Which dress suits my body shape?

When the perfect cut reveals your unique allure

The secret isn’t in the size on the label or fleeting runway trends. It’s all about balance.

Finding the perfect dress at all costs, especially for a special occasion, can sometimes feel overwhelming. But it’s not about having the “ideal body”—it’s about understanding how cuts, fabrics, and details can balance your silhouette.

Whether you’re a style enthusiast or prefer to keep things simple, here’s a quick list of tips to help you choose the dress that truly flatters you. At the very least, you’ll enjoy a relaxed experience—and at best, you’ll discover a new, glamorous, and beautifully feminine look!

1. The A Shape (or Pyramid)

Your features: Your shoulders are narrower than your hips, and your upper body deserves to be highlighted.

• The goal: Draw attention to the upper body and balance proportions.

• Ideal dresses: A-line dresses that stay fluid without clinging.

• Styles with accentuated shoulders (ruffles, shoulder pads, puff sleeves).

• Boat necklines or deep V-necks.

• To avoid: Very tight sheath dresses or horizontal prints on the lower half.

2. The V Shape (or Inverted Pyramid)

Your features: Your shoulders are wider than your hips. You often have slim legs.

• The goal: Add femininity to the lower body and soften the neckline.

• Your must-have dresses:

  • The skater dress: fitted at the top and flared at the bottom, it creates softness where it’s needed.

  • Asymmetrical cuts (one-shoulder) that break the horizontal line of the shoulders.

  • Dresses with pockets or details on the hips.

• To avoid: Strapless tops and turtlenecks that emphasize the width of the upper body.

3. The H-shaped Woman

Your features: You have a slender look. Your "rectangle" silhouette is athletic, but a bit too straight.

• The goal: Soften the overall look and create curves.

• The perfect dresses:

  • The empire dress (fitted just below the bust).

  • The wrap dress: your best ally!

  • Styles with a slim belt worn low on the hips or side cut-out details.

• To avoid: Styles that are too straight or "bag" shaped, which emphasize a rectangular effect.

4. The X or 8 Shape (or Hourglass)

Your features: Your bust and hips are aligned and you have a slim waist. This is the classic magazine-star silhouette, often praised as the most glamorous.

• The goal: Accentuate your waist without disrupting your natural balance.

• Dresses that flatter you:

  • The wrap dress that delicately reveals the bust and highlights the waist.

  • Fitted and body-hugging dresses that embrace your curves.

  • All belted dresses.

• To avoid: Clothes that are too loose (oversized) as they hide your shape and weigh down your silhouette.

5. The O-shaped Woman

Your features: You have generous curves, a full bust, and a softly defined waist.

• The goal: Elongate your silhouette and draw attention to the upper part of your bust.

• The perfect dresses:

  • The fluid straight dress that doesn’t cling to your little curves.

  • The V-neck or square neckline to highlight your neck.

  • Fluid fabrics (like Tencel or eco-friendly viscose) that drape beautifully.

• To avoid: Fabrics that are too stiff, large floral or geometric prints, and pleats or ruffles around the tummy.

Elora dresses: The fabric makes all the difference! 

Beyond the cut, the fabric plays a key role in how a dress looks. In linen, it has a more sculpted effect—perfect for adding volume—while organic cotton knit gently hugs your curves.

Elora designs each piece with real women’s lives and needs in mind, blending the comfort of sustainable fabrics with precise tailoring.

So, which cut for which effect?

The perfect accessory for each of your dresses

To complete your body shape guide, here’s how to create visual harmony: where you need more volume, add it with accessories; where you already have it, keep things simple.

1. Accessories for A-Shaped (Pyramid) Body Types

• Shoes: Balance out your fuller hips by choosing heels (even small ones) to elongate your legs. Strappy sandals or pointed-toe pumps are perfect.

• Bags: Preferably a short-strapped bag, worn on the shoulder. A baguette bag or a handheld bag might make you look shorter.

• Jewelry: Go all out on top! Statement necklaces, bold earrings, or sparkling brooches to focus attention on your face.

• Swimwear: A mismatched two-piece. Go for plain, dark bottoms (high-cut to elongate the leg) and a top with ruffles, balconette style, or bold prints to draw attention to your upper body.

2. Accessories for V-Shaped (Inverted Pyramid) Body Types

• Shoes: You have slim legs—show them off! For contrast, chunky-soled sneakers, ankle boots with details, or lace-up shoes will highlight the lower part of your silhouette beautifully.

• Bags: A crossbody bag that sits on the hip or a large tote carried by hand. The idea is to balance your overall look.

• Jewelry: Long necklaces (and all types of long chains) are your best friends—they create a vertical line and slim the upper body! Avoid chunky chokers.

• Swimwear: The asymmetrical one-piece (one-shoulder) or bikini bottoms like "shorties" or with side ties, which visually add volume to your hips.

3. Accessories for H-Shaped (Rectangle) Body Types

• Shoes: Anything goes, but to soften the "straight" look, ultra-feminine shoes like round-toe ballet flats or wedge sandals add a gentle touch.

• Bags: A bag with a rounded shape (like a satchel or half-moon bag) to soften the straight lines of your look.

