A-line dress

A-line
This dress steadily tapers out from the waist to the hem in strong, straight lines, revealing a silhouette like the edges of a capital letter A.

This is a very forgiving silhouette and can work for all shapes, depending on the neckline. For instance, with a halter top, this is perfect for a triangle; however, with a wide set straps, it's perfect for an inverted triangle.

Corset dress

Corset
The focus of this dress is in the tight, torso-hugging band from the navel to the bottom of the bust; it's often reinforced with boning inserted into the stiff fabric to pull in the stomach and push up the bust.

It's another silhouette that works well for all body shapes, depending on the placement of the straps. A well-made corset will cinch in the waist a couple of inches and release at the hip—this is an excellent way to achieve an hourglass figure.

Empire dress

Empire
The bodice of this dress hits just below the bustline and tapers out to the hem, as if from a very high waist.

If you are a rectangle, pick an empire dress that fits snugly around your chest and flares out to give you the illusion of a high-defined waistline. For a triangle, this silhouette will pull the eye up and make your legs seem long and lean.

Halter dress

Halter
The straps of this sleeveless dress start toward the front center of the garment, then attach behind the neck rather than over the shoulders, revealing an open upper back.

It's the perfect piece for a triangle in a fluid, midweight fabric to down play your bottom half.

Off-the-shoulder dress

Off-the-Shoulder
The straps of this dress are designed to wrap around the arms, below the shoulders, revealing bare shoulders and an open neck area.

If you are a rectangle, pick an off-the-shoulder dress with a flared skirt—this will widen both your shoulders and your hips to create an hourglass figure.

Polo dress

Polo Dress
The T-shirt–shaped, collared top of this casual dress has two or three buttons on the front that open to a V-shaped neck, then fall to the knee.

If the polo has a bit of a cap sleeve, it will work for a triangle to create a squared-off structure to your shoulders. It's also good for an hourglass shape, especially if you wear the top two or three buttons open to create a V-neck to flatter your top half.

Princess seams dress

Princess Seams
These are form-fitting, curved seams that mimic the hourglass shape, running down the right and the left front of the dress.

Princess seams work great on all shapes, as the seams define and slenderize your frame.

Sheath dress

Sheath
This dress features a figure-hugging silhouette with a defined waist and is most often designed as a sleeveless shell that hits at or just below the knee.

Sheath dresses work on all shapes, but chose one with a shoulder that best suits your frame. Also be sure to choose one that is slightly fitted and not too boxy.

Slip dress

Slip Dress
Originally worn as a sleep garment or undergarment, this dress—usually made of very lightweight fabrics such as silk, satin or a thin cotton—has spaghetti straps and a low-cut neckline and can be "slipped" on and off over the head.

The slip dress is similar to the sheath and will work on all shapes, depending on the placement of the straps.

Strapless dress

Strapless
Quite simply, this dress has no straps running over the shoulders or arms, thus creating a horizontal or sweetheart neckline.

Strapless dresses are best suited for an hourglass-shaped body.

Surplice dress

Surplice
Like a permanent version of a wrap dress, this style is created by cross-wrapping fabric across the front and securing it (most often in the seam) to create a V-shape neckline.

This style is good for everyone and is such a flattering silhouette! The faux wrap creates a V-neck, gathers at the waist and releases at the hip.

Wrap dress

Wrap
This dress is created by cross-wrapping fabric and securing it (usually with a tie or bow) on the front, side or back of the top, which creates a V-shape neckline.

A wrap dress also works for everyone, the same way a surplice dress does. There is no way to lose with either piece.