🥂 Your Perfect Fit: A Cocktail Dress for Every Body Type
The cocktail dress is arguably the most versatile special occasion garment ever created. Originally designed for late afternoon or early evening affairs that sit between casual and black-tie, modern cocktail dresses are no longer just for parties!
With the right cut, material, and accessories, a cocktail dress can be worn nearly anywhere. Need a dressy look for the office? Throw on a chic blazer and sensible office shoes over a non-flashy cocktail dress. Going to a more formal event? Dial up the look with flashy jewelry and heavy makeup.
The tricky part, of course, is finding the right dress. Since few women have the “supermodel” body type, most of us prefer to conceal certain features. When choosing a one-piece dress, the secret is finding a style that balances your figure.
⚖️ The Goal: Achieving Balance
Before shopping, you must determine your body type: top-heavy or bottom-heavy. Your goal should always be to use the dress’s cut to create visual harmony across your figure.
🍑 For the Bottom-Heavy Figure (Pear Shape)
If you carry weight around your hips and thighs, your goal is to draw attention to your upper body and face.
| Flattering Cocktail Dress Styles | Why It Works | |
| Full or Flaring Skirt (A-Line) | The skirt skims over the hips and thighs, hiding the thickness and bulges you want to conceal. The cinched waist highlights your narrowest point. | |
| Empire-Style Waistline | The waist is placed high, drawing the eye immediately to the shoulders, neck, and face. The fabric then drapes beautifully over the lower body. (A word of caution: this cut is also often used for maternity wear.) | |
| Sleeveless or Strapless Top | Baring the arms and shoulders effectively pulls the eye upward, shifting focus away from the hips and lower body. |
🍎 For the Top-Heavy Figure (Apple/Inverted Triangle Shape)
If you have an ample bust or broad shoulders, you have the option to emphasize your legs or your cleavage, or both!
| Flattering Cocktail Dress Styles | Why It Works | |
| Short Skirt with Solid Top | Pairing a solid-colored top (which minimizes visual bulk) with a patterned or short skirt draws the eyes immediately to your legs. Hike the hem up to really put focus there. | |
| Low V-Neck or Plunging Neckline | This style attracts attention to your cleavage. If you want to cover your legs, wear this with a long-skirted cocktail dress. | |
| Avoid Busy Tops | Do not choose a cocktail dress with an overly busy or ruffled top, as this will make your upper body appear larger and skew your overall balance. |
✨ Don’t Forget the Accessories
Accessories are the final step in creating the illusion of balance. Always buy your dress first, then figure out your accessories, bag, and shoes.
- Bottom-Heavy Women: Wear flashy earrings, necklaces, or chokers. These pieces support the dress’s goal of pulling the attention to your face and neck.
- Top-Heavy Women: Forego a chunky necklace and opt for a statement bracelet or sleek drop earrings instead. This keeps the focus balanced across your whole body.
Click here to browse our latest collection of versatile cocktail dresses and discover your ideal fit!
Ready to find the dress that flatters you perfectly?