• Jewelry: Play with stacking. Several thin bracelets or necklaces of different lengths to create movement.

• Swimsuit: The trikini is your best friend: its side cut-outs create the illusion of a defined waist. Otherwise, go for a one-piece with an integrated belt.

4. Accessories for the X or 8 body shape (Hourglass)

• Shoes: Shoes that echo your curves, like high-heeled pumps or strappy sandals that highlight the ankle.

• Bag: Go for a medium-sized bag, carry it by hand or under your arm (clutch). Avoid oversized bags that would hide your wasp waist.

• Jewelry: Jewelry that follows your lines: round hoops, necklaces that fall into the neckline. Keep proportions balanced.

• Swimsuit: Everything suits you! Special mention for the classic triangle bikini or the strapless one-piece that perfectly highlights your natural balance.

5. Accessories for the O-shaped woman

• Shoes: Comfort and harmony first. Opt for block heels (stable) or shoes that reveal the top of your foot (like sleek loafers or ballet flats) to lengthen the leg.

• Bag: A structured bag, rectangular or square, to add contrast to your curves. Carry it by hand or on your forearm.

• Jewelry: Vertical jewelry. Long drop earrings or cascading necklaces to elongate your silhouette.

• Swimsuit: The shaping one-piece with a flattering V-cut. Choose matte colors and draped details at the waist to sculpt your figure with elegance.

Elora’s tips: The secret to accessorizing

Accessories are the finishing touch that define your style. Well-chosen bags or necklaces can transform a simple dress into a standout, confidence-boosting outfit. Remember: the rules are here to guide you, but what matters most is your comfort and enjoyment!

Choosing the right print: Volume, texture, and illusion

Choosing a print isn’t just about a visual crush. The pattern is a powerful tool—your eye instantly decodes it to form an overall impression of the person.

• The size of the print: This is the golden rule. Small prints (liberty, polka dots, micro-geometric) have a slimming effect and are especially flattering for curvier women. On the other hand, large prints (big flowers, wide stripes) create volume. They’re perfect for enhancing a narrow bust (typical of A or H-shaped women).

• The direction of lines: Vertical stripes elongate and slim. Horizontal stripes widen (perfect on top for A-shaped women). Diagonal lines, like on wrap dresses, work wonders to define the waist.

• Color contrast: A print on a dark background (black, navy, forest) tends to visually slim, while a light pattern on a bright background adds volume.

• Strategic placement: If you have an A-shaped figure, go for a dress with a floral bodice and a plain dark skirt. If you’re a V, do the opposite!

Finding YOUR dress for a wedding (Guest or Maid of Honor)

A wedding celebration is the perfect occasion to shine. Here’s how to choose according to your body shape to be the most elegant guest:

For A-shaped silhouettes

Go for the asymmetrical dress, with details on the shoulders (lace, pearls). It’s also the perfect time to fall for a statement collar: cowl neck, oversized lavallière bow, and more. Choose a straight skirt, or a flowy chiffon one that will flatter the top of your legs.

• The little extra: A bold color to draw attention to your neckline.

For V-shaped silhouettes

The peplum dress or a dress with a sunray pleated skirt. These cuts add volume around the hips, while a deep V-neckline will break up the width of your shoulders.

For H-shaped silhouettes

The long wrap dress in silk or shiny Tencel. It’s the star of weddings, creating a look that’s both structured and fluid, adding a feminine touch to an athletic silhouette.

• Tip: Play with sheer sleeves to add dimension.

For X or 8-shaped silhouettes

This is the moment to bring out the mermaid dress or a fitted sheath dress. Consider adding a jeweled or satin belt to accentuate your curves.

For O-shaped silhouettes

The empire dress (high waist just under the bust) in a midi or long length. It beautifully highlights the bust while leaving the rest of the body free to move, without clinging. Choose a premium fabric with a lovely, heavy drape to avoid a “puffed up” effect.

When it comes to color, while black is usually best avoided for this special day, you can explore the full range of “almost blacks,” which are especially chic: deep burgundy or violet, emerald green, midnight blue... and don’t hesitate to brighten up your dress with a few well-placed pops of color.

Elora’s commitment: For a festive outing, choosing an Elora dress means ensuring a flawless fit that respects your body. Our at-home Fashion Consultants are here to offer you a personalized, complimentary styling session in the comfort of a private event, helping you find the piece that will make you shine.

Find your Fashion Consultant near you!

The perfect dress for every occasion

Choosing the right piece isn’t just about following trends. By learning to identify the cuts, fabrics, and accessories that enhance your natural assets, you’re not just following fashion—you’re building a look that truly reflects you and boosts your confidence every day.

However, never forget that fashion is, above all, here to serve your well-being. While body shape studies can guide you to avoid missteps and balance your silhouette, they should never overshadow your pleasure or your personality.

A dress worn with absolute confidence will always look more elegant than a theoretically perfect cut in which you don’t feel like yourself.

In short, it’s up to you to discover and express your own style! Whether you go for a wrap dress to highlight your waist or a bold print to showcase your personality, the most important thing is that your reflection shows a woman who is fulfilled, free, and comfortable in her own skin.