How to Style Your Reformation Dress for Different Body Types

Reformation is known for its stylish, sustainable dresses that cater to a variety of occasions and seasons. One of the brand’s key strengths is its inclusive sizing and variety of fits, making it easy for women of all body types to find their perfect dress. Whether you’re petite, curvy, tall, or somewhere in between, understanding how to style a Reformation dress to enhance your natural shape can help you look and feel your best. Here’s a guide to styling Reformation dresses for different body types, ensuring you always achieve a flattering and chic look.

1. Hourglass Shape: Embrace Your Curves

If you have an hourglass figure, your waist is narrower than your bust and hips, with a balanced proportion. Reformation offers many dresses that accentuate your curves while maintaining a flattering, balanced silhouette.

Best Styles for Hourglass Figures:

Fit-and-Flare Dresses: These dresses hug the waist and flare out, enhancing your curves while providing balance. Look for styles that are cinched at the waist, like a fitted midi dress or wrap dress, to emphasize your shape.
V-Necklines: A V-neck dress elongates the body and creates a flattering line from the shoulders down to the waist. It’s perfect for highlighting the upper body and creating an hourglass shape.
Belted Dresses: Adding a belt to your dress will accentuate your natural waist and further define your figure. Look for dresses with built-in waist ties or opt for a stylish belt to complete the look.

Styling Tips for Hourglass Figures:

Opt for dresses with a defined waistline to highlight your curves.
Avoid overly loose or shapeless dresses that can overwhelm your figure.
Show off your curves with body-hugging fabrics like satin, velvet, or organic cotton.

2. Pear Shape: Balance Your Hips and Shoulders

A pear-shaped body has narrower shoulders and a wider, curvier bottom half, with fuller hips and thighs. The goal with a pear-shaped body is to balance the upper and lower halves, drawing attention to the top while creating a harmonious look.

Best Styles for Pear Shapes:

A-Line Dresses: A-line dresses are perfect for pear shapes because they skim over the hips and create a balanced, flattering look. The gentle flare of an A-line dress helps to divert attention from the hips and thighs, while still showing off your waist.
Off-the-Shoulder and Boat Neck Dresses: These styles draw attention to your upper body and neckline, making the shoulders appear broader and creating balance between the top and bottom halves.
Shift Dresses: A shift dress falls straight down from the shoulders, which can help elongate the body and minimize the appearance of wider hips.

Styling Tips for Pear Shapes:

Look for dresses with a defined waistline to give structure and avoid overwhelming your lower half.
Choose dresses with embellishments or details at the neckline, like ruffles, collars, or patterns, to add volume to your upper body.
Avoid dresses that are too tight at the hips or thighs. Instead, go for dresses that have flowy, forgiving fabrics around the lower body.

3. Apple Shape: Create a Balanced Silhouette

Apple-shaped bodies are typically characterized by a fuller bust, broader shoulders, and a less defined waist. The key for apple shapes is to create a more defined waist while emphasizing the legs and lower body for balance.

Best Styles for Apple Shapes:

Empire Waist Dresses: These dresses gather just below the bust, drawing attention to the slimmest part of your body. They also help to elongate the legs, which is ideal for balancing out a broader upper body.
Fit-and-Flare Dresses: As with hourglass shapes, fit-and-flare styles work well for apple-shaped bodies too. They emphasize the waist while providing ample space through the hips and thighs for comfort.
A-Line Dresses: A-line dresses create a more balanced silhouette by adding structure to the lower half of the body and flaring out gently from the waist down.

Styling Tips for Apple Shapes:

Focus on dresses that elongate the torso, such as V-neck or scoop necklines, to draw the eye downward and create a longer line.
Avoid dresses with too much fabric around the waist, as it can make the midsection appear bulkier.
Look for dresses with interesting details or patterns on the lower half to draw attention to your legs and away from the midsection.

4. Petite Shape: Add Height and Proportion

Petite bodies are typically shorter in stature, and it’s important to find dresses that enhance your proportions without overwhelming your frame. The goal is to create the illusion of height and a longer, leaner silhouette.

Best Styles for Petite Figures:

Mini Dresses: Mini dresses are great for petites as they showcase your legs and create the appearance of added height. They can be casual or dressy, depending on the style.
Fit-and-Flare Dresses: These dresses are flattering for petites because they help define the waist and elongate the legs. Look for dresses with a high waistline to make your legs appear longer.
Bodycon Dresses: A fitted bodycon dress can create a sleek, streamlined look, which works well for petites by elongating the body. Pair with heels to maximize the lengthening effect.

Styling Tips for Petite Figures:

Stick with dresses that are above the knee or just at the knee to elongate the legs.
Avoid overwhelming your frame with overly voluminous or long dresses.
Heels are your best friend! They add height and help give the dress a more proportional look.

5. Tall Shape: Highlight Your Height and Proportions

If you have a tall frame, the key is to wear dresses that complement your height while maintaining balance and proportion. Tall women often have the luxury of wearing both long and short dresses, so the goal is to showcase your height in the best way possible.

Best Styles for Tall Figures:

Maxi Dresses: Tall women can pull off the full-length look beautifully. Maxi dresses create a flowing silhouette that is graceful and elegant. Reformation offers stunning options with fitted bodices and flowing skirts that are flattering for tall frames.
Midi Dresses: Midi dresses are another great option for tall women. They fall at just the right length, elongating the legs while creating balance. Look for dresses with higher waistlines to give the illusion of a more defined waist.
Shirt Dresses: Shirt dresses with a structured fit help balance a tall frame and give a modern, relaxed vibe. They work great for casual or semi-formal occasions.

Styling Tips for Tall Figures:

Play with long lines and vertical patterns to emphasize your height in a chic way.
Avoid dresses that cut you off at the waist unless they have a defined belt or waist detail to create proportion.
When wearing a maxi or midi dress, choose shoes that either match your dress or opt for heels to show off your legs.

Final Thoughts

Reformation dresses are versatile and stylish, making them perfect for women of all shapes and sizes. By understanding your body type and choosing dresses that flatter your figure, you can confidently showcase your personal style. Whether you’re looking to highlight your curves, add balance, or elongate your frame, there’s a Reformation dress for you. Keep these tips in mind as you style your next dress, and you’ll be sure to turn heads at any event!