Dresses can be hard… I can’t be alone. It’s not just the petite hourglass ladies out there (like me) that have a problem finding flattering dresses, is it? There is just so much that can go wrong. It can be too long or too short or too full or too tight or too cupcake-y. I just made that last one up, because some of the dresses I have tried lately make me feel like a cupcake. Or a mushroom.
Not my goal when dress shopping, to be honest.
That’s why I think it’s so important to understand what works for your body type. I try everything, including the cupcake dresses, so you don’t have to. However, when you know what works, on your unique and beautiful body, you can skip the crazy stuff and go straight for the flattering frocks that will become your go-to’s.
Here, a quick breakdown of body types in the system I use, The Style Dial System, and how to pick a dress accordingly. (NOTE: These body types have nothing to do with SIZE and everything to do with proportion.)
I’m excited to be partnering with Hekkamall on this video. Hekkamall has a VAST selection of dresses at affordable prices, and in my experience, the quality for the price has been amazing! (All of these dresses are under $30).
You can find all of these styles and my other favorites right here in my catalog, or shop their best sellers here.
The Hourglass AKA Style Dial Red/Style Dial Purple
The only difference between these two types is that a Red has a more defined waist. Both of these body types feature shoulders and hips that are proportional to each other and a defined waistline.
The Pear/Triangle (AKA Style Dial Orange & Green)
This body type features narrow shoulders, a defined waist (slightly less defined in a Green than an Orange), and more shape in the hips, bum, or thighs.
Rectange/Inverted Triangle/Apple (AKA Style Dial Blue)
This body type can be straight, with proportional hips to shoulders and an undefined waist, or feature broader shoulders and narrower hips. Legs are often slim or muscular, and when you gain weight, you tend to gain in the waist or the tummy.
A straighter body type, often referred to as a Rectangle, has proportional shoulders to hips and little waist definition.
Universally Flattering Dresses
I use the term universally flattering with major reservations. NOTHING is universally flattering. However, these styles tend to flatter more than one body type, and have features that make them a little easier to wear. I have mentioned than A-line and a fit-and-flare, and with some exceptions, the wrap, can call fall into this category, but here are a couple of Hekkamall dresses that have details that will flatter many shapes. Pics below are linked for easy shopping, but you can find the black dress here and the white one here.
Don’t forget! You can shop all of these dresses right here, and none of them are over $30!
What is your biggest challenge in finding a dress? And which of these styles is your favorite?
Nada Manley says
Hi! Yes! Thanks for that. I can’t believe I didn’t mention it. Nice surprise though!
Lisa says
Ordered first black dress described and then was so surprised to see the 10% discount offered in the video but not mentioned in the blog. Can you mention any discounts in blog also? Thanks!