You want to look and feel your absolute best at your prom, so it’s important that you choose a prom dress that flatters your figure. We’ve put together a guide to the best kind of dresses for each kind of body shape so you’re sure to find a prom dress to flatter your figure.
For more advice, make sure you check out our guide to how to choose your prom dress – you’re guaranteed to find one that makes you look like a princess with that!
Prom Dresses for Apple Shapes
If you are apple shaped, you tend to carry more weight around your middle. Apple shaped girls often have gorgeous slim legs but are broader across the shoulders and waist. If you fit this description then consider going for a prom dress with an A-line or full, ball gown style skirt. Don’t be afraid to choose one in a shorter length to show off your legs, but the fuller the skirt the more it will balance out the proportions of your upper body. Avoid empire lines or embellished bodice detail as they’ll just draw the eye upwards. Lower or V-style necklines will help to elongate your upper body.
Search the following apple-shaped celebrities for fashion inspiration: Jennifer Hudson, Drew Barrymore, Tyra Banks
Prom Dresses for Hourglass Figures
Lucky you, if you have a classic, hourglass shape. An hourglass figure means you typically have a fuller bust, a narrow waist and curvy hips. Make the most of that well-defined waist with a wrap style dress or a fitted gown with a V-neckline. Anything that nips in at the waist and skims over the hips will look breath-taking on you – 1950s style frocks were made for a figure like yours so be sure to try a few of them on when you’re shopping for your prom dress.
Search the following hourglass shaped celebrities for style inspiration: Dita Von Teese, Kelly Brook, Kimberley Walsh
Prom Dresses for Pear Shaped Girls
If your hips are larger than your bust, then you most likely have a pear shaped silhouette. You’ll have fabulously curvy hips and a well-defined waist, so those are the areas you want to work with when picking your prom dress. You’ll want to add to your upper body to balance out your lower half, so look for gowns with fabulous bodice detailing – statement ruffles or floral detailing will balance your silhouette. However, if you’re not a statement detail kind of girl, an off-the-shoulder neckline will add balance and a nipped in waist will emphasise your curves.
Search the following celebrities for pear shaped fashion inspiration: Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez
Prom Dresses for Wedge Shaped Girls
If you have a wedge silhouette, you’re like an upside down pear. You’ll have a fuller bust, but less in terms of hips. The trick here is to balance out the lower half of your body so you look less top heavy. Look for full-skirted prom dresses with defined waists – anything too loose or shapeless will just tent out over your bust. Avoid drop waist dresses, but go for fun 50s styles, or rock the cool tutu skirt trend with a body tucked in. You could even add a net petticoat for extra volume and seriously style points.
Search the following celebrities for wedge body type style ideas: Angelina Jolie, Jessica Simpson, Audrina Patridge
Prom Dresses for Athletic Silhouettes
Does your figure lean more towards ‘athletic’? If you’re taller and slender with a thin frame, you’ll want a prom dress that’s fitted to add definition to your shape. Lots of styles will work on you – they favour athletic types as models for a reason! – but we recommend empire line gowns, or fun asymmetric necklines to add something to your silhouette. You can also accessorise to the max – use belts, statement necklaces, or fun floral brooches (search Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City for inspiration) to really play around with your look.
Search the following celebrities for athletic body type style inspiration: Taylor Swift, Halle Berry, Gisele Bundchen
Prom Dresses for Petite Body Types
Petite girls measure under 5’3 tall. If this is you, you’ll want a prom dress that will add height. You can do this by opting for a shorter dress that will show off your legs, or going for an asymmetrical hemline that flashes a hint of leg, if you don’t feel like having them totally on show. Vertical prints with elongate your frame too. Avoid floor-length gowns as they will swamp you – unless you have one made to measure. If you really can’t bear the idea of going to prom without a glamorous floor length dress, make sure you have a suitably fabulous pair of high heels to hand. Heels with a platform sole will be more comfortable, so consider these if you’re not a frequent wearer of heels.
Search the following celebrities for petite body type fashion ideas: Hayden Panettiere, Nicole Richie, Mila Kunis
Once you’ve picked the perfect prom dress to suit your body shape, make sure you check out our edit of the best makeup tutorials for prom to ensure your look is totally perfect.