Do you know that feeling when you're standing in front of the mirror thinking, "Which dress actually suits me?" Don't worry – you're far from alone. Many find it can be a bit of a jungle to find the perfect dress. Luckily, there are some simple tips that make it all much easier.

When you know your body shape, it becomes easier to find cuts and details that complement your figure – and make you feel great. That's why we've created this dress guide for you, especially if you're curvy and want to feel comfortable in a dress that's just right for you. Here, we'll guide you through different body shapes and dress types so you can find a style that highlights the best of your figure.

Which dress suits your body shape?

All bodies are beautiful and unique, and the right dress can really make your personality and style shine. Below, we'll guide you through different body shapes and suggest dresses that work well for each type of figure.

Remember: This guide is for guidance only – the most important thing is that you feel comfortable in what you're wearing.

Apple-shaped figure (rounder around the tummy)

If you have an apple-shaped figure, you typically carry a bit more fullness around your tummy, while your legs and bust are often great areas to highlight. Your waist is less defined, so it's about finding dresses that create balance – while also giving you comfort and freedom of movement.



• Dresses with an empire cut, where the waist sits high under the bust, are a good choice. They highlight the bust and let the fabric fall lightly and elegantly over your tummy.
• A-line dresses with width at the hem create a lovely, balanced silhouette without clinging to your middle.
• Kaftan dresses are also an excellent option – especially in light, airy fabrics that drape softly and create a relaxed, stylish effect.
• Tunic dresses with a loose fit are a comfortable and flattering choice, giving your body space and room to move – without losing shape.

Opt for dresses with a V-neckline, which opens up and visually elongates your upper body. And if you want to show off your legs, styles that stop just above the knee – perhaps with slits or an asymmetric hem – are both flattering and modern.

Pear-shaped figure (narrow shoulders, wider hips)

If you have a pear-shaped figure, your hips and thighs are often a bit wider, while your upper body and bust are narrower. Here, it's about creating visual balance by highlighting your upper body and giving your hips space – without hiding your curves.



• A-line dresses are an excellent choice, as they have good width at the hem and fall lightly over the hips without constricting. This creates a beautiful and feminine silhouette.
• Skater dresses and wrap dresses with a defined waist and a flared skirt are also flattering – they highlight your curves naturally and allow for movement without being too tight in the wrong places.
• If you want to elevate your look, try a party dress with fine details on top and a simpler bottom – or a long summer dress with thin straps and clear waist definition, which gives a light and elegant impression.

Generally, look for dresses with interesting details around the shoulders and neckline – e.g., a beautiful neckline, patterns, small ruffles, or embellished sleeves, which draw the eye upwards and create focus around your face and upper body.

Hourglass figure (defined waist, balanced bust and hips)

If you have an hourglass figure, your waist is naturally defined, and there's a lovely balance between your bust and hips. This means you can confidently choose dresses that highlight your curves and accentuate your silhouette.

• Wrap dresses and skater dresses are perfect choices because they cinch at the waist and follow your body's curves – without being tight in the wrong places.
• Sheath dresses are almost made for the hourglass figure. They are often fitted and knee-length, creating an elegant and sophisticated look that showcases your figure.
• For festive occasions, cocktail dresses and evening dresses with waist definition or fitted cuts are ideal, as they elegantly highlight your feminine curves.
• Shirt dresses – especially with a tie-belt or belt – allow you to adjust the fit and create focus on your waist.

Many women with an hourglass figure also love pencil dresses and other close-fitting styles. They beautifully accentuate curves – especially if you choose stretchy fabrics or regular fit dresses that follow your body without constricting.

Rectangular figure (less defined waist, shoulders and hips of similar width)

If you have a rectangular figure, your shoulders and hips are roughly the same width, and your waist is less defined. Here, it's about creating the illusion of curves – either by accentuating the waist or by adding volume in the right places.

