How to Choose a Spring Dress for Your Body Type

Spring means blossoming flowers, warmer days and light, lacy, lovely dresses. Whether you are shopping for an Easter frock, a workday outfit or simply something fun and flirty to play in, there are oodles of dress types from which you can choose. Finding one that flatters your figure is the key.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tape measure
• Full-length mirror

1. Check your hip to waist ratio. If you are pear-shaped with a more narrow top and wider hips, look for a dress with a wide or low neckline or even a strapless spring dress. Lots of color or patterns on top and a flared skirt will flatter your form.

2. Flatter an apple shape. If your waist is wider and your hips more narrow, an empire waisted spring dress in a body skimming - but not clingy - fabric will look lovely. An appropriately low neckline will look pretty on you, too.

3. Hide your arms. If you feel self-conscious due to less-than-sculpted upper arms, find a spring dress topped with a bolero jacket or pretty, puffy sleeves.

4. Flaunt a fuller figure. If you are curvy all over, don't hide under a shapeless shift. Choose a spring dress with a print that is not too busy in colors that accent your eyes. Look for a belted or otherwise defined waist, as well.

5. Add some shape. If you are long and lean or simply very thin, you can wear most any spring dress. However, a knee-length A-line dress will give the illusion of more curves.

Tips & Warnings

• Try on three of the same dress. Sizes can vary between brands, and you may be under or overestimating. Take the size you normally wear, the size below and the size above to the dressing room and see which flatters you best. Remember, no one will see the tag.
• Always look at yourself in a full-length mirror when trying on a new dress.

Resources

• Spring into a Fresh, New Season
• Waist to Hip Ratio Calculator

[Magentaslb]

on 11/2/2009 Great tips....5* and rec

[bobbileder]

on 5/20/2009 I like the size tip because it's so true although if my normal size doesn't fit and I have to go up, I usually just give up and sulk. LOL! Spring dresses are so pretty and strangely enough, I found the one I like best in a sporting goods store. I'm probably the one person who went into Academy looking for a pretty dress. :-)

[elyria]

on 5/4/2009 Great article, I love spring dresses!

[elyria]

on 5/4/2009 Great article, I love spring dresses!

[jamiekucharski]

on 5/4/2009 Great tips on sprinfg fashion for one's body type. Thanks!