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A dress is the only type of clothing that creates an entire outfit. Once you have a dress on, all you need are your shoes, a few accessories, and you’re out the door!
Summer dress trends include the return of the shirtdress and wrap styles, while the midi-length is here to stay! When the weather gets warm, tropical and floral prints can be found on almost everything, but this year fashion designers mined previous decades and brought back and refined tie dye, paisley prints, denim, border print and lace!
How to Find the Best Dress for Your Body Type
Despite what you may think, it’s easy to find a dress for every body type and every occasion from lazy weekends to summer weddings. While each body type has certain needs, there are some universal fashion truths that work for everyone. Before we get shopping, here are a 10 styling notes for all body types.
V-necklines elongate the neck and create the perfect frame for your face. It’s flattering for all body types.
Empire waists and border prints trick the eye and make you appear taller. If you’re a standard, petite or curvy body type, look for that style to visually gain inches.
Switching accessories — bag, shoes, jewelry, a scarf — can turn a casual style into a dressier one in a flash.
Nude heels make everyone’s legs seem longer.
If you’re short-waisted, try wearing petite size dresses. The hems are two inches shorter than regular dresses, and the waist is placed higher, so they’ll work perfectly with a short-waisted frame.
Shop for the body you have now, don’t buy things that will fit if you’re 10 pounds lighter or heavier. You should relish the moment when you open the closet door and pick out something to wear. You don’t want to stare at something thinking that some day you’ll wear it — your some day is now!
Check the rear view! Do a 360 in front of a mirror. Whatever you’re wearing should look great from the front, side, and back.
When trying on anything, sit down, bend from the waist, raise your arms and walk around. You want to make sure that what you’re wearing moves with you, not constricts you.
If you’re not in love with it, if it doesn’t make you feel incredible, don’t buy it. Even if it’s on sale, if you don’t love it, walk away.
Love your body, it’s the only one you have. When you love yourself, everything fits better!
Best Summer Dresses for Your Body Type
If you’re petite, curvy, tall or a standard body type, you’ll find career, weekend, and formal dresses in this guide. Each section gives style tips and how to shop for your body type in addition to some terrific selections.
Keep scrolling to shop Woman’s World’spicks for the best summer dresses for your body type.
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You’re in the petite size range if you’re shorter than 5’4”. When shopping for petite dresses, the two most important thing to keep in mind is proportion. If you’re eyeing a full-skirt dress, you’ll look amazing if the top is fitted. Same goes for a dress that has a pencil skirt and fuller bodice. And yes, petites can wear midi and maxi-length dresses. Just follow the proportion rule. Belted dresses and dresses with princess seams are your friend. They show off your figure without overwhelming your body. Try to look for dresses in the girl’s department. If you’re 125 pounds or less, you’ll fit into a girl’s size 14/16. And yes, there are lots of sophisticated styles there. Dr. Ruth Westheimer, a famous petite person, shops in the kid’s department!
Eliza J Print Elbow Sleeve Shift Dress
Where to buy: $70.80 (Originally $118), Nordstrom
This retro-inspired border print dress can be worn all the way until it gets chilly. Wear it now with a taupe sling back and in the fall, pair it with black tights and ankle boots.
Ann Taylor Petite Split-Neck Sheath Dres
Where to buy: $129, Ann Taylor
Pair this classically cut sheath with a blazer and kitten heels for presentations during the day, and then ditch the blazer for dinner.
Karen Kane Cascade Faux Wrap Dress
Where to buy: $108, Nordstrom
This chic faux wrap dress has a sleek silhouette that can go from the office to dinner with friends.
J. Crew Petite Wrap Dress in Cotton Poplin
Where to buy: $79.99 (Originally $119), J. Crew
This summery striped wrap dress is in breathable cotton poplin. You can get funky with your footwear or try it with a summery espadrille or pump.
Boden Amy Midi Dress
Where to buy: $90 (Originally $190), Boden
Because the ruffle is cut asymmetrically, it won’t overwhelm a small frame. The v-neckline isn’t revealing, and the dress can be worn without a belt.
New York & Company Petite Brown Mixed Print Maxi Dress
Where to buy: $35.98 (Originally $89.95), New York & Company
Yes, you can wear maxi dresses to the office. Because it’s tailored, the mixed floral and graphic print won’t overwhelm your small frame.
