When it comes to formal events, finding the perfect dress that flatters your body shape can sometimes feel overwhelming. With so many options out there, it's easy to get lost in the sea of choices. But the truth is, no matter your body type, there's a stunning formal dress out there for you—including plus size formal dresses that are both stylish and flattering. The right dress can highlight your best features, boost your confidence, and make you feel like the best version of yourself.
To help you navigate the world of formalwear, we’ve curated a list of 10 stunning formal dresses for every body type. Whether you have an hourglass, pear, apple, or athletic shape, there’s a dress style here that will perfectly complement your unique figure.
1. Hourglass Shape: A Fitted Sheath Dress
Why It Works:
Hourglass figures are characterized by a balanced bust and hip measurement with a defined waist. The key to enhancing this shape is to embrace silhouettes that accentuate your curves.
Best Pick: Fitted Sheath Dress
A fitted sheath dress works wonders for hourglass figures, hugging the body in all the right places while showing off your natural curves. Look for dresses with a bit of stretch for added comfort. A dress that cinches at the waist will further highlight your curves, giving you a flattering, balanced look.
Style Tip:
Go for dresses that feature a deep V-neckline or a subtle scoop neckline to draw attention to your face and collarbones.
2. Pear Shape: A-Line Dress with Flared Skirt
Why It Works:
Pear-shaped bodies typically have narrower shoulders and a wider hip area. The goal is to create balance and highlight your upper body while gently skimming over your hips and thighs.
Best Pick: A-Line Dress with a Flared Skirt
The A-line dress is the perfect choice for pear-shaped bodies. The flared skirt creates a beautiful, feminine silhouette that gracefully falls over the hips, while the fitted bodice draws attention to your upper body. This dress is timeless and elegant, making it a great option for formal occasions.
Style Tip:
Look for dresses with embellished or detailed tops—like beading or lace—which will help draw attention upwards. A V-neckline can also elongate your torso and add a touch of sophistication.
3. Apple Shape: Empire Waist Dress
Why It Works:
Apple-shaped bodies tend to carry weight around the midsection, with narrower hips and legs. The goal for this shape is to elongate the body and draw attention away from the waist.
Best Pick: Empire Waist Dress
An empire waist dress, which cinches just below the bust, creates a flowing silhouette that hides the midsection and emphasizes the bust. This style balances out the proportions and elongates the figure, making it an ideal option for apple-shaped bodies.
Style Tip:
Choose dresses with A-line or pleated skirts that add volume to the lower half of your body. A deep V-neckline or a flattering boat neck can also add length to your torso.
4. Rectangular Shape: Fit-and-Flare Dress
Why It Works:
If you have a rectangular body shape, your bust, waist, and hips are relatively the same width. To create the illusion of curves, you'll want a dress that defines your waist and adds volume to the hips.
Best Pick: Fit-and-Flare Dress
A fit-and-flare dress is perfect for rectangular body types because it accentuates the waist and creates a fuller bottom half, adding curves where you want them. The flared skirt balances out the proportions, giving you an hourglass effect without being overly tight.
Style Tip:
Look for dresses with bold details at the waist, like a belt or peplum, to emphasize your curves. You can also go for dresses with asymmetrical hemlines or tiered skirts for added drama and flair.
5. Inverted Triangle: V-Neckline Ballgown
Why It Works:
Inverted triangle shapes have broader shoulders and narrower hips, which can make the upper body appear top-heavy. The goal is to create balance by drawing attention to the lower body.
Best Pick: V-Neckline Ballgown
A ballgown with a V-neckline is an excellent choice for inverted triangle shapes. The deep V draws attention downwards and elongates the torso, while the voluminous skirt helps balance out broader shoulders. A full skirt creates the illusion of a more proportionate figure.
Style Tip:
Avoid dresses with too many details or heavy embellishments at the top. Instead, focus on dresses with subtle, elegant necklines and attention-grabbing skirts.
6. Petite Frame: Tea-Length Dress
Why It Works:
Petite women often struggle with long, overwhelming formal dresses that drown their frame. A shorter dress that hits at or just below the knee will highlight your legs and elongate your silhouette.
Best Pick: Tea-Length Dress
A tea-length dress—hitting just below the knee—adds a playful yet sophisticated touch while elongating the body. The slightly shorter hemline is ideal for petite figures, preventing the dress from overwhelming your proportions.
Style Tip:
Look for dresses with high waistlines that sit just below the bust. This will make your legs appear longer and your torso more defined. Also, consider dresses with a slight A-line shape to create a feminine, flattering look.
7. Tall Frame: High-Low Dress
Why It Works:
Tall women can often pull off longer dresses without feeling overwhelmed, but they may find that standard-length formal dresses don't highlight their best features. A high-low dress provides balance and draws attention to your legs while offering enough coverage.
Best Pick: High-Low Dress
A high-low dress, which has a shorter hem in the front and a longer train in the back, is perfect for tall women. This style accentuates the legs while still offering elegant drama and coverage in the back.
Style Tip:
Look for high-low dresses with intricate details or embellishments at the neckline or waist to create a defined silhouette. Fitted bodices work best to balance out the flowy lower half of the dress.
8. Plus-Size Frame: A-Line or Ballgown Dress
Why It Works:
Plus-size figures benefit from dresses that emphasize shape while providing coverage. A-line and ballgown styles offer volume and structure that creates a flattering, feminine silhouette.
Best Pick: A-Line or Ballgown Dress
A-line dresses and ballgowns work wonders for plus-size women because they highlight the waist and allow for comfort and movement while gracefully skimming over the hips and thighs. A fuller skirt also creates balance, making the body appear more proportionate.
Style Tip:
Choose dresses with structured bodices that create definition and avoid overly loose fabrics. A V-neckline can elongate the body and create a slimming effect.
9. Curvy Frame: Bodycon Dress with Stretch Fabric
Why It Works:
Curvy bodies often have a defined waist and natural curves that deserve to be celebrated. Bodycon dresses can show off those curves beautifully, especially when they have a bit of stretch for comfort.
Best Pick: Bodycon Dress with Stretch Fabric
A bodycon dress, which fits snugly to the body, works well for curvy figures. Look for one made from stretch fabrics like jersey or ponte that offer comfort and support while hugging your curves in all the right places.
Style Tip:
Choose dresses that have shaping seams or paneling to give your body definition. A knee-length bodycon dress can offer a balanced look, elongating your legs and enhancing your natural shape.
10. Apple-Shaped Frame: Peplum Dress
Why It Works:
Apple shapes often carry weight around the midsection. Peplum dresses help define the waist and add structure to the hips, creating an hourglass silhouette.
Best Pick: Peplum Dress
A peplum dress has a fitted bodice with a flared, ruffled waistline that creates volume and enhances the natural curve of your hips. This style draws attention away from the midsection and adds a flattering, feminine shape.
Style Tip:
Go for a peplum dress with a slight V-neckline to elongate the torso. A fitted, knee-length skirt will balance the volume of the peplum and create a streamlined look.
Conclusion: Dressing for Your Shape with Confidence
Finding the perfect formal dress doesn’t have to be daunting. Whether you have an hourglass figure, a pear shape, or anything in between, there’s a stunning dress out there that will enhance your natural beauty and make you feel confident. The key is to know your body and choose styles that flatter your unique shape. When you feel comfortable and beautiful in your dress, you're sure to shine at any formal event!
Ready to turn heads? Shop our collection of beautiful, flattering formal dresses and get one step closer to feeling amazing in your next formal event!