Dress for Your Body Shape: Find the Perfect Style for Every Figure

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to style, especially when you’re dressing for a special occasion.

You want to feel confident, comfortable, and still like you, just the elevated, event-ready version. The good news? When you know what styles suit your shape, choosing the perfect dress gets so much easier.

At The Style Archives, we believe in fashion that celebrates you, not just your size, but your story. Here’s how to dress for your body shape without dulling your sparkle.

 

Why Body Shape Matters in Fashion

Most fashion sizing is based on a flat set of bust, waist, and hip measurements, but here’s the thing: your shape matters more than your size when it comes to how something fits and flatters you.

According to research:

• The most common female body shape globally is rectangle, making up around 46% of women
• Only about 8–10% of women have the classic hourglass shape.

In New Zealand, data from the NZ Ministry of Health shows central obesity is on the rise, especially in women over 45, which means more women now fall into apple or diamond shapes.

Meanwhile, a global survey found: 

• 70% of women say shopping would be easier if brands catered to different body shapes 
• 85% agree that people with the same size can look completely different in the same garment

Let’s change that, starting with smart style guidance for your shape.

 

 🍏 OVAL / APPLE SHAPE

You’ve got gorgeous legs and curves through the middle.

You tend to carry weight around your midsection, with a full bust, rounded tummy, and slender legs. Your shoulders and hips are typically in line, with little waist definition.

What works: Dresses that skim over the waist and create shape.

Go for: Empire waistlines, wrap dresses, V-necks, or A-line silhouettes that float away from the midsection.

Avoid: Boxy or shapeless cuts that hide your natural curves.

Style tip: Show off your legs or neckline, and play with accessories like bold earrings or a pop-colour clutch to draw attention upward.

View our collections suited to apple body shape

 

 🔺 INVERTED TRIANGLE

Your shoulders do the talking, and your lower half is more streamlined.

Your shoulders are broader than your hips, and your upper body carries more volume than the lower half. You may have a larger bust and narrower hips and legs.

What works: Balancing your proportions by softening the top and adding shape to your lower half.

Go for: Scoop or V-necklines, A-line skirts, tiered dresses, or anything with flowy volume on the bottom.

Avoid: Sharp shoulder pads or high necks that exaggerate your upper half.

Style tip: Add colour or texture below the waist, think pleats, prints, or movement in your skirt.

View our collections suited to inverted triangle body shape

 

 🍐 PEAR SHAPE

Your hips don’t lie, and that’s a good thing.

You have a smaller bust and narrow shoulders with fuller hips, thighs, and bottom. Your waist is often well-defined.

What works: Accentuating your upper body and waist while gently skimming over your hips.

Go for: Off-the-shoulder or halter styles, belted dresses, and anything with detail at the top. Fit-and-flare dresses are your best friend.

Avoid: Clingy fabrics or very straight-cut skirts that hug the hips too tightly.

Style tip: Draw the eye upward with an eye-catching neckline or statement jewellery.

View our collections suited to pear shaped body

 ⏳ HOURGLASS

You've got curves in all the right places.

You’re evenly balanced up top and down below, with a well-defined waist. Think curves in all the right places, and a naturally feminine silhouette.

What works: Styles that celebrate your waist and keep your curves in proportion.

Go for: Wrap dresses, pencil cuts, belted styles, or structured fits that hug and flatter.

Avoid: Oversized or shapeless garments that hide your shape.

Style tip: Don’t be afraid to go bold—your balanced shape can handle colour, print, or a body-skimming fit.

View our collections suited to hourglass body shape

 

 💎 DIAMOND SHAPE

You’ve got a fuller midsection and shapely legs, go you.

You carry weight through the tummy area, with narrower shoulders and hips. Your bust may be smaller or average, and you usually have shapely legs.

What works: Creating length and focusing attention on the neckline and lower half.

Go for: V-necks, flowy fabrics, asymmetrical details, or dresses with vertical seams and ruching.

Avoid: Bulky waistlines or stiff fabrics that cling to the tummy.

Style tip: Highlight your best assets, legs, arms, collarbones, and keep the silhouette soft and fluid.

View our collections suited to diamond body shape

 

 ▭ RECTANGLE SHAPE

Your shape is balanced with a straight silhouette.

Your shoulders, waist, and hips are fairly uniform, with a straight up-and-down silhouette. You may not have a defined waist, but you’ve got balance and versatility.

What works: Adding shape and movement through clever cuts and detailing.

Go for: Dresses with ruching, peplum, belts, ruffles, or flared skirts that create curves.

Avoid: Boxy styles that don’t offer any shape or definition.

Style tip: You’ve got a fashion playground—experiment with colour, layers, accessories, and unique cuts.

View our collections suited to rectangle body shape

 

 The Final Word: Dress for Your Shape, But Stay True to You

Understanding your body shape is a style shortcut, but the real magic happens when you mix that knowledge with your personality. Whether you're bold and dramatic or sleek and classic, there’s a dress that fits both your shape and your vibe.

At The Style Archives, we make it easy to explore flattering, fabulous designer dresses without the pressure of buying. Whether you’re looking for a timeless silhouette or a statement moment, you’ll find something that fits, flatters, and feels just right.

Explore the collection and book your next event look today.