Finding the perfect little black dress (LBD) is a right of passage for every woman. It’s the one wardrobe staple that you can rely on to make you feel your best. The LBD is timeless, versatile, and when chosen correctly, can flatter any body type. But with such a wide variety of options, it can be hard to know what to look for and where to start.
We’ve rounded up 17 expert tips to help you choose the perfect little black dress for your body type. Whether you’re petite, pear-shaped, or hourglass, you’ll be sure to find the perfect dress for any occasion.
Tips for Petite Body Types
If you’re petite, it’s important to pick a dress that won’t overwhelm your frame. Look for a dress with a shorter hemline and a V-neck to give the illusion of added height. Go for a long sleeve dress to add visual length and choose a fabric that won’t add bulk.
Avoid busy patterns and horizontal stripes which can make you look shorter, and instead opt for a dress with vertical lines. If you want to add some volume, go for a dress with a full skirt or an A-line silhouette.
Tips for Pear-Shaped Body Types
If you’re pear-shaped, the key is to draw attention to your top half. Look for a dress with a deep V-neckline, a boat neck, or a cowl neckline. Opt for a dress with a fitted waist to accentuate your assets and create a balanced silhouette.
Avoid dresses with a high waistline and instead choose a dress with an empire waistline or a drop waist. To add volume, go for a dress with a full skirt and avoid any fabrics that cling to your curves.
Tips for Hourglass Body Types
If you’re an hourglass shape, you’re lucky – you can wear almost any style of dress! Look for a dress with a fitted waist to show off your curves and a skirt that hits just above your knees. Choose a dress with a deep V-neckline or a boat neckline to flatter your chest.
Avoid empire waistlines and drop waists as these can make your waist look larger. Show off your figure with a wrap dress or choose a fabric with a bit of stretch to hug your curves.
Tips for Plus Sized Body Types
If you’re plus sized, look for a dress with an empire waistline or a drop waist to flatter your figure. Choose a fabric with a bit of stretch, like jersey or spandex, to hug your curves. Opt for a dress with a deep V-neckline or a boat neckline to draw attention to your upper half.
Avoid a dress with a high waistline and instead choose a dress with a full skirt or an A-line silhouette to add volume. Finally, look for a dress with a shorter hemline to avoid overwhelming your figure.
Tips for Athletic Body Types
If you’re athletic, look for a dress with a fitted waist to show off your toned figure. Choose a dress with a deep V-neckline or a boat neckline to flatter your chest. To add volume, go for a dress with a full skirt or an A-line silhouette.
Avoid a dress with a high waistline and instead choose a dress with a shorter hemline. To give your figure some curves, choose a dress with a belt or choose a fabric with a bit of stretch, like jersey or spandex.
Tips for Tall Body Types
If you’re tall, look for a dress with a longer hemline or an empire waistline to flatter your figure. Choose a dress with a deep V-neckline or a boat neckline to draw attention to your upper half. To add volume, go for a dress with a full skirt or an A-line silhouette.
Avoid a dress with a high waistline and instead choose a dress with a shorter hemline. To give your figure some curves, choose a dress with a belt or choose a fabric with a bit of stretch, like jersey or spandex.
Tips for Apple-Shaped Body Types
If you’re apple-shaped, look for a dress with an empire waistline or a drop waist to flatter your figure. Choose a dress with a deep V-neckline or a boat neckline to draw attention to your upper half.
Avoid a dress with a high waistline and instead choose a dress with a full skirt or an A-line silhouette to add volume. To give your figure some curves, choose a dress with a belt or choose a fabric with a bit of stretch, like jersey or spandex.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect little black dress for your body type can be a daunting task, but with these 17 expert tips, you’re sure to find the perfect dress for any occasion. Whether you’re petite, pear-shaped, or hourglass, you’ll be sure to find the perfect dress to flatter your figure.