Putting Your Best Dress Forward 

by Stephanie Jimenez

Fashion stylists and experts agree that the best way to make a lasting first impression starts with your appearance.  Whether you love it or hate it, your appearance matters in putting your best foot forward.  As a woman who loves to dress and shop for just about anything, I find shopping relaxing and soothing.  Now most of my friends and family share a different opinion on shopping, and the one thing I notice more and more these days are women who don’t dress for their body type.  I wonder if they even know what body type they have.  In the hopes of increasing your enjoyment in shopping we put together this chart to help identify your style.  We hope it helps you define your own personal style and brings ease to your mind as you put your best dress forward.
Rectangle Body Type: With shoulders and hips that are very similar in width, this body type is very straight up and down with slight definition in the waist.  Due to a lack of waistline picking something that can create a waistline is your best option.  Gathered and pleated dresses or skirts work the best for this body type.  Something with a sashed waistline would also create the illusion of a smaller waistline.
Pear Body Type: Narrow shoulders, a smaller bust and wider hips define this body type.  When dressing for this body type you’ll want to choose clothes that hug your chest and then loosens up at the waist.  This will take the attention away from your hips and even out your torso.  Clothing with full sleeves also helps balance out the body.  Avoid pieces that are full and/or heavily decorated near the hips.  Sheath dresses will draw also attention to your hips and make it even more apparent that your top half may be a bit smaller.  You will also want to stay away from anything with a high neckline.
Hourglass Body Type: Wide shoulders, full bust, narrow waist and wide hips mark this body.  To put your best dress forward in this style focus on balancing your curves without over doing it.  By wearing something that hugs your curves, but does not squeeze them tells people that you are comfortable with your shape, but are not out the throw it in everyone’s face.  You may also want to try strapless for a sexier nighttime look.

Photos by Stephanie Jimenez