dresses to Suit Your Body Shape?

A cocktail dress is the go-to garment for a variety of social events. From work parties to wedding receptions, women need cocktail dresses for formal and semiformal events. However, shopping for a cocktail dress can be frustrating if one has no starting point or frame of reference. Some may tend towards the same old classic look they have always worn while others may blindly follow the latest trend, regardless of whether it suits their body type. Neither approach is ideal. This guide gives six tips on achieving a personal style that suits one's body while aiming for the greatest versatility in cocktail dresses.

Pear shaped

Do you have a small bust, narrow shoulders but bigger hips, thighs or bum? Then you are a pear shaped gal just like Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez. One way to draw attention away from your hips is to wear strapless dresses. Accentuating your upper body by choosing low-plunging neck-lines, halter-necks and wearing statement necklaces or large earrings will balance your slim shoulders and wider hips. Wearing A-line and empire waist dresses will create a nice silhouette for pear shaped ladies. Opt for belts and dresses that will cinch your waist, this will accentuate your upper body and waist. Choose color blocked dresses, lighter colors at the top and darker colors at the bottom this will balance out your proportions. Refrain from crazy large prints as they risk making your hips look wider.

Inverted triangle

If you have been blessed with a naturally larger bust and/or find that you have broad shoulder and slender hips and legs, you have an inverted triangle shape. Create the illusion of an hourglass figure by drawing the eye away from your upper body and adding volume to your hips. Cocktail dresses with V-necklines will work well with your shape, drawing attention away from your broad shoulders and emphasizing your bust. Sweetheart necklines create an illusion of narrower shoulders, as do spaghetti straps and cap sleeves. Strapless dresses and dresses with full sleeves should be avoided. Shoulder pads are the ultimate no-no for your figure.

Boyish/Rectangular Shaped

Most dresses will actually look better if you have a smaller bust. Choose a dress with a sweetheart neckline to add curves to your upper body. Dresses with collars, ruffles and frills will also help in adding volume to your upper body.

Apple Shaped

Women with apple shaped bodies have a little more weight around the middle, less defined waists and typically have fuller busts. The key is to streamline your figure and to avoid loose and shapeless dresses.

Opt for cocktail dresses with soft draping fabrics rather than clingy materials. Steer clear of stretchy fabrics. Wrap dresses are an ideal choice, as they emphasize the bust area and typically tie on the side, manipulating the definition of the waist. The A-line shape created by a wrap dress will add volume to your lower body, again creating the illusion of a smaller waist. Go for bold block colours or dark shades, as they tend to flatter apple shapes best.

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