Prom is right around the corner, and it’s never too early to begin your search for the perfect dress. Unlike prom dresses, prom dresses are traditionally less formal and more fun, giving you the chance to select a prom dress that suits your personality – and your body type.
Prom gowns come in a wide array of styles, colors and types, which can be overwhelming, if you don’t have a particular dress in mind. However, no matter what type of gown you prefer – empire waist, A-line gowns or a mini dress, for example – your ideal prom dress should fit and flatter your body type.
Find a Flattering Prom Dress – Determine Your Body Type
Because not every prom dress will be flattering to each body type, you should begin your search for the perfect frock by first assessing your body shape. Stand in front of the mirror and evaluate your body – but whatever you do, don’t spent time criticizing your body – you’re perfect the way you are! Instead, evaluate your body objectively and use the information you learn to choose prom dresses that will enhance your best features. Below we have put together a guide listing several body types and the prom dresses that work best for these shapes. Don’t worry if you find that your features fit one, two, or three of these body types at once – each body is different. Simply choose the set of features that sound like they fit you the best!
Apple Shape
The „apple shape“ body type is coined after a torso that is shaped like an apple, with a larger chest and slimmer hips. The shoulders may be broader, and the mid-section may be wider. For girls with this body type, choose dresses that skim the body, elongate the torso, and show off those legs!
We recommend choosing a prom dress with a V-neck or empire-line neckline to elongate the body and to detract from the natural waist lines. Dresses with belts cinched at the smallest part of the waist are also very attractive for the apple shape – additionally, empire dresses help to conceal or slim the mid-section, making the body look slimmer. And shorter prom dresses show off the apple shape’s best assets – her legs! Choose a frock with a shorter hemline to accentuate the legs and to deter from the midsection.
Pear Shape
The “pear shape” is defined by a pear-shaped torso, with a smaller upper body that elongates into a larger lower body. Girls with the pear shape body type typically have rounded hips and posteriors, with slim stomachs and small chests. We recommend selecting a prom dress that detracts attention away from the hips and the thighs and accentuates the shoulders, the elongated torso and the flat stomach. The design should downplay the hips and add shape to the upper-body. Strapless prom dresses provide girls with this body type a chance to display their slender arms, particularly dress styles with ruffles on top, which provide the upper-body with extra shape. A-line styles also work particularly well with pear-shaped bodies.
Hourglass Shape
Girls with this body shape have torsos with a slim mid-section and a similarly-proportioned upper and lower-body width. The hourglass figure is usually well-rounded in the hips, thighs and/or chest area, making girls with this shape extra-curvy. The trick? Choosing a prom dress that accentuates and balances th