Flattering Dresses for Every Body Type

You don't need to hide your upper body if you have wide shoulders. Instead, look for body-balancing details on bottom, like a wide colorblock hem. A soft, rounded neckline further breaks up the line of wide shoulders. Avoid puffy sleeves or voluminous tops paired with slim bottoms that will exaggerate your shoulder width.

Disguise a thick waist by either raising, lowering or eliminating the waistline. This cozy sweater dress from Calvin Klein features a raised waist with full sleeves: both work to draw the eye up and away from a thick middle. A drop-waist dress, which hits somewhere around the hipbones, or no-waist shifts are other good alternative for disguising a thick waist.

Balance a top-heavy figure by opting for the most flattering necklines for the full bust: the V-neck, plunging neckline or square neck dress like this Jones New York Dress. Look for fabrics that skim, but aren't clingy or too stiff. Also, avoid ornate necklines, embellished bodices and blouson styles.

Most clothing actually hangs better on women with smaller busts, but if you want to add more volume up top look for embellishment or fullness on the bust. This high-waisted, mock two-piece dress is a trendy look for Fall, and made for smaller busted women. The combination of white with a tuxedo bodice add visual fullness without any extra bulk.

If you're body lacks natural curves, add feminine presence pattern and texture like this zigzag sweater dress from IN. You can also pump up the volume with extra details like full sleeves, ruched waist, layers, ruffles and big prints.