Do you know that feeling of seeing a lovely dress in a picture that doesn’t suit you so well once you put it on? The reason why that happens is that it wasn’t the right shape for you. Even though each body is unique, there are a few standard body types and once you know yours, shopping becomes easier and more gratifying, because you can focus exactly on what you need. If you’re not sure of which body type you have, it all relates to four key measurements: shoulders, bust, waist and hips. The relationship between these defines your body shape. Once you know your type it's easy to dress your best with these simple tips.

Apple shape

Curvy bodies with uniform measurements are known as apple shaped bodies. The more favourable dresses for this type of body are those which draw attention to the upper part of your body.

Our Chiffon Puffy Sleeve Maxi Dress (£65.00) is a great fit for apple shaped bodies. Maxi dresses that draw attention to your upper part of your body compliment this body shape and the emerald colour is simply stunning!

 Another maxi dress with puffy sleeves but with a touch of berry summer – our Red Floral Maxi Dress with Shirred Waistband (£65.00)! Full skirt dresses suit very well women with this type of body.

Shift dresses that fall straight from the shoulders are also flattering for apple shaped bodies. This Short Orange Shift Dress is as simple as it is beautiful and only costs £5.00!

All dresses which are tighter around the bust and bell out from the waist down flatter curvy bodies very well. Love your curves even more with this Navy Glitter Midi Dress (£75.00).  

This Navy Flutter Sleeve Midi Dress (£45.00) is one of our season’s favourites! The pattern is casual enough but the floaty skirt and the flutter short sleeves give it such an elegant twist and add some formality to it. Belted dresses are one of the best options for women with this body shape.

Pear shape

If your hips are the broadest part of your body then you have what is called the pear shaped body. The most flattering types of dresses for women with this body shape are definitely wrap dresses.

The perception of how good wrap dresses look is consensual. However, many women feel like this type of dress is restrictive on formal occasions. Well, that is not true. Not all wrap dresses are wavy and floaty with a loose skirt. Take a look at our Pink Midi Pleated Wrap Dress (£45.00)

 The good thing about wrap dresses is that they are quite dynamic, even in a plainer design. The Black Butterfly Wrap Dress (£40.00) by Mela London is the perfect outfit for a sunny Sunday afternoon!

The point about wrap dresses being flattering for pear shaped bodies is because they create an illusion of volume as one side closes across the other. Our High Low Wrap Style Dress (£50.00) is very wavy and the belt detail makes this dress totally irreplaceable.  

Here is another belted wrap dress. This Green Ruffle Wrap Dress (£50.00) by Yumi has a gorgeous romantic feel. The ruffles and light fabric, which is sheer at the sleeves and at the bottom of the skirt, make this dress perfect for a semi-formal occasion or that really special night.

Our White Floral Wrap Dress (£45.00) is very light and Spring-like. It’s worth investing in at least one dress of this kind for hot days, not only for the colour but because the loose floaty fit will keep you cool. You will never leave this one in the wardrobe when you’re packing for the holidays!

Hourglass Shape

Female bodies with uniform bust and hips measures and a well-defined waist are known as hourglass. This is the body shape where form fitting dresses suit better.

This One Shoulder Glitter Sequin Maxi Dress (£75.00) will suit you like a glove if you have an hourglass figure. Get ready to shine!

This Champagne Glitter Sequin Maxi Dress is another sparkling body fitting dress, perfect for a bridesmaid or formal occasion, and is 74% off at the moment. Don’t let this one go, it’s only £15!

A dress that is suitable for a romantic dinner, for New Year’s Eve or even a Birthday Party is a must-have in every woman’s wardrobe. This Black Lace Midi Dress (£20.00) will flatter the hourglass body shapes.

This Nude Off Shoulder Midi Dress (£20.00) is a very sexy dress to take for a wedding. The detail of the small folds around the waist and below the shoulder makes it so delicate, especially with the nude colour!

This glossy dress is worthy of a superstar, with our Golden and Silver Fringe Sequin Midi Dress (£85.00) you'll become the queen of the dance floor!

Inverted Triangle & Rectangle shapes

Women with inverted triangle body shape have shoulders broader than their hips. Female bodies with uniform measures and more subtle curves are known as rectangle shaped. The most flattering dresses for women with this type of body are voluminous skirts, with simpler tops and more details at the bottom.

This Lavender Pleated Midi Dress (£55.00) is very dynamic, as it combines a pleated skirt with a shiny sequin bodice. It’s a great investment as you can use it at a party, wedding or night out.

Our Champagne Sequin Skater Dress will compliment women with rectangle or inverted triangle shaped bodies and it only costs £19.00! A luxurious treat for a girls party.

Our Pink Embroidery High-Low Dress (£75.00) is magnificent. Although the top part and V-neck style are body fitting, the bottom of the dress is loose and wavy. It’s the right outfit for a really special occasion.

A black dress is something all women should have. This Black Maxi Wrap Dress (£20.00) is classy and elegant thanks to the thigh high split.

Our Navy Blue Lace High-Low Dress with a satin belt and scalloped edge (£69.00) is a singular dress that you can use on a party or any semi-formal occasion.

You can always shop by dress style, but now that you know which dresses flatter your body shape, you’re ready to shop by collection and even by colour with the confidence of knowing the best options for you! Treat yourself this season and explore our fantastic dresses at Goddiva.

Written by Catarina Joele