How to Dress Your Straight Body Type

I’m not going to lie. I didn’t get into fashion so I could wear the same 10 pieces all the time. As much as I need mom-iforms and capsule wardrobes and everyday go-to looks, they do not thrill me the way that fantasy fashion does…

Frankly, I got into fashion for the drama.

I wanted to wear dramatic clothes, haute couture, red-carpet ready masterpieces. I wanted all the glamour and the artistry and the handiwork, all of the tulle and the sparkle and the feathers, all on one fabulous frock. I wanted clothes for major entrances and grand sweeping exits. Clothes that would make Rihanna, in her yellow Guo Pei gown at the Met Gala, look like a wallflower.

Clothes like these.

Michael Kors Geranium print deep v-neck dress, $11,995, Neiman Marcus

Rosie Assoulin “Calatrava” striped halter dress, $8775, Matches Fashion

Zac Posen ball gown, $18000, Neiman Marcus

Oscar de la Renta embellished tulle ballgown, $12960, Net a Porter

I just love big clothes.

And I am a little person.

I have learned, reluctantly, that as a petite Style Dial® 1, less is more. I still go for big clothes, when I can, but in smaller doses. Sure, walking away from the drama has been hard, but I’ve found other outlets for it. Random door slamming helps, and so does yelling at the television. I also wear those frou frou feather mules around the house. Every little bit helps.

So I am not going to pretend that I’m not jealous of a Style Dial® 3, because your body type was just made to pull off major, big-deal, haute couture gowns. Maybe that’s why so many supermodels share your body type. Your straight frame provides the perfect neutral canvas for gorgeous clothes.

On a Style Dial® 1., big clothes drown out your shape.

On a Style Dial® 2, big clothes overemphasize your shape.

On a Style Dial® 3, big clothes create your shape.

As a Style Dial® 3, the way your body looks can vary dramatically based on what you wear.

You Might Be a Style Dial® 3 If…

• You have relatively broad shoulders
• Your waist is fairly undefined
• Your waistline is short to average
• Your legs are generally slim
• You have a flat bum

If most of these apply to you, then you may be a Style Dial® 3. Another hint that you’re a Style Dial® 3: If your weight fluctuates, you gain or lose it in your stomach. A straight body type without definite curves is one of the easiest, and most versatile, to dress. As with the other body types, this is not about size, but about shape and proportion.

And if you’re struggling to bring out your inner supermodel, remember: It’s not you. It’s the clothes.

Read on for tips on picking the right clothes for a Style Dial® 3, every single time.

How to Dress Your Style Dial® 3 Body Type

I hope that my rant about big, fabulous, fashion-y clothes didn’t scare you off. You don’t have to love drama as much as I do (although the occasional door slamming can be good for the soul). Just remember that a straight body isn’t flattered by straight clothes. Use clothes to add curve and definition. You can do this with clothes that have structure and shape built in, as well as with details like gathering, ruching, and draping.

Now that you know, or suspect, that you’re a Style Dial® 3, here’s are the specifics on how to dress for it.

(Oh, and as always, pictures in this story are linked for easy shopping, and Amazon links are for my affiliate store.)

The Dress

As I illustrated above in my lineup of fantasy fashion frocks, a Style Dial® 3 is flattered by details in the right places. Vertical necklines, like v-necks, and any details to define the waist, including ruching, pleats, and full structured skirts, are all flattering. A drop waist, or any dress that creates a band around the hips, can further accentuate it and add structure. A wrap dress is gorgeous on you, as are diagonal lines and patterns to help further define the waist. If you want to minimize your tummy area, ruching and draping are even more important, especially when the ruching is only on one side. Look for a thicker, more substantial fabric that will skim over curves and not hug them.

This pretty dress features a flattering v-neck, and is fitted through the torso then flares below it, defining the waist and adding curves. Diane Von Furstenberg Carla fit and flare dress, $239.99 (sale), Off 5th

There is no simpler, or more forgiving, way to create a waistline. Anne Klein 3/4 sleeve v-neck draped dress, $129, Amazon

The Top

The V or vertical neckline is your best bet here as well. Look for ruching, draping and even a peplum for added definition. Belting or a banded waist detail should hit at the high waist (as in an empire style) or at the low waist. Balance the necklines of your favorite horizontal tops by adding a long necklace!

Vince Camuto sleeveless v-neck ruched top, $49, Macy’s

BCBG “Amma” sleeveless v-neck top, $98, Amazon

The Pants

For a classic pant, your best bet is a graduated flare with a mid-width leg. For more drama, go wider. If you have the height, you can totally pull that off. Look for a high waisted or low waisted style – avoid a mid-rise, which can cut your body across the middle and make your torso appear shorter.

If you have the height to pull these off, and the attitude, these pants are super flattering and versatile too. Kiind of extra wide leg chambray pants, $98, Macy’s

NY Collection sleeveless wide leg jumpsuit, $35, Macy’s

Elevenses tailored sailor pants, $118, Anthropologie

The Skirt

An A-line is flattering on every body type, and you can handle a style with more structure and detail, from patch pockets at the hip to an inverted pleat at the front. A swingy, fit and flare skirt is a great bet. Pleats are perfect for you, particularly drop pleats, and a yoke, which creates a horizontal line across the hip, is also flattering.

Ann Taylor textured swing skirt, $69.99, Ann Taylor

Pleated drop waist skirt, $168, J. Crew

Etch floral midi skirt, $55, Topshop

I hope these guidelines have given you the confidence to celebrate your Style Dial® 3 shape! Go out and buy the most fabulous, red-carpet-worthy dress you can find. I’ll be over here. Eating my heart out. 😉