Know Your Body Type
Before you go dress hunting, it’s essential to recognize your body type. The most common body categories are hourglass, triangle, apple, straight, and inverted triangle. Each shape has its distinct strengths — the goal is to highlight your best features while creating proportion.
Dresses for the Hourglass Figure
If your shoulders and hips are evenly balanced with a defined waist, you have an hourglass figure. Wrap dresses flatter your curves beautifully. Choose fabrics like jersey that highlight your waistline without adding bulk.
Dresses for the Pear Shape
For pear-shaped bodies, your hips are typically wider than your shoulders. Balance your proportions by emphasizing your upper body. Ball gown dresses skim your hips beautifully. Sweetheart bodices help enhance your shoulders.
Dresses for the Apple Shape
If you carry more weight around your midsection, opt for A-line gowns that elongate your figure. Structured shoulders create a flattering vertical line. Avoid tight fabrics and choose designs that fall naturally from the bust downward.
Dresses for the Rectangle Shape
Rectangle body types have a straight silhouette with little waist definition. To create curves, go for ruching. Tiered styles or dresses with embellishments can add feminine shape and movement.
Dresses for the Inverted Triangle Shape
If your shoulders are broader than your hips, choose dresses that create balance below the waist. A-line silhouettes work best. Soft fabrics and embellishments around the hips or waist help harmonize your look beautifully.
The Takeaway
The ideal prom dress is one that makes you feel confident. When in doubt, try different styles and go with what feels right — how you carry yourself is always your best accessory.
For an exclusive selection of graduation dresses designed to flatter every figure, explore Oh Hello Clothing — where style meets the modern look.