Shopping is a complicated process. There are new trends all the time, and salespersons may not always be helpful. And, not to mention, if you shop with friends, you get multiple and contradictory opinions. But understanding flattering dress silhouettes can narrow your choices considerably. Style is not about what the world is wearing or what is in trend but what looks good for you. Here is the most flattering dress silhouette for each body type.

1. Hourglass
The hourglass figure is curvy and characterized when the hips are proportional to the bust. The well-defined waist of this body type only accentuates the balanced figure. The ideal silhouette accentuates this cinch. From curve-hugging wrap dresses and sheath dresses to body cons dresses, this body type can wear anything. However, avoid oversized dresses as your assets will all be hidden, but adding a belt might make them flattering. Open or V necklines are suitable for drawing attention to your entire chest.

2. Apple
Like the hourglass, the apple-shaped body is curvy, but the waist is less defined. Hence the best dress silhouettes are those that create an illusion of a waist. You will want to draw attention to the arms, legs, and shoulders and away from the waist. Short A-line dresses can be flattering, and so can wrap and belt dresses. Empire waists, outfits fitted just below the bust, will minimize the waist and put the spotlight on the bust.

3. Pear
If you have a triangle or pear-shaped body if your hips are wider than your shoulders. Since the curves are in your lower half, you will want to balance the narrow shoulders with your dress silhouette. Strapless or off-the-shoulder dresses do the trick perfectly, drawing attention up. A-line dresses are also fantastic since they minimize the midsection and thighs, pulling attention up to the bust. If you are a little daring, try plunging necklines. Fit and flare dresses also reduce the emphasis on your hips.

4. Inverted triangle
A body with hips that are narrower than the shoulders is called the inverted triangle. Since the waist is not well defined, the key is to balance the slimmer lower half. Dresses with embellishments and ruffles at the waist increase the volume of the hips significantly. Flowy A-lines are excellent, and in general, so are dresses that flare at the waist. Trapeze dresses and fit-and-flare dresses make the inverted triangle look a little more balanced. Steer clear of off shoulders or puffy sleeves as they exaggerate the shoulders.

5. Athletic
The athletic or rectangular figure is balanced and tends to have few curves. From shoulders to legs, your proportions are even, so the best silhouettes are those that create an illusion of a defined waist. While the athletic body can wear all kinds of dresses comfortably, try dresses that have ruffles or belted waists. It makes the bust and hips look wider. However, loose dresses can make the figure boxy, so try sheath or wrap dresses that give more shape.