If you have been invited to a formal night out, you will wish to look your best and the key to looking great is to find evening dresses that complement your shape. This is true regardless of your dress size. From Coast beautiful evening dresses to D&G dresses, there is a perfect evening dress to suit every shape and style, so long as you take the time to find it.

Pear Shapes

If you fall into the pear shape category, you will find yourself in good company. Pear shapes tend to possess wider thighs and hips. A-line dresses are ideal for this body shape as they effectively skim over the thighs and hips. Dresses with broad necklines and fine detailing around the top half can help to draw the eyes away from the lower body and help to balance out the body as a whole.

Apple Shapes

If you have a tendency to carry weight around your waist, your body shape is described as being apple shaped. Women with this body shape are blessed with slim legs and arms. Empire line evening dresses in short and long lengths are the best dresses for apple shapes. The high waist of empire line dresses mean that the fabric of the dress skims over the stomach area. If you are an apple shape, you should avoid choosing evening dresses that draw attention to the waist. Dresses with belts, sashes or detail around the waist area should therefore be avoided.

Hourglass Shapes

The hourglass shape is characterised by a large bust, a tiny waist and large hips and thighs. If you fall into this category, evening dresses that highlight your tiny waist will make the most of your body shape. Dresses with straight skirts tend to also look flattering on this body type.

Athletic Body Shapes

Women with athletic body shapes tend to have toned hips and thighs and a waist which is in proportion with their small bust. Mini dresses look great on athletic body types, as do halterneck dresses. If you have an athletic body shape and desire a more feminine look, select evening dresses with puffy, flared or ruffled skirts.

Petites

Petites should adhere to the rules of their body shape. Styles that look particularly good on petites include fitted tailored evening dresses and knee-length empire line dresses. Dresses featuring vertical or diagonal stripes will suit this body type, as will dresses featuring embellished detail. Dresses in a single colour are perfect petites and teaming dresses with nude coloured heeled shoes will help to make the legs appear longer. However, heels that are too high can seem out of proportion on petite body shapes, so choose the heel height with care.

Once you have determined the type of body shape you possess, it is easy to find the right style of evening dress for your needs. Once you have chosen your preferred style of dress, selecting a dress in a colour that complements your skin tone, eye and hair colour will perfect your overall look.