Shopping for the perfect dress can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding something that flatters your unique body shape. Luckily, Lane Bryant offers a wide variety of dresses designed to celebrate curves and enhance different body types. Whether you’re looking for something casual, formal, or somewhere in between, the right dress can make all the difference in boosting your confidence and style. Here’s a guide to help you choose the perfect Lane Bryant dress based on your body type.
1. Hourglass Shape: Accentuate Your Curves
If you have an hourglass shape, you likely have a well-defined waist, with your bust and hips being roughly the same width. This body type is known for its curves, and the key to choosing a flattering dress is to accentuate that natural shape.
Best Dress Styles for Hourglass Figures:
- Fit-and-Flare Dresses: These dresses are perfect for hourglass figures as they hug the waist and flare out, showcasing your curves in a balanced and flattering way.
- Bodycon Dresses: Embrace your curves with a bodycon dress that hugs your figure without being too tight. Lane Bryant offers bodycon styles that provide comfort and structure.
- Belted Dresses: A belted dress helps define your waist even more, adding structure and emphasizing your silhouette.
2. Pear Shape: Balance Your Proportions
For those with a pear-shaped body, your hips are wider than your shoulders, and your waist is narrower. The goal is to balance out the proportions of your upper and lower body while drawing attention to your waist and creating a more symmetrical silhouette.
Best Dress Styles for Pear-Shaped Figures:
- A-Line Dresses: The A-line silhouette is a classic choice for pear-shaped figures, as it gently flares out from the waist, helping to balance your proportions.
- Fit-and-Flare Dresses: Like the A-line style, the fit-and-flare dress emphasizes the waist and gives you a defined look without clinging to the hips.
- V-Neck and Off-the-Shoulder Dresses: These necklines draw attention to your upper body and elongate your neckline, creating a more balanced look.
3. Apple Shape: Draw Attention to Your Legs and Face
Apple-shaped bodies tend to carry weight around the midsection, with narrower hips and legs. The goal when choosing a dress for an apple shape is to draw attention away from the midsection and emphasize your legs and upper body.
Best Dress Styles for Apple-Shaped Figures:
- Empire Waist Dresses: An empire waistline sits just below the bust, drawing attention to the highest point of your body and flowing down over your midsection, creating a flattering silhouette.
- A-Line and Shift Dresses: These styles provide enough room around the midsection, ensuring a relaxed and comfortable fit while still creating an elegant look.
- Dresses with Vertical Lines or Patterns: Vertical stripes or patterns help elongate your frame and create a slimming effect. Look for dresses with these details to draw attention downward.
4. Rectangle Shape: Create Curves and Define Your Waist
Rectangle-shaped bodies tend to have a straight silhouette with little definition around the waist, bust, and hips. The goal is to create the illusion of curves and a more defined waistline.
Best Dress Styles for Rectangle-Shaped Figures:
- Fit-and-Flare Dresses: This style adds curves to a rectangle body by cinching at the waist and flaring out, creating a more feminine shape.
- Peplum Dresses: A peplum dress with its flared fabric around the waist creates volume and enhances the curve between the waist and hips.
- Belted Dresses: Adding a belt or choosing a dress with a built-in belt will help create more definition at the waist, which is key for rectangle body types.
5. Inverted Triangle Shape: Emphasize Your Curves and Lower Half
Inverted triangle shapes typically have broader shoulders and a narrower waist and hips. The goal for an inverted triangle shape is to create more volume in the lower half to balance out the shoulders and add a curvier silhouette.
Best Dress Styles for Inverted Triangle Figures:
- A-Line Dresses: The A-line shape adds fullness and volume to the lower half, balancing out broader shoulders and creating a more proportional look.
- Empire Waist Dresses: By gathering fabric just below the bust, an empire waist dress directs attention away from the shoulders and draws the eye downward, creating a more balanced shape.
- Ruffle or Pleated Dresses: Dresses with ruffles or pleats at the bottom add volume and texture to the lower half, helping to balance out your figure.
6. Plus-Size Tall Figures: Lengthening and Flattering Styles
For plus-size tall women, the challenge often lies in finding dresses that are long enough while still fitting your body comfortably. The goal is to choose dresses that flatter your height while emphasizing your curves.
Best Dress Styles for Tall Plus-Size Figures:
- Maxi Dresses: Long, flowing maxi dresses are an excellent choice for tall figures. They add length and elegance while showcasing your height.
- Fit-and-Flare Dresses: These dresses are ideal for tall figures, as they create a flattering shape without overwhelming the frame. Look for styles that fall just above the knee or that have a slight flare for added shape.
- Long Sleeve or ¾ Sleeve Dresses: Dresses with longer sleeves are great for adding balance and proportions to tall bodies, providing a more even and proportional silhouette.
7. Plus-Size Petite Figures: Proportionate and Flattering Cuts
For plus-size petite women, it’s important to focus on dresses that lengthen the frame and don’t overwhelm your smaller stature. Look for styles that are fitted but not too tight, and avoid overly long dresses that may drown your figure.
Best Dress Styles for Plus-Size Petite Figures:
- A-Line Dresses: The A-line shape helps create a balanced look without being too long or bulky, making it perfect for petite frames.
- Empire Waist Dresses: Dresses that gather just below the bust create an elongating effect, giving you more height and helping to define your waist.
- Knee-Length Dresses: A knee-length dress will flatter petite frames by showing off your legs and giving you a more proportionate, polished appearance.
Conclusion: Celebrate Your Body Type with the Right Lane Bryant Dress
Lane Bryant offers a variety of dresses tailored to enhance every plus-size body type. Whether you have an hourglass, pear, apple, rectangle, or inverted triangle shape, there are plenty of styles that will help you feel confident and beautiful. By selecting dresses that complement your natural curves and proportions, you can create flattering and comfortable looks for any occasion. Keep these tips in mind and celebrate your unique body with Lane Bryant’s stylish and inclusive collection of dresses.