Old Navy Fit & Flare Jersey Dress
Where to buy: $15 (Originally $32.99), Old Navy
Instead of a tee and jeans to run errands, why not up your fashion game in an updated tee shirt dress. Made of the same material as a tee, this dress has a scoop neck, and short sleeves and the full skirt is flattering for petite frames.
Lands' End Women's Cap Sleeve Knit Knot Front Maxi Dress
Where to buy: $29.99 (Originally $74.95), Lands' End
You can live in this comfy dress during the warmer months. It has a flattering v-neckline, knotted empire waist — both details work beautifully on petites. Shoe-wise, you could wear anything from sneakers to something dressier and the dress (and you) will look amazing.
Summer is packed with weddings, graduations, family reunions and more. These dresses can not only work for those events, but they’re so pretty, you’ll reach for them all summer long.
Boohoo Petite Candy Stripe Maxi Dress
Where to buy: $15 (Originally $30), Boohoo
Don’t be afraid to wear stripes, especially vertical stripes — they trick the eye and make you appear taller! Add visual interest by using a belt in one of the stripe’s colors.
Calvin Klein Petite Floral-Print Fit & Flare Dress
Where to buy: $59.49 (Originally $119), Macy's
Pastel flowers bloom all over this dress. Toss a pastel colored cardigan over your shoulders for an added splash of color, and protection against overactive air conditioners.
London Style Sleeveless Medallion Maxi Dress-Petite
Where to buy: $55.50 (Originally $74), JC Penney
Need a dress for a rustic, semiformal or casual wedding? Whatever special event you’ve got coming up, this maxi dress can get you there in style. The medallion print is broken up by a striped waistband, while the set-in waistband separates the bodice from the skirt.
Lauren Ralph Lauren Lace Cocktail Dress
Where to buy: $165, Bloomingdales
When you must pull out all the stops, look for a dress like this one. All the detailing and workmanship is on the bodice of the dress, and tight top and full skirt the proportion is perfect for petites.
The first rule of dressing for a curvy body type is to throw out all the old rules. Embrace your body. Curvy models like Iskra Lawrence, Ashley Graham and Philomena Kwao have shown the world that curvy women can rock a bikini and anything else they want to wear. Don’t shy away from belted, sleeveless or short dresses. Remember that proportion is key: If a top is loose, the skirt should be tight and vice versa. Look for wrap style dresses, as they create the classic hourglass shape. Don’t shy away from tailored or body skimming styles. They are complementary and will show off your figure.
Alyx Sleeveless Sheath Dress-Plus
Where to buy: $45 (Originally $60), JC Penney
A classic sheath dress can go from a courtroom to a boardroom. When trying on sheath dresses, make sure they fit everywhere. If the shoulder straps are too tight, try a different size. If the straps or waist are too loose, invest in a little tailoring and the dress will look custom-made.
Avenue Overlapping Dot Print Fit and Flare Dress
Where to buy: $24 (Originally $60), Avenue
Dresses like this one have princess seams which skim over your silhouette and highlight your waist. Try it with patent sling backs and a structured bag.
Talbots Knit Jersey Faux Wrap Dres
Where to buy: $59.99-$71.99 (Originally $129-$149), Talbots
Traditionally, curvy body types were told to stay away from anything knitted. Ignore that rule. This dress has princess seams in the back, so it will show off your curves.
Eloquii Belted Long Sleeve Dress
Where to buy: $99.95, Eloquii
Yes, curvy gals can wear white. This dress is tailored, has a universally flattering v-neckline and can be worn without the belt. Pair it with pastel or bright accessories.
If you work in a relaxed workplace, or in the creative field, you can wear retro prints, almost any skirt length (no one looks good in a micro mini, no one), and bold bright colors.
Ashley Stewart Button Front Belted Maxi
Where to buy: $27.74 (Originally $59.50), Ashley Stewart
This maxi dress is tailored, belted, and can go from work to happy hour in a flash. You can quickly change its vibe by switching to a higher heel and using a small bag for nighttime fun.
ModCloth Easily Adored Knit Dress
Where to buy: $55, ModCloth
This dress has a v-neckline and empire waist that force the eye upwards, so you appear taller. The full skirt is pleated, so it swishes and flows as you walk.
