How to Choose a Dress You’ll Love to Wear
The perfect dress. We have all longed for it, but perfect dresses aren’t found—they’re chosen with intention. And it all starts with knowing your proportions, your ideal color palette, and the silhouettes that work best for you.
Though most information you read simplifies proportions into the term “body type” and then categorizes it into 4 or 5 “fruits” at Unfoldid we take a more holistic approach. We know that every body is different and being a “Pear” is not enough information to build a wardrobe around! Are you 5’9” or 5’2”? 34B or 36EEE? Are you short or long waisted? What are your personal style goals?? The Style Formula at Unfoldid decodes the science behind your style and shows you how to use science to get the results you want. Start with these expert tips to find the perfect dress for you.
If you love to soften your hips:
Choose A-line or fit and flare styles. The proportions are perfect to create a more defined waist while gracefully draping over and visually minimizing the hips. Be sure it is fitted high at the natural waist and floats away as it hits the hip. If you are petite choose a less full and shorter version so it doesn’t overwhelm your frame. The second option to soften hips is to build up your shoulder-line, altering the proportional balance. A broader, bigger shoulder naturally makes the hips appear smaller by comparison. Try shoulder pads, puff or cap sleeves or wide horizontal necklines. Avoid hiding the waist by having fabric drape straight off the broad shoulders. Instead look for cuts that drape in or nip at the waist.
If you prefer to soften your broad shoulders:
Look for V necks or a deep U. This neckline breaks up a broad shoulder making it appear less broad. Stay away from any neckline that is wider (horizontal) than it is deep as it will move the eye side to side and make the shoulders appear broader. A V-shaped layer such as a jacket or sweater or adding a pendant necklace will have the same effect of breaking-up and visually narrowing the shoulders. Avoid drawing attention to the shoulders with epitaphs, puffy sleeves, bold color or sequins directly on the shoulders.
If you love a curvy bottom:
A shift dress that contours in at the bottom (think 1950’s pencil skirt) will give a flattering curve to even straight hips. Not feeling that sassy? Then choose a mild A-line or puff skirt in a bold color — the added volume and interest creates the illusion of great curves! Remember to keep the natural waist (the place where you “kink” when you lean to the side) smooth and sleek. This adds to the impact of the proportional difference we are creating between the bottom of the skirt to the natural waist.
If you prefer to downplay a larger bust:
Choose V-necks or even a keyhole to downplay a larger bust. No need to show cleavage to get the effect. A high V-neck works just as well. Or try adding a short pendant necklace to your solid neckline for the same V effect. A sleek V-shaped layer like a V-neck cardi or V-stance blazer will also breakup and downplay the bust
If you like to accentuate a waist:
A-line, fit-and-flare or styles with extra volume at the hem create the perfect proportions to create and accentuate your natural waist (the area that kinks when you bend to the side). The width of the skirt creates a greater difference of proportions between the hip area and your smaller waist -- no matter the size of your waist. In fact, the wider the flare the smaller your waist will look -- it’s simply a matter or proportions. An empire waist dress that hits just below the bust also creates great curves mimicking a waistline while camouflaging everything below!
You can also add extra volume at the shoulders to create this same proportional effect of accentuating and defining a waist. Or do both!
Save time and find options specifically for your body type and preferenceds.