Formal Gown Design

In buying a formal gown, or any other style of dress for that matter, choosing a flattering design that suits your body size and type is important. Not only does it make you look your best, but you feel more comfortable and confident in a formal gown that fits you well and flatters your figure.

Body type is a critical consideration in selecting a flattering formal gown no matter where you decide to purchase your dress. Of course, purchasing a dress
is often less expensive and one of the most convenient ways to buy a formal evening gown.

Here are some helpful hints in finding flattering formal gown choices to suit your body size and type.

The Importance of Body Type

There's no doubt that taking your own body type into consideration when choosing a formal gown cut and design is the most important step in getting the best dress for you. You certainly want to ensure you choose a dress that matches your shape well and which will accentuate your best features while downplaying your so called shortcomings. In other words, you want to ensure you choose a formal dress that matches you and not just one that looks good on a model. After all, the odds that you have the same size and shape as a model who displays a dress is very unlikely. Make sure you get a formal evening gown that will look fabulous on you.

Determining Your Body Type and Choosing Dress Styles

You may already know your own body type, or you may be a woman who has never really taken into consideration body type and has always focused entirely on size instead. There are four primary categories into which most women fall. Each body type looks best in certain kinds of cuts and designs of formal gowns. Here are the most common categories, including brief descriptions of body features.

Straight - The straight body type features a smaller bust, narrower hips and a straighter, less differentiated waistline. Many who have a straighter body type also have longer waists and may have longer and thinner legs as well. Women with straight figures, especially those with long waists, look wonderful in empire dresses and other flowing designs.

Hourglass - The hourglass shape features a larger bust and wider hips, with a thinner, very well defined waist. Many women who have an hourglass shape also have shapely thighs and they may be short or tall in height. Women with hourglass shapes often look good in any formal gown though designs with well defined waistlines and strapless or spaghetti strap dresses are also well suited to this body type.

Pear-Shaped - Those women who have a pear-shaped body have a smaller bust with a rounder bottom and wider hips. The upper body is obviously smaller than the lower and the waist is relatively well defined. Many women who are pear-shaped in appearance are also shorter in stature. The A-line dress is generally considered the most flattering style for pear-shaped women.

Rounded- The rounded type is curvy all over. This body type lacks definition in the waist line and features a larger bust and wider hips and may also feature wider thighs as well. Women with rounded bodies can achieve a flattering appearance with formal gowns that have lower necklines and drop waists.