• Dresses with a belt or tie-belt at the waist are an excellent choice. They help define the waist and create a silhouette reminiscent of the hourglass figure.
• Smock dresses also work really well, as they typically have a defined waist and some volume in the skirt – this provides a nice balance and movement to the look.
• Strappy dresses and styles with a V-neckline add femininity and create focus on your upper body.
• Shirt dresses with waist definition or a regular fit t-shirt dress with a belt are also flattering choices that create shape without compromising on comfort.

Also, try playing with layering effects – for example, an open shirt, kimono, or light jacket over a fitted dress. This adds extra dimension and structure to an otherwise straight figure.



Avoid completely boxy cuts without shape, as they can emphasize what you might want to add more definition to.

Inverted triangle figure (broad shoulders, narrower hips)

If you have an inverted triangle figure, your shoulders are often broader than your hips, and you might have a fuller bust with slimmer hips and legs. Here, it's about creating balance by downplaying the upper body and adding a little fullness below – to achieve a harmonious and feminine silhouette.

• Balloon dresses are a good choice, as their voluminous skirt adds extra fullness around the hips and legs. This creates a lovely counterbalance to broad shoulders and gives a balanced figure.
• Empire dresses, which cut high under the bust and fall loosely over the body, add softness and volume in the right places – ideal for rounding out the silhouette.
• Kaftan dresses or tunic dresses with a belt provide roominess up top and the option to highlight the waist, creating shape and definition without emphasizing the shoulders.

Also, look for dresses with details at the bottom – e.g., ruffles, layering effects, or asymmetric skirts, which add visual weight to the lower part of your body.



Keep the top simple and sleek: V-necklines and halterneck styles can be particularly flattering, as they draw the eye inwards towards the centre and away from the shoulders.

Your guide to flattering cuts and fits

Now that you've got some inspiration for different dress types, here's a short guide to some of the most common cuts and fits. When you're familiar with terms like midi dress and regular fit, it'll be easier to find a style that suits you and your body.

Empire cut

An empire cut is characterised by a high waist that sits just below the bust, with the fabric falling loosely over the body. It creates an elegant and feminine silhouette and is popular in plus-size fashion as it provides airiness and movement – especially if you want a more subdued focus on your tummy and hips.

Slim fit

Slim fit means the dress sits close to the body and follows your curves. It gives a figure-hugging look and is often used for more fitted styles like sheath dresses or knitted dresses. Choose this fit if you want to highlight your figure.

Regular fit

A dress with a regular fit has a standard, comfortable fit – neither tight like a slim fit nor loose like an oversized model. It follows the body's shape without constricting and typically has a little room for movement in its design. For plus-size dresses, regular fit is popular as it ensures a lovely silhouette without feeling too tight or revealing.



Oversized fit

Oversized literally means “larger than normal”. When used for clothing, it refers to a fit where the garment is intentionally designed to be larger and more spacious than what follows the body's shape. This doesn't mean you've simply chosen a size too big – but that the design itself has extra width, dropped shoulders, longer sleeves, or a generally loose cut.

13 popular dress types

Now that you have some ideas about what suits different body shapes, here's a little guide to some of the dress styles we've mentioned – so you're well-equipped to choose the exact dress type that's right for you.

1. Cocktail dresses

A cocktail dress is an elegant dress, typically knee-length, worn for festive occasions like weddings or events. It's dressier than an everyday dress but not as formal as a long evening gown. It suits plus-size figures well, especially if it has some stretch or a flattering wrap detail.



2. Sheath dresses

A sheath dress is a close-fitting, tailored dress without a defined waist. Sheath dresses are popular as office wear or for more formal events, as they exude classic elegance.



3. Smock dresses

A smock dress has elasticated stitching – typically across the bust or the entire bodice – which gathers the fabric and provides flexibility. This creates a feminine silhouette that adapts to the body without constricting.



4. Kaftan dresses

Kaftan dresses are inspired by the traditional kaftan – a loose-fitting, tunic-like dress with roots in the Middle East. They are often long and spacious, with wide sleeves and made from light, airy fabrics.



