No matter your body type, there is a perfect dress out there just waiting to be discovered. In this blog post, we discuss the best dresses for every body type and guide you to knowing which styles flatter your figure! So read on and head to New Orleans Fashion Boutique for that perfect dress!

Knowing your body type: a guide

All body types are gorgeous. However, certain dresses will flatter your curves as nothing else will. And we're here to help you find them.

The first step is to identify your body type. Once you figure that out, it'll be easier to determine which styles will look best on you!

For this guide, we'll go with the five body type scheme: hourglass, pear-shaped, apple-shaped, inverted triangle, and rectangular. Let's go in-depth with each:

Hourglass body type

Curves characterize the much-revered hourglass body type in all the right places - a tiny waist and voluptuous hips and bust.

Suppose you have this body type; lucky you! Nearly any dress style looks great on you, but we suggest playing up your curves with fitted silhouettes and sexy details like low necklines and backless styles.

If there is one thing to avoid for hourglass gals out there, it would be volume on the bottom. This will only make your hips and thighs look even bigger. So steer clear of ball gowns, tulle skirts, and other styles.

We recommend: 

• Fitted sheath dresses
• Mermaid skirts
• Wrap dresses
• Deep V necklines
• Backless styles

Pear-shaped body type

The pear-shaped body type is characterized by a small bust and curvier hips and thighs. You'll know you're a pear-shaped body type if your bust and waist are significantly smaller than your hips.

Dresses that flatter a pear-shaped body type should do the opposite of what we recommended for hourglass gals - avoid fitted styles up top, and instead go for looser silhouettes with details around the neckline and waist.

This will help draw attention away from your hips and thighs and make your entire body look more balanced. This particular body type has gained more popularity in recent years, with celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez leading the charge. So feel free to experiment with different styles!

We recommend:

• A-line and empire-waist dresses
• Ball gowns
• Flowing skirts
• Scoop necklines
• Cinched waists

Apple-shaped body type

The apple-shaped body type is characterized by a larger bust and waist, almost round, with narrower hips. You'll know you're an apple-shaped body type if your midsection is the widest part of your body.

Dresses that flatter an apple-shaped body type should do the opposite of what we recommended for pear-shaped women - focus on highlighting your curves with figure-hugging silhouettes and details around the waist. This will help create a more balanced look and divert attention away from your bust.

Like pear-shaped ladies, apple-shaped women should avoid fitted styles and go for looser silhouettes with details around the waist. This will help to balance out your proportions.

We recommend:

• Fitted sheath dresses
• Mermaid skirts
• Wrap dresses
• Deep V necklines
• Cinched waists

Inverted triangle body type

Broad shoulders and a narrow waist characterize the inverted triangle or  "athletic" body type. You'll know you have this body type if your hips are relatively small compared to your shoulders.

Broad shoulders set this body type apart from all the others. So it's important to choose dresses that will soften your angular features. Look for styles with details around the neckline and shoulders, like ruffles or lace, which will help to create a more feminine silhouette.

Dresses that flatter an inverted triangle body type should do the opposite of what we recommended for hourglass gals - focus on creating curves with looser silhouettes and details around the hips.

We recommend:

• For inverted triangles, we recommend:
• Ball gowns
• Flowing skirts (emphasize your hips)
• Scoop necklines
• Ruffles and lace details

Rectangular body type

The notoriously "straight" body type is distinguished by a total lack of curves, with a waist about the same size as your hips and shoulders.

You'll know you have this body type if you can fit two fists comfortably under your bust and hip. Or another way to think of it is if your body is almost the same width all the way around.

Focus on creating curves with fitted silhouettes and details around the waist. Try a midi dress that cinches at the waist.

Focus on dresses that will add the illusion of curves and femininity to your frame, like mermaid skirts, wrap dresses, and ball gowns.

We recommend:

• Mermaid skirts
• Wrap dresses
• Ball gowns
• Fitted sheath dresses
• Details around the waist (emphasize your curves)

Tips for looking your best in any dress

While it's always best to dress in whatever conventionally flatters your body type, it's not a strict rule. We're all entitled to wear whatever we please in any event, no matter our body type.

And that's why we've included some general tips that will help you look your best in any dress, regardless of your figure. Here are some of the most tried and tested tips for looking gorgeous - in any dress:

Emphasize your waist.

It doesn't matter if you're an hourglass, pear, apple, inverted triangle, or rectangular body type - all women can benefit from emphasizing their waist. This will create a focal point for the eye and help to balance out your proportions.

There are many different ways to do this: you can wear a dress with a cinched waist or add a belt to a looser dress. You can also choose a dress with detail around the waist, like a bow.

Choose the right neckline.

The neck and clavicle areas of the body are typically the most slender, so choose a neckline that will show them off.

We recommend deep V necklines and plunging necklines for women with an hourglass figure. For ladies with other body types, try scoop necklines or boat necks which will help to give the appearance of a longer, more graceful neck area.

Avoid busy prints.

When going to any formal or semi-formal event, it's best to avoid busy prints on your dress. They can be distracting and make you look bigger than you are.

Instead, choose a dress with a solid color or a simple print like a stripe or a dot. This will help elongate your figure and make you look taller and thinner.

Choose the right shoes.

No matter the dress you choose for your body, choose the right shoes to complete the look.

Heels are always a good choice, as they lengthen your legs and make you look taller. If you're wearing a shorter dress, go for a midi or high heel; if you're rocking a floor-length gown, try something with sparkle or extra height like a stiletto.

Accessorize wisely.

Use accessories to pull the whole look and accentuate your best features.

If you have an hourglass figure, go for accessories that add curves, like big earrings or a statement necklace.

If you're rectangular, try wearing accessories that create width and dimension, like bangles or a wide belt. And if you want to play it safe, stick with simple accessories like a pearl necklace or stud earrings.

Final thoughts

We hope that this article has helped you find the perfect dress for your body type. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all answer - it's all about finding what works best for you and your figure. So don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and silhouettes until you find your perfect look!