Anthropologie Nicole Puff-Sleeved Shirtdress
Where to buy: $150, Anthropologie
This shirt dress has short sleeves and a belt that defines the waist. Wear it with slides for casual Fridays or dress it up with a wedge.
Avenue Bell Sleeve Baby Doll Dress
Where to buy: $30 (Originally $60), Avenue
Boho Chic is a perennial summer style. This dress has an A-line silhouette that’s narrow at the top and then flares out like the letter “A.”
Up your weekend style game with any of these cute dresses that’ll take you from a lumbar yard to your child’s dance practice, to lunch, or anything else on your agenda.
Unique Vintage Mustard Yellow and White Gingham Cotton Sleeveless Fit and Flare Dress
Where to buy: $47 (Originally $62), Unique Vintage
This dress has pockets (yay!), wide tank-styled straps to hide bra straps, an A-line silhouette, and a seamed waist. If you have issues with waist definition, this type of dress has your back.
Lands' End Sleeveless Knit Surplice Maxi Dress
Where to buy: $47.99 (Originally $89.95), Lands' End
Surplice necklines give the appearance of a wrap dress, but its v-neck is sewn down, and the fabric is gathered at the waist, and then flows into the hips. It’s flattering for curvy body types as it defines the waist, and subtly showcases the bust.
Torrid Pink Tie Dye Handkerchief Dress
Where to buy: $58.90, Torrid
This lightweight challis sundress has adjustable straps to create a perfect fit and the handkerchief hem will highlight your legs.
Family reunions, weddings, graduations and all sorts of special events can appear on your calendar. Here are curvy dresses that can go from a baby shower to a rustic wedding. When looking for this type of dress, make sure the dress is comfortable as well as figure flattering.
Kiyonna Sugar and Spice Dress
Where to buy: $99 (Originally $119), Kiyonna Clothing
Everyone needs an LBD in their dress portfolio. This dress has a surplice v-neckline and a-line silhouette, two features that are flattering for curvy body types.
BHLDN Jones Dress
Where to buy: $198, BHLDN
This is a classically styled long dress — you could wear it this summer or two summers from now, and it would still look chic. Dresses in pink and peach hues like this blush pink dress are flattering for every skin tone.
Lane Bryant High-Low Faux-Wrap Fit & Flare Midi Dress
Where to buy: $53.97 (Originally $89.95), Lane Bryant
This faux wrap dress has short flutter sleeves and a covered elastic waist. It’s styled so that it could be worn to a rustic or casual wedding, or any semi-formal event. Dress it up with either a pearl or gold necklace. Try it with a brightly colored bag and neutral shoes.
The standard body type has shoulder that are the same width as the hips, is between 5’4” and 5’7” tall. They have a defined waist, and weight ranges from 110 to 154 pounds. When it comes to styling a standard body type, they can wear any trend with ease.
Dressing for work in a corporate environment — insurance, banking, law and the like requires sleekly tailored clothing. It’s as if your position and your duties say more about you than what you wear.
Karl Lagerfeld Paris Sleevless Tweed Sheath Dress
Where to buy: $77.40 (Originally $129), Dillard's
Inspired by the iconic Chanel tweed dress, this summer version works in client meetings and dinner for two.
Nora Gardner Gabrielle Dress
Where to buy: $288, Nora Gardner
This fitted sheath dress, made in New York City, has side seam pockets. Wear it with a blazer for the day, and long gold chains for later. Try it with nude or printed shoes.
Simply Vera Vera Wang Ruffle A-Line Dress
Where to buy: $21.60 (Originally $72), Vera Wang
This dress with classic tailoring ticks all the boxes required for a corporate type of workplace. It could be worn to work, and a ballet recital.
Forever 21 Tropical Print Maxi Dress
Where to buy: $17.90, Forever 21
Riding on one of summer’s big trends, this tropical print button down sundress works for work and weekends, too.
Intermix Ganni Maize Crepe Wrap Dress
Where to buy: $205, Intermix
At first glance this chic wrap dress looks like it’s polka dotted, when you look closely, you’ll realize they’re daisies. How sweet!
Club Monaco Elianna Dress
Where to buy: $129 (Originally $159.50), Club Monaco
This soft knit dress has an asymmetrical hem and removable belt. To change its vibe, pair with a heeled mule, and use navy print scarf for a belt.
