Dresses remain one of fall's hottest staples, but let's face it, not all styles work on all silhouettes. Fashion and beauty expert Denise Caldwell joined TODAY to share the ultimate dress guide for all shapes.
If your shape is more like a ... petite 'V'
(Aka, small and maybe broader through the shoulders)
Try ... the transitional shift dress
The sleek-and-simple shift is a quintessential item for transitioning seasons — especially when it's in fall-friendly jewel tones and deeper colors. Try a short version with a high neckline to perfectly complement your petite frame and add a cute belt to give the illusion of an hourglass figure.
Dress: Charming Charlie, charmingcharlie.com, $39
Belt: Chaps, kohls.com, $30
Necklace: Charming Charlie, charmingcharlie.com, $20
Clutch: Charming Charlie, charmingcharlie.com, $12
Shoes: JustFab.com, $39.95
If your shape is more like a ... bell
(Aka, a thicker waistline and wider hips)
Try ... the fit-and-flare dress
This dress style is known for it's fitted bodice and slightly flared skirt. The classically sweet (and subtly sexy) look accentuates an hourglass figure and a scooped neckline lifts the, um, ladies. This particular dress from Avenue is especially flattering with it's knit fabric, which shows off curves and allows for easy movement.
Dress: Avenue, avenue.com, $60
Jacket: MNG by Mango, jcp.com, $69.99
Tights: HUE, hue.com, $15
Boots: Justfab.com, $39.99
If your shape is more like a ... triangle
(Aka, smaller at the top and fuller through the hip and bottom area)
Try ... the tunic dress
Stop hiding those shapely legs! A tunic flares out around your middle to de-emphaisize your waist section, but feel free to hem it shorter and let your legs shine.
Dress: New York & Company, nyandcompany.com, $39
Cardigan: Croft & Barrow, kohls.com, $36
Belt: Calvin Klein, lordandtaylor.com, $38
Tights: HUE, hue.com, $15
Boots: Vionic, vionicshoes.com, $115.95
If your shape is more like a ... vase
(Aka, equally curvy in the chest, hips and thighs)
Try ... animal prints
There's no reason to hide your beautiful body in basic black. A dress style with a bold print will allow you to rock your curves while camouflaging trouble areas. The key is length, fit and fabric. A below-the-knee midi length will flatter while a spandex, lycra, cotton and polyester fabric combination will smooth lumps and bumps.
Dress: Michael Kors, lordandtaylor.com, $140
Pump: Justfab.com, $39.99
Necklace: Vince Camuto, lordantaylor.com, $48
If your shape is more like a ... column
(Aka, your waist, hip and shoulders are all about the same width)
Try ... the body-con dress
Just call this style the curve creator. A body-con dress will hug your slim body and create an ultra-feminine shape. If you're self-conscious about looking too scandalous, cover a bit more skin by choosing a long or three-quarter-length sleeves.
Dress: Maggy London, maggylondon.com, $108
Shoes: justfab.com, $39.99
Necklace: BCBG, lordandtaylor.com, $22
Earrings: Charming Charlie, charmingcharlie.com, $10
If your shape is more like a ... lollipop
(Aka, the majority of your weight is held in the torso area)
Try ... the classic “LBD”
A little black dress doesn't have to be the ho-hum choice in your closet. With a key-hole detail and high neckline, this Fashion to Figure pick is absolutely a statement item. Look for A-line silhouettes and longer hemlines for an ultra-flattering look that works on all body types.
Dress: Fashion to Figure, ftf.com, $46.90
Belt: APT.9 kohls.com, $30
Earrings: Charming Charlie, charmingcharlie.com, $10
Bracelet: Charming Charlie, charmingcharlie.com, $15
Shoes: Justfab.com, $39.99