I have shopped with a LOT of women in my years as a personal stylist. Women of all ages, sizes, heights, and body types. But there’s one thing every one of us has in common. We all struggle sometimes to find the perfect dress.
I don’t know about you, but I have some rules when it comes to casual dresses. I want them to be easy and comfortable. I don’t want to have to change my bra or suck my stomach in (much) or contort myself. I’m happy if it’s flowy and light and comfortable and not too fussy and even happier if it also has pockets and makes me look taller and, if not younger, then cooler. But not like I’m trying too hard.
Whew! That’s a lot to ask of a couple of yards of fabric. Fortunately, the dresses in today’s video deliver. These styles are tried and true and have worked over the years on women of all ages, sizes, and shapes.
But first, a few guidelines for general dress flattery.
Tips For Finding A Flattering Dress
- If you have a curvy lower half (pear-shaped), you may wear a different size on the top then the bottom. Try a two-piece dress, like this skirt and top.
- The most universally flattering length for a skirt is at the base of the knee.
- Proportional body types (shoulders and hips the same width) look great in vertical necklines, while those with strong lower bodies (pear or Orange/Green body types) often look best in horizontal necklines.
- Curvy bodies often look good in straight dresses, while straighter bodies look good in curved and diagonal shapes.
- Quince sells many of its styles in different lengths and different sleeve options, and also carries a small but growing selection of plus sizes.
Dresses That Work on “Every” Body
While there is no such thing as a universal dress, these dresses flatter most shapes and sizes.
The Tunic Dress
This straight, easy and breezy dress style is comfortable, practical, and also timeless. I’ve been wearing tunic dresses for years, from this printed one to a brightly colored one similar to this. But the newest addition to my tunic dress collection is also my current favorite, and it’s been a favorite of many of yours as well. It’s the sueded tencel tunic dress from Quince.
This tunic dress comes in terracotta, olive, and black, and in sizes XS (my size) through XL. It’s made of 100% Tencel and is $59.90.
The Swing Dress
A swing dress is similar to a tunic dress, but with more of an A-line shape at the lower half. This makes them an easy-fit option that’s perfect for women with curvier lower halves.
Quince makes this swing dress in organic cotton gauze as well as linen, and in sleeveless and short-sleeved versions. 5 colors. XS-XL. $59.90. There is also a sleeveless Tencel version.
The Fit & Flare Dress
Whether in a woven or knit fabric, like the Tencel shown here, a fit & flare style can highlight the waist while skimming over the belly and lower body. Knits tend to be more clingy and less forgiving, of course, but I believe there is a fit and flare for almost every woman.
There is a short ($39.90) and long ($49.90) version of this dress. It comes in Tencel and also in an airy Flowknit version.
The Side Tie or Wrap Dress
A wrap dress can define the waist, while also skimming over curves, and the fact that it wraps allows you to adjust it easily. Wrap dresses in midi lengths that are less fitted overall are more current, and also more flattering to most.
Quince has a Tencel wrap, and a Tencel side tie dress. $59.90 each. The silk wrap comes in short, $129.90, and midi, $139.90.
The Shirt Dress
Like a tunic dress, with buttons, a shirt dress is a classic silhouette. It can have a straight or defined waist, and be long, short, or somewhere in between. A classic style for spring and summer, it works well in cotton, linen, silk, or denim.
Pictures are linked, below.
The Sheath Dress
The classic style that’s always appropriate for work and church, this style comes in both straight and slight A-line versions to accommodate different shapes, as well as sleeveless and short sleeve styles.
Dresses For Most Bodies
These dresses accommodate a wide variety of body types, but are not as near-universal as the above styles.
The Smocked Waist Dress
A smocked waist style offers fit and flattery as well as comfort, and is especially a bonus on hourglass shapes. You might want to skip this dress, however, if you have a prominent and rounded apple shape, as the smocked waist may accentuate the tummy.
This smocked waist silk dress, possibly my favorite dress of all time, is flattering, pretty, and so so comfortable.
Tee or Tank Dresses
These straighter styles are comfortable and casual, but can also highlight a tummy area.
The V-Neck Midi Dress
This is a flowy midi-dress but without the puff sleeves and high collar that can sometimes make these styles hard to wear. Just click on the picture to shop.
Dresses for “Some” Bodies
These dresses work for some body types, and it’s worth a try to see if one of these will be a new favorite.
The Smocked Top Dress
This dress is comfortable, feminine, and modern, but the smocked top may overemphasize a full bust. Quince has a long and short version of this style.
The Trapeze Dress
This flowy style tends to look better in a shorter length, or in a long length on a tall person. It’s an easy summertime staple. Showing the arms or neckline adds balance and prevents it from being too overwhelming.
The Body Con Dress
A fitted dress is the perfect choice if you want to highlight your curves without minimizing any part of your body.
Which of these silhouettes is a go-to for you? And which would you like to try? Let me know in the comments!
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