If you’ve had enough of shifts and sheaths, turn your attention to the trapeze silhouette. The style gets its name from a trapezoid, featuring a cut that's narrow through the neckline, armholes and bodice before flaring out into a tent-like shape. Widely considered a forgiving dress style for how it lays on the body, the floaty trapeze is architectural and airy at once.
Guidelines for Wearing
In contrast to a formfitting frock, the trapeze dress is essentially shapeless from the bust down. To keep the look flirty and avoid a frumpy appearance, be sure the hem hits above your knee and is tailored to fit your top half. Complete your ensemble with pumps or strappy sandals in warm weather, or rock tights and heeled booties in the winter for a cozy and leg-lengthening effect.
The Flattering Trapeze
While “Elle Canada” states that trapeze dresses can work on virtually every body type, some are more well-suited for this forgiving shape than others. Tall women can carry the look easily; a petite woman risks looking swallowed up if the silhouette isn't tailored to her size. A pear-shaped body is especially flattered in a trapeze style, as this cut shows off a slender upper body and skims over wider hips. Similarly, the trapeze has the potential to camouflage a tummy thanks to its width in that area.
References
Writer Bio
Stacey Kole was managing editor of the International fashion and beauty publication Savvy where she penned stories on all things beauty and style, while writing cover stories on such celebrities as Victoria Hudgens and Julianne Hough. She continues to write for a variety of online fashion, beauty and health publications.