Eyelet dresses are a timeless fashion choice, offering both style and comfort with their intricate, breathable fabric and feminine charm. Whether you’re attending a summer wedding, a brunch with friends, or just want a casual chic look, an eyelet dress can be styled to flatter any body type. In this article, we’ll guide you through how to choose and style eyelet dresses for various body shapes, so you can make the most of this versatile and fashionable piece.
1. Hourglass Body Shape: Emphasize Your Curves
An hourglass figure is characterized by balanced proportions, with a defined waist and curves at the bust and hips. Eyelet dresses can beautifully accentuate the natural curves of this body type. Look for styles that highlight your waist and create an hourglass silhouette.
Styling Tips:
- Cinched Waist: Opt for eyelet dresses with a fitted waist, a belt, or an empire waist design to emphasize your curves.
- A-Line Silhouette: A dress with an A-line or slightly flared skirt can help balance your proportions, drawing attention to your waist while giving you a flattering shape.
- V-Necklines: A V-neck or scoop neckline will enhance your bust while elongating your figure.
Pair with a pair of heeled sandals or ankle boots for a polished, flattering look that enhances your natural shape.
2. Pear-Shaped Body: Create Balance with Volume
A pear-shaped body is typically characterized by wider hips and a smaller upper body. The goal when styling an eyelet dress for this shape is to balance the proportions by adding volume to the top half while keeping the focus on your smaller waist and hips.
Styling Tips:
- Embellished or Detailed Upper: Choose eyelet dresses with detailing, such as ruffles, puff sleeves, or intricate designs on the top half of the dress. This will add volume to the upper body and draw attention upward.
- Fit-and-Flare Styles: A fit-and-flare or A-line style will highlight your waist while allowing freedom of movement around the hips.
- Structured Necklines: Look for dresses with structured necklines like boat necks or off-the-shoulder styles to add width to the shoulders and balance out the hips.
For footwear, opt for wedge heels or block heels to create a more balanced look and add some height.
3. Apple-Shaped Body: Focus on Flow and Comfort
Apple-shaped bodies tend to carry weight around the midsection, with narrower hips and fuller busts. When choosing an eyelet dress for this body type, it’s important to select styles that elongate the torso and provide comfort around the waist without being too clingy.
Styling Tips:
- Empire Waist Dresses: Empire waistlines sit just below the bust and flow downward, which helps elongate the torso and create a flattering silhouette.
- A-Line or Shift Dresses: A-line dresses that flow gently from the waist or shift dresses that hang loosely from the shoulders will help camouflage the midsection while providing a more balanced look.
- V-Necklines: A deep V-neckline can help draw the eye downward, elongating the neck and drawing attention to your face.
Opt for flats, sandals, or low heels to keep the look comfortable and effortlessly chic.
4. Rectangular Body Shape: Add Curves and Structure
A rectangular body shape typically features shoulders, waist, and hips that are roughly the same width, with little definition at the waist. The key to styling an eyelet dress for a rectangular body type is to create curves and add structure to your figure.
Styling Tips:
- Belted Dresses: Look for eyelet dresses that come with a belt or use a wide belt to create a defined waist and add shape to your silhouette.
- Peplum or Ruffled Styles: Dresses with peplum details, ruffles, or pleats at the waist and hips can add volume and create curves where they are needed.
- Shaped or Fitted Bodices: Choose dresses with structured bodices that add definition to your torso, or opt for dresses with dart seams that add shape.
Pair with statement heels or wedges to add height and balance the overall look.
5. Inverted Triangle Shape: Soften the Shoulders
Inverted triangle-shaped bodies tend to have broader shoulders and a narrower waist and hips. When styling an eyelet dress for this body type, the aim is to balance out the top half by adding volume and creating more curves at the lower body.
Styling Tips:
- V-Neck or Scoop Necklines: A deep V-neckline or scoop neck will help soften the shoulders and bring attention to your neckline and face.
- A-Line or Flared Skirts: A-line or flared dresses that gently skim the hips and thighs will add volume to the lower half, creating balance between the upper and lower body.
- Sleeveless or Cap Sleeves: Dresses with cap sleeves or sleeveless designs can keep the look more streamlined, drawing attention away from the shoulders.
For shoes, go for ankle straps or kitten heels to complement the feminine, balanced look.
6. Petite Body Shape: Opt for Shorter and Streamlined Styles
For petite body types, the goal is to elongate the body and create the illusion of height. Eyelet dresses that are too long or oversized can overwhelm smaller frames, so opt for dresses that are proportioned to your body.
Styling Tips:
- Above-the-Knee or Knee-Length: Shorter dresses that hit just above the knee or at the knee will elongate your legs and create a more balanced silhouette.
- Vertical Lines: Dresses with vertical eyelet detailing or patterns can elongate the body and make you appear taller.
- Slim-Fit Styles: Stick with fitted or slightly flared eyelet dresses to avoid too much excess fabric that can overwhelm your frame.
Pair with heeled sandals, wedges, or pointy-toe flats to add height and create a streamlined look.
7. Tall Body Shape: Embrace Longer Silhouettes
Tall body types have the freedom to experiment with a wide range of dress lengths and styles. The goal is to embrace the length of your body while adding shape and definition where needed.
Styling Tips:
- Maxi and Midi Lengths: Tall frames look fantastic in longer eyelet dresses. A flowy maxi or midi dress will complement your height and provide a graceful, elongated look.
- Structured Silhouettes: Structured, body-hugging dresses with a defined waist will highlight your shape and create a feminine curve.
- High Necklines or Asymmetry: High necklines or asymmetrical cuts can break up the length and add dimension to your overall look.
Complete the ensemble with a pair of tall boots or block heels to enhance your tall frame.
Conclusion
Eyelet dresses are a versatile and stylish choice that can be tailored to suit every body type. By selecting the right style and fit for your shape, you can accentuate your best features and feel confident in any eyelet dress. Whether you’re looking to add curves, define your waist, or create balance, there’s an eyelet dress out there for you. Keep these styling tips in mind, and you’ll always look chic and put-together in an eyelet dress, no matter your body type.
