Every body is beautiful, and every body deserves to feel confident in summer dresses. While fashion has historically been prescriptive about what different body types "should" wear, the truth is that personal style is deeply individual. This guide isn't about hiding perceived flaws—it's about understanding how different dress styles interact with your unique proportions so you can make choices that make you feel amazing.
Remember: these are suggestions, not rules. The most flattering dress is always the one you feel happiest wearing, regardless of what any guide recommends.
A Note on Body Shape Categories
Body shape categories (pear, apple, hourglass, etc.) are simplified frameworks, not perfect descriptions of real bodies. Most people don't fit neatly into one category, and that's completely normal. Use these as starting points for exploration, not rigid rules to follow.
Understanding Body Proportions
Rather than focusing on specific body shape categories, it can be more helpful to think about proportions and balance. Ask yourself:
- Are your shoulders wider, narrower, or similar in width to your hips?
- Is your waist notably defined, or does your torso have a straighter line?
- Where do you naturally carry weight—evenly distributed, or concentrated in certain areas?
- What areas of your body do you love and want to highlight?
- Where do you prefer more coverage or less attention?
Understanding your own preferences and proportions matters more than fitting into a predetermined category.
For Curvy Figures (Hourglass Shape)
If your shoulders and hips are similar in width with a notably smaller waist, you have what's traditionally called an hourglass figure. Many dress styles work beautifully on this shape, particularly those that follow your natural curves.
Styles That Often Work Well:
- Wrap dresses: The adjustable tie creates a waist at your natural indent, celebrating your curves
- Fit-and-flare: Fitted bodice and flared skirt follow and enhance natural proportions
- Belted styles: Any dress that can be belted at the natural waist emphasises your shape
- Bodycon/fitted: If you're comfortable, fitted styles showcase hourglass curves beautifully
Consider Avoiding:
- Very boxy or shapeless silhouettes that hide your waist
- Empire waists that cut across the fullest part of your bust
- Overwhelming volume in both top and bottom simultaneously
For Pear Shapes
A pear shape typically means shoulders narrower than hips, with a defined waist. Many women with this proportions feel most comfortable drawing attention to their upper body while keeping the lower half relaxed.
Styles That Often Work Well:
- A-line dresses: Fitted bodice and gently flared skirt skim over hips without clinging
- Interesting necklines: Off-shoulder, boat neck, or detailed necklines draw the eye upward
- Fit-and-flare: The defined waist and flowing skirt balance proportions beautifully
- Midi lengths: Often more flattering than very short hemlines
Balance Tip
If you want to balance pear proportions, add visual interest to your upper half with detailed necklines, statement earrings, or shoulder details. This draws the eye upward and creates visual balance.
Consider Avoiding:
- Very clingy fabrics around the hips and thighs
- Heavy embellishments or pockets on the hip area
- Very full, gathered skirts that add excessive volume to hips
For Athletic or Rectangular Figures
If your shoulders, waist, and hips are similar in width, creating a relatively straight silhouette, you have an athletic or rectangular figure. Many styles work well on this shape, especially those that create the illusion of curves or waist definition.
Styles That Often Work Well:
- Wrap styles: Create waist definition where there's less natural indentation
- Belted dresses: Any style that can be cinched at the waist creates curves
- Peplum details: Add feminine curves at the hip
- Tiered or ruffled skirts: Create volume and visual interest in the lower body
- Bodycon: Fitted styles can look elegant on straight figures
Consider Avoiding:
- Very boxy or shift styles (unless that's the look you want)
- Straight-cut column dresses with no waist detail
For Apple Shapes
Apple-shaped figures typically carry weight around the midsection, often with slimmer legs and arms. Many women with this shape feel most confident in styles that skim over the tummy while highlighting other areas.
Styles That Often Work Well:
- Empire waist: Fitted under the bust, then flowing freely—doesn't cling to the midsection
- A-line: Gently skims over the tummy without adding volume
- Wrap dresses: Create a waist above where weight is carried
- V-necklines: Elongate the torso and draw the eye upward
- Shift dresses: Hang straight from the shoulders without defining the waist
đź’ˇ Key Takeaway
For apple shapes, the magic lies in vertical lines and strategic draping. V-necks create length, while fabrics that drape rather than cling are most comfortable and flattering.
Consider Avoiding:
- Belts or waist emphasis at the natural waistline
- Clingy fabrics around the midsection
- High, tight waistbands
- Horizontal stripes across the middle
For Petite Figures
Petite typically refers to height under 162cm, regardless of weight or proportions. For petite women, the goal is often to create an elongated silhouette and avoid being overwhelmed by fabric.
Styles That Often Work Well:
- Shorter lengths: Midi and maxi can work, but mini and knee-length often elongate the leg line
- High waistlines: Empire waists and high-waisted styles create the illusion of longer legs
- V-necklines: Create vertical lines that lengthen the torso
- Monochromatic: Same-colour head to toe creates an unbroken line
- Simple, streamlined: Avoid overwhelming amounts of fabric or detail
Consider Avoiding:
- Very long, voluminous maxis that drown your frame
- Overwhelming prints or heavy embellishments
- Ankle straps that visually cut off the leg
- Dropped waistlines that shorten the torso
For Tall Figures
Tall women (typically over 175cm) often find standard dress lengths too short and may want styles that celebrate rather than minimise height.
Styles That Often Work Well:
- Maxi lengths: Tall women can carry long lengths beautifully without being overwhelmed
- Bold prints: Height allows you to carry larger prints that might overwhelm smaller frames
- Statement details: Ruffles, tiers, and volume work well on taller figures
- Horizontal details: Can break up height if desired
Practical Considerations:
- Look for "tall" sizing when available for appropriate length
- Check that "midi" dresses actually hit below your knee
- Maxi dresses often hit mid-calf—embrace it or seek extra-long options
For Fuller Figures
Plus-size women deserve stylish options just as much as anyone else. The key is finding styles that fit well and highlight the areas you want to celebrate.
Styles That Often Work Well:
- Wrap dresses: Adjustable fit, flattering on most fuller figures
- A-line and fit-and-flare: Define the waist while flowing over hips
- Empire waist: Fitted at the smallest point (under bust), relaxed below
- V-necklines: Elongate the torso and are flattering for fuller busts
- Quality fabrics: Structured fabrics that drape well, not clingy materials
Fit Matters Most
For all body types—but especially fuller figures—proper fit is everything. A dress that fits well in quality fabric will always look better than a poorly fitting dress in any size. Don't be afraid to size up and have items tailored to fit perfectly.
Beyond Body Shape: What Really Matters
While this guide offers suggestions based on proportions, the most important factors in choosing a flattering sundress are:
- Proper fit: A well-fitting dress in any style looks better than a poor fit in the "right" style
- Quality fabric: Good fabric drapes better and flatters all figures more than cheap alternatives
- Your comfort: If you're constantly adjusting or feeling self-conscious, the dress isn't working
- Your personal style: Wearing what feels authentically you always looks best
- Your confidence: The most flattering thing anyone can wear is genuine confidence
Use body shape guidelines as a starting point for exploration, not as rules to follow rigidly. Try on different styles, pay attention to how they make you feel, and trust your own judgment. The best sundress for your body is the one that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.