Prom Dress - What style of dress suits my body shape?
There are so many different styles of dresses from which to choose, you need to consider what style is appropriate for your Prom Dress.
Finding your style is a trial and error process of trying on different silhouettes, necklines, dress length and sleeves until you find what suits your body shape.
Styles of Dresses
A-Line
The A-line style is perfect for girls looking for a slimming shape that can hide a few flaws. A-Line is the most figure-flattering silhouette, featuring vertical seams flowing down to a flared skirt, creating an "A" shape. The flared skirt makes room for your hips and thighs, while having a slimming effect down below.
What body shape does it suit: Pear shaped, Straight.
Ball Gown
The Ball Gown silhouette is the classic "Princess" dress, which often features a fitted bodice with natural waistline, well defined across and full skirted. The Ball Gown suits most body shapes and is ideal for drawing eyes to your face, collarbones and waist, and hiding troublesome hips.
What body shape does it suit: Pear shaped, Straight, Round waist, Hourglass, Athletic.
Empire
The Empire silhouette features a high waistline (directly under the bust) and a skirt that starts just below the cropped bodice. The high cut waist suggests a narrow waist and gives you a fuller seeming bust line. The slightly flared skirt makes room for your hips and thighs, while having a slimming effect down below.
What body shape does it suit: Pear shaped, Round waist.
Mermaid
The mermaid silhouette is nota style that is suitable for everyone shape. The Mermaid silhouette features a narrow style that fits tightly to the body and a skirt that flares at the knee. This is probably one of the less comfortable styles available. This sexy silhouette is suited to girls who like to show off their curvy shape.
What body shape does it suit: Hourglass, Straight
Sheath
The Sheath is another body fitting gown style, which is similar to the Mermaid style. The Sheath is a body-fitting gown with no defined waistline; unlike the Mermaid, it does not flare at the knee. This style is comfortable to wear. Because it creates a clean, vertical line it can be particularly flattering to a shorter girl who wants to look taller.
What body shape does it suit: Athletic, Straight.
Halter
The halter dress is a classic look that works well on most figures. This style dress can have a number of different skirt styles, making it suitable for most body shapes. Showing off the shoulders and back while providing more support than a strapless dress.
What body shape does it suit: Hourglass, Pear shaped
Images courtesy of Prom-Dresses.com