What Classic Dress Style Flatters Your Body Type?

By: Jennifer Post

5 Min Quiz

Image: Image Source/DigitalVision/Getty Images

About This Quiz

Shopping can be one of the most dreaded activities if you are one of the millions of people who struggle to find the right fit. Clothing, while made for humans, doesn't really seem to take into consideration the various body types and shapes. A size 8 in one store will fit completely differently than a size 8 in another store. Even worse than that? That same size could fit differently in the same store depending on the item of clothing. How is anyone supposed to know what size they actually are or what fits their body the best? It's really a toss-up.

Some styles throughout history are just known for being universally flattering. That's a way around the one-size-fits-all theory. The dresses come in different sizes, but the fit of the dress is supposed to look good on anyone. What is this? Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants? That would actually be amazing. But back to dresses! Believe it or not, there are ways to make styles look good on everyone, but that still begs the question, which one looks the best on you? We know! Take this quiz now, and we'll give you the classic dress style that most flatters your body type.

Would you describe yourself as curvy?

I have some curves.

Not really
I wish!

I have curves in all the right places.

Think of your favorite dress in your wardrobe right now. Why is it your favorite?

It fits really well.

It's flattering.
I get a lot of compliments.

It looks good and it was cheap.

Is there an ideal color that you think looks the best for your body type?

Black

I like pastel colors.
I look really good in white.

Navy or red

When it comes to what the dress is made out of, is there a material that looks best on your body?

Cotton

Linen
There's really no difference.

I don't really know fabrics enough to know.

What would be the pattern you like the most if you were looking for a dress?

Polka dots

Gingham
Vertical stripes

A big floral pattern

If you were in a wedding, does your body lend itself to the "one dress for all" style?

I can pull off anything.

Probably not, but what choice do I have?
If the dress was chosen for my body type

Rarely

For your normal clothes, do you like them more fitted?

Generally, yes

Not all the time
For work, I do.

I hate tight clothes.

Do classic "wear to work" dresses make you feel the best about your body?

They're not the best.

I can make them work.
Some of them work for me.

Not if they're straight cut

Will you only wear a dress if it's comfortable, or will you deal with a little discomfort?

I can handle some discomfort.

I'm all about comfort.
Depends on the occasion

If I have to wear a dress for a long time, I want it to be comfortable.

How many dresses would you say you already own that you feel flatter your body?

Only a few

Tons
A lot but only one that I like

Only one that I can think of

Can you think of a pair of shoes that could go with pretty much any dress?

Flat sandals

Ankle boots
Flip flops

Wedges

Does your body type lend itself to more patterns or solid colors?

It's a good mix.

Mostly solids if they're dark colors
Vertical stripes make me feel better.

Some patterns, but not crazy ones

When you are in need of a new dress, where is the first place you look?

A thrift shop

Amazon
Old Navy

Nordstrom

Which of the royal wedding dress wearers below fits your style and body type?

Kate Middleton

Princess Anne Marie
Meghan Markle

Princess Diana

Do you try to wear things that fit your natural waist?

My natural waist is hard to find.

It is the slimmest part of my body.
Not on purpose

For dresses, I do.

Have you ever had to make your own dress to perfectly fit your unique body?

Nope

I wouldn't even know where to start.
No, but I would definitely try.

I've considered it.

Have you found it hard to dress for your body type in the past?

I used to.

It's really hard.
There are a few stores I can count on.

It's nearly impossible.

Is there a part of your body you like to show off in dresses?

My waist

Shoulders
My whole top half

My legs

Do you only buy dresses when you have a special occasion coming up?

Usually

If I see a dress I like, I'll buy it.
Yes, but then I feel a lot of pressure.

Even then I try to avoid it.

How would you describe your body other than the particular shape?

Thick

Trim
Athletic

A little squishy

On the flip side, is there a part of your body that you try to cover up?

My hips

None really
I don't love my legs.

Yes, but I'm showing them anyway.

Which season do you feel the clothes match your body type the best?

Any season

Winter
Seasons don't define my clothing.

Sweater weather

How do you really know when a dress looks good on you?

I don't.

It's about how I feel in a dress.
If I can't pick out anything I don't like

If I get compliments

Does your height make it hard for you to find dresses?

It's never been an issue.

Sometimes
Only if I shop from somewhere I'm not familiar

I'm too short for a lot of stuff.

What shape would you give to your body?

Straight

Hourglass
Reverse pear

Apple

Is your body considered one that society finds "attractive"?

Probably not

I think so.
I don't care either way.

Doubtful, but I love it.

When you buy other clothing, what part of your body is the hardest to fit?

My hips

My tummy
I have a broad upper body.

All of it, honestly

Do you tend to buy shorter dresses to show off your legs or longer ones to show off something else?

I love showing off my legs.

Maxi dresses make me seem taller.
Shorter, but not because of my legs

I like an in-between length.

Do you find that your body type is well-represented in clothing ads or clothing in general?

Sometimes

Not particularly
I do OK.

It's hard finding style inspiration.

If a dress is short, do you feel like you have to wear anything to cover your legs more?

That defeats the purpose.

Maybe stockings if it's chilly.
I don't usually wear short dresses.

Knee high boots could work.

5 Minute Quiz 5 Min

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