Identifying your body type is the most vital step to be able to find clothing that is flattering. Transitional dresses are your best friend during the time between summer and fall. It can get confusing how to dress as the weather is getting cooler, so layering dresses with tights and jackets or cardigans is ideal. In this way dresses provide a perfect foundation for layering, and can be dressed up or down with the right accessories and shoes. 

Here are some of the best dress silhouettes for each body type:

1. Pear shape

This body type consists of smaller shoulders than hips and a small bust. Women with this body type have a thinner upper body and wider hips. The best dresses for you would be, dresses with details on the bust that will help create a balancing effect. The best silhouette for you would be a skater dress or any other flare dresses. Strapless top-dresses and well fitted open necks are an amazing choice too. They are roomier at the bottom and they will compliment your small upper body. Avoid curve-hugging fabrics and oversized styles.

2. Apple (or round figures)

With this body type, the weight is distributed in the midsection. The waist is undefined and most women with this body type have a flatter bottom. If you have this body type, your best assets are your legs so feel free to show some skin and flaunt them. Wrap dresses work very well for an apple figure as they help balance out the midsection. Other options that would fit you well if you’re apple-shaped are cute shirt dresses and shift dresses. Avoid fitted clothes that bring attention to your midsection.

3. Hourglass shape

The hourglass figure features a well-defined waist, and hips that are proportionate with the bust area. Women with an hourglass figure have an upper body that is balanced with their legs. The best dresses that would accentuate the curves on this body type are those with cinched waistlines. Open and v-shaped necklines are a great choice. Wrap dresses and skater dresses work very well for the hourglass body shape. You should avoid oversized dresses and shapeless styles.

4. Athletic body type

The shoulders are wide and the waist is not too well defined. Women with this body type have bigger bone structures. The secret is to give your figure a more hourglass effect, by balancing the narrow lower body with the upper body. The best silhouette for this body type is one that is narrower on the hips than on shoulders. The best dresses would be those that have volume increasing details at the top and fitting at the bottom. Choose lower waistlines and a maxi dress with an A-line for a flattering look on your athletic body type. You should avoid strapless dresses and very short hemlines.

5. Petite

For slender women who are below 5 feet, 3 inches tall, stylists recommend clothes that accentuate the lean physique. For short petite women, a midi dress would end up looking like a maxi dress. The perfect silhouette is perfect-fitting short dresses for a flattering look. A little black dress with an asymmetrical hemline will help you show some skin and boost your height.