5. Balloon dresses

A balloon dress has a voluminous skirt that gathers slightly at the hem, forming a round, balloon-like silhouette. The bodice is typically fitted and highlights the waist – perfect for a feminine contrast.



6. Tunic dresses

A tunic dress is a simple, loose-fitting dress resembling a long blouse. It often reaches mid-thigh or a little longer and has a straight or slightly A-line fit without a defined waist.



7. A-line dresses

A-line dresses are fitted at the top and gradually widen towards the hem – like the letter A. They highlight the upper body and let the fabric fall softly around the hips and thighs.



8. Wrap dresses

A wrap dress ties at the side and typically has a V-neckline and a defined waist. It drapes elegantly around the body, highlighting both the bust and waist, while the skirt falls lightly.



9. Skater dresses

The skater dress is inspired by ice skaters' outfits. It has a fitted bodice and a skirt that flares out from the waist. This creates a playful and feminine shape that balances the upper and lower body.



10. Empire dresses

An empire dress has a high waistline – just below the bust – and falls loosely from there. It's ideal for highlighting the bust and providing room around the tummy and hips.



11. Shirt dresses

A shirt dress resembles – as the name suggests – a long shirt with a collar and buttons down the front. It can be styled with a belt to highlight the waist or worn open as a layer.



12. Pencil dresses

A pencil dress is close-fitting from the shoulders down to the knees. It resembles a pencil skirt in dress form and particularly highlights the hips and waist.



13. T-shirt dresses

A T-shirt dress is a casual, straight dress with a round neck and short sleeves – like a long, oversized T-shirt. It's simple, comfortable, and easy to style up or down.

Dress lengths – what suits you?

When we talk about dresses, it's not just about cut and style – length also plays an important role. Here’s an overview of the most common dress lengths:



• Mini – typically ends mid-thigh or just above the knee.
• Short – often used as a synonym for mini, but can also cover dresses that end around the knee.
• Knee-length – ends approximately mid-knee.
• Midi – ranges from just below the knee to mid-calf.
• Ankle-length – ends at the ankles, but without touching the floor.
• Maxi – a long dress that typically reaches the floor.
• Asymmetric length – has different lengths front and back, e.g., short at the front and longer at the back.

The choice of dress length depends on several factors – like your height, choice of shoes, and how formal the occasion is. If you're petite, a midi dress can appear longer, while a maxi with high heels can add extra height and elegance. Shorter dresses like mini and knee-length are great for warm days and casual looks, while midi and maxi offer a more sophisticated look – perfect for special occasions.

5 general tips for finding the perfect plus-size dress

1. Focus on your upper body

Use necklines, colours, or details to highlight your face, bust, and shoulders. This draws attention upwards and creates balance in your silhouette.

2. Choose cuts that define your narrowest part

Cuts like empire or wrap highlight the waist or the area just below the bust, creating a beautiful and harmonious shape.

3. Keep the top simple

If you have a full bust or broad shoulders, opt for clean and simple tops without too many details. This creates an elegant and balanced look.

4. Highlight with colours and details

Use colours, prints, and textures where you want to draw attention. For example, a smock dress with a colourful bottom and a neutral top.



5. Use a size guide

Always use Zizzi's size guide when you shop. It helps you find the right fit by comparing your measurements with our chart – so you avoid buying the wrong size and achieve optimal comfort.

Ready to find your dream dress?

Whether you prefer an elegant cocktail dress, a relaxed smock dress, or a fitted sheath dress, there's a dress out there that's perfect for you and your body shape. The key is to know your figure and dare to experiment with different cuts and lengths, so you find what makes you feel both beautiful and comfortable.

Take a look at Zizzi's wide selection of plus-size dresses. Here you'll find something for every taste – from everyday dresses to party dresses and everything in between. Feel free to also explore our other guides and blog posts for even more tips on styling and fashion that celebrates curvy women.



Your dream dress is waiting for you – happy shopping!