Symbology Clothing Geometric Star Shirtdress
Where to buy: $140, Symbology Clothing
This midi-length shirtdress is hand-made by artisans using eco-friendly dyes. It’s great for running to the farmer’s market, lunch with friend, and everything on your weekend to-do list.
French Connection Ancole Broderie Midi Dress
Where to buy: $148, French Connection
This cotton midi dress is detailed with Broderie Anglaise. Wear it with a tee underneath, or by itself.
Vineyard Vines Off the Shoulder Run for the Roses Dress
Where to buy: $136.99 (Originally $188), Vineyard Vines
For the past nine years Vineyard Vines has been the official style of the Kentucky Derby. This limited edition dress was this year’s style, and it’s perfect for summer weddings.
Ted Baker Rehanna Embroidered Skater Dress
Where to buy: $256.48 (Originally 269.98), Amazon
This pink embroidered dress is the perfect companion to weddings, baby showers, and dressy summer events.
If you’re 5’8” and taller, embrace your height — it’s part of what makes you wonderfully you. When shopping for dresses, do check the hem length — no one looks good in a micro mini. Tall body types, like the standard body type can wear any style, any trend out there.
Working in commercial real estate, a law firm, or strong corporate environment, err on the conservative side of dressing. These dresses will take you from the office to dinner or a piano recital.
Long Tall Sally Subtle Textured Belted Suit Dress
Where to buy: $75 (Originally $139), Long Tall Sally
Done in a vibrant royal blue, this belted dress has a pencil skirt. Pair it with black or nude heels.
Chadwicks Ponte Knit Fit and Flare Dress
Where to buy: $29.99 (Originally $49.99), Chadwicks
This dress has a scoop neckline and princess seams that will gently showcase your waist.
J. Crew Tall Sheath Dress in Bi-Stretch Cotton
Where to buy: $118.99 (Originally $148), J. Crew
Pair it with its matching collarless jacket and nude heels for work. Going out after? Slip on animal print mules and ditch the jacket.
AK Anne Klein Belted Midi Dress
Where to buy: $22 (Originally $29.99), T.J. Maxx
This is the type of dress you can wear all year long. When the weather gets cooler, pair it with a cardigan or a blazer. During the winter months, wear it over a blouse.
Kitri Freya fruit Print V-neck Crepe Midi Dress
Where to buy: $160, Selfridges
This brightly printed midi dress can take you from work to a rehearsal dinner.
Banana Republic Leopard Print Maxi Dress
Where to buy: $110.99 (Originally $159), Banana Republic
The shirt dress is modernized in animal print. To add a punch of color, wear it with a red belt or shoes.
Ann Taylor Embroidered Chambray Shift Dress
Where to buy: $124.99 (Originally $139), Ann Taylor
Denim has made a comeback, and this lightweight chambray dress is a great way to wear the trend.
Metrostyle Elastic Waist Cap Sleeve Maxi Dress
Where to buy: $34.99 (Originally $69.99), Metrostyle
It packs easily, so it might become your go-to summer travel dress. Wear it to a petting zoo or a brunch.
Lands' End Banded Waist Fit and Flare Dress
Where to buy: $33.99 (Originally $69.95), Lands' End
The surplice v-neckline is flattering, and the cotton/model knit is super soft. Wear this to family barbecues, shopping outdoors, or sightseeing.
Athleta Destina Reversible Dress
Where to buy: $98, Athleta
This dress reverses into a different shade, so it’s like buying two dresses for the price of one. Dress combinations include white/grey heather, lilac stone/osprey grey, laurel olive/arbor olive.
Soft Surroundings West Village Dress
Where to buy: $98.95, Soft Surroundings
Wear this cold shoulder maxi dress to a rustic wedding, family reunion, or any semi-formal affair.
Long Tall Sally Pretty Lace Chiffon Dress
Where to buy: $99 (Originally $165), Long Tall Sally
This UK brand has been creating clothing for tall women since 1976. This pleated navy party dress is perfect to wear this summer, and next summer, and even the summer after that.
Tahari ASL Metallic Bow Fit and Flare Dress
Where to buy: $75.99 (Originally $148), Macy's
This pretty floral dress could be worn with a nude shoe and a gold bag.
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