by MARSHALL BONE
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Understanding your body type is the first step to finding the perfect summer dress. Knowing whether you’re pear-shaped, apple-shaped, hourglass, rectangle, or inverted triangle helps you make more flattering choices.
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Dresses should highlight your best features. Pear shapes should focus on balancing their lower half, apple shapes on elongating the torso, hourglass figures on accentuating the waist, rectangles on adding curves, and inverted triangles on softening the upper body.
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Silhouettes matter. A-line, wrap, empire waist, fit-and-flare, and peplum dresses all work differently to enhance or balance proportions depending on your shape.
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Comfort should never be compromised. Always prioritize ease of movement and breathable fabrics, especially in the heat of summer.
For some, it’s the best season of any year, and others dread the heat; but when summer is here, you definitely need the right clothes for it. The changing of seasons always incites the urge to change up your wardrobe, and nothing is more essential than finding that perfect summer dress.
A brunch, a barbecue, a day out at the beach: there are countless ways you could be spending your summer days, but you do need an outfit for every occasion. But that’s not all: you have to find outfits that make you feel confident, empowered, and ready to seize the best moments of summer.
The secret to finding the perfect summer dress? Dressing for your body type. Choose styles that highlight your natural figure, not hide it. A bright maxi dress, a pastel shift dress, or a bodycon dress – the world is your oyster when it comes to summer dresses. Keep reading to learn more.
Know Your Body Type
Before diving into styles, take a minute to identify your body type. While every body is beautifully unique, most fall into these general categories:
- Pear-Shaped: Hips are wider than shoulders; often has a defined waist.
- Apple-Shaped: Carries weight around the midsection; often has slender legs and a fuller upper body.
- Hourglass: Balanced proportions between bust and hips with a defined waist.
- Rectangle: Bust, waist, and hips are fairly uniform; often described as an athletic or straight shape.
- Inverted Triangle: Broader shoulders and bust with narrower hips.
For the Pear-Shaped Beauty
If your hips are the widest part of your body and your upper half is narrower, the goal is to balance proportions while highlighting your waist. Look for A-line dresses that flare out gently from the waist, since they flare out from the waist while skimming over hips and thighs.
Fit-and-flare dresses are another great option, as they cinch at the waist and flare at the skirt, enhancing your curves without sticking to them. Off-shoulder or boat necklines draw attention to your collarbones and shoulders, balancing your lower body. Look for light fabrics like cotton and chiffon, as these work well. Choose bold prints and embellishments on the upper half to draw the eye upwards.
For the Apple-Shaped Queen
If you have a fuller midsection with slimmer legs, the goal is to elongate the torso and highlight your assets. Empire waist dresses cinch just below the bust, creating the illusion of a longer torso and flowing over the stomach.
Another great option is V-neck or wrap dresses since they usually have a plunging neckline that draws the eye vertically and adds length. Choose vertical stripes or darker colors around the midsection. Black-tie dresses, such as shift dresses, also work well for this body type. These are also comfortable and more relaxed for casual outings.
For the Hourglass Darling
With balanced proportions and a defined waist, your shape can pull off a variety of styles. The goal? To highlight your curves without overwhelming them. A dress that has a belted feature can work well for hourglass shapes. It is structured and stylish, and bright colors allude to summer while playing up your waist.
If you’re feeling bold, body-hugging styles can also be incredibly flattering. Go for fabrics that have a bit of stretch, because they’ll hug your body without making you feel uncomfortable. Florals and geometric patterns complement this body shape well.
For the Rectangle Rebel
With little distinction between the bust, waist, and hips, your goal is to create the illusion of curves and add dimension to your silhouette. The best styles for this shape are peplum or tiered dresses. Peplum dresses add volume at the waist, giving the illusion of an hourglass. Ruffled or tiered dresses add strategic volume through layers or ruffles while adding softness and shape. Stiffer fabrics add structure, while playful prints and color blocking can give the illusion of a curvier figure.
For the Inverted Triangle Star
With broader shoulders and a narrower lower half, your goal is to draw attention downward and soften the upper body. An ideal summer dress for this body type is a halter-neck dress, as this visually reduces shoulder width while showing off the neckline.
A-line or bias-cut dresses balance proportions by adding volume to the lower body. Look for solid or darker shades on top and brighter colors or prints on the bottom. Lightweight fabrics with movement (think rayon or viscose) flatter your frame beautifully.
Summer Dress Hacks for Every Body Type
Regardless of body type, here are a few timeless tips to guide your summer dress selection:
- Prioritize Comfort: Summer is all about ease. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and rayon.
- Know Your Colors: Go for hues that complement your skin tone. Think sunshine yellows, breezy whites, or ocean blues.
- Consider Length: Midi and maxi dresses are versatile and provide coverage without compromising on style.
- Embrace Patterns: Don’t be afraid of prints! Florals, paisleys, ginghams, and stripes are all summer staples.
- Accessorize Smartly: A wide-brimmed hat, cute sunglasses, or even strappy heels can level up your look instantly.
The Real Secret to the Perfect Dress? Confidence
At the end of the day, the best summer dress is the one that makes you feel good. Fashion is personal. Don’t be afraid to experiment, mix fashion trends with classics, or step outside of your comfort zone. Summer is the perfect time to embrace a little boldness, a little color, and a lot of joy.
So whether you’re twirling in a sundress under fairy lights or strolling barefoot on a sandy beach, let your style reflect who you are on the inside. Because nothing looks as good as confidence and comfort.
Marshall Bone is a writer, copy strategist and all-around stylish guy who has been following trends in GQ for more than two decades. Voted best-dressed both his junior and senior year, Bone has continued this legacy and can be found covering various topics from men’s fashion to self care and grooming. He enjoys reading and is based in the greater Los Angeles area.