Which Style is Best for your Body?

Elegant Xpressions Btq wants you to get a dress that will look great for your body type. Some general dress tips are helpful, but remember the most important thing is that you like what you have on. In the end it is all about getting a dress that you feel comfortable wearing. If you have any questions that is what our staff is here for you to make sure you not only get the dress of your dreams but that you look fabulous in yoru special dress!

Below are 5 typical body types. Read about each body type to decide which one best fits your body and then find out which styles would be best for you!

Hourglass: Your have a full bust, small waist and full hips.

Rectangle: You are straight up and down with little to no waist definition.

Apple: Round in the middle with smaller hips and shoulders.

Pear: Full hips and thighs, smaller shoulders and waist.

Petite: Shorter arms and torso, compact body.

If you are an Hourglass:

You look, well, like an hourglass! This has been thought of as the most ideal body shape, however it depends on how you dress yourself. You typically have a fuller chest so the idea is to flatter what you have instead of letting it all hang out. V-shaped necklines and wrap tops are great for showing a little cleavage and still accentuating your waistline. Spaghetti straps and capped sleeves can make shoulders and arms look larger so be careful of that.

Since you have the ideal shape sheath dresses will look dynamite as it hugs all the curves of your body. You can also pull off an a-line skirt to add balance to your top portion. You don't want to distract from your shape by going with too full of a skirt on the bottom, however if you are looking for a ball gown stick with box pleats which will add fullness without overpowering you.

Suggested dresses for Hourglass Shapes:
 

If you are a Rectangle:

You are probably tall, straight and narrow all the way down with little to no waistline. The idea in finding a gown for you is to pick a design that will give you curves wherever you can get them. Ball gowns will look awesome if you can find a top that will give you the perfect balance. Halters (as long as they aren't too low cut) can add an illusion of a full chest and are great for... well... "adding extra padding". A-line gowns also add the illusion of an hourglass shape and if you couple this look with a wrap or shirring at the waist you will look like a total knockout!

Suggested dresses for Rectangle Shapes:
 

If you are an Apple:

You have a fuller stomach that you are probably always trying to hide. Any dress that has a built in girdle or corset will not only make you feel sucked in, but will actually suck you in. Proper undergarments will also help this area. If you are tall, you can find a dress with a dropped waist and this will actually elongate your torso and make you look slimmer.

Choose dresses that have more embellishment on the top to draw the attention away from your midsection and up towards your face. Stay away from straighter skirts and explore options that have side box pleats or fuller a-line gowns. Empire waisted gowns have a tendency to emphasize the midsections, so you may want to avoid these styles as well.

Suggested dresses for Apple Shapes:
 

If you are a Pear:

You have a much fuller bottom, full thighs, and larger hips. The main dress style to stay away from would be a sheath (or straight) dress as these will emphasize what you don't need emphasized. Look for dresses that have a lot of embellishments at the neckline such as lace, rhinestones, etc. as this will draw the attention to your face, not your hip area.

A-line dresses do a nice job of covering the bottom area without drawing attention to it. If you can find an a-line dress with cap sleeves or something with an off the shoulder top, you will look more proportionate. Be careful with ball gowns. As you may think they are a great cover, they can also make you look much wider from behind. Full tulle skirts may be overwhelming for your smaller upper body, so if you want to do a ball gown stick with a satin or silk skirt, or a skirt with a layer of organza.

Suggested dresses for Pear Shapes:
 

If you are Petite:

You are probably frustrated with dresses being too long in the torso. Look for empire waisted dresses. These look amazing on petite frames as they elongate the body and compliment your frame. Also look for dresses that have a natural waistline. These will fit your body better and keep your proportions equal. Stay away from drop waisted gowns. These can make your torso look too long and your bottom half too short. Full ball gowns will also make short people look shorter. A-lines are your best bet, but if you have your heart set on a ball gown, stay away from anything too full, or with too much material. Light materials such as organza and thinner satins will help you maintain your look and will not overpower you.

Suggested dresses for Petite Frames: