Basic shapes in dress design

In one of my previous post, i promised to enlighten us on the various body and dress shapes that we have. Understanding your body shape and that of your garments, will be of great help in defining your style, of course along side your life-style and fashion preferences. But first is to be certain which category you belong or you are mostly like.

 

When it comes to the shapes of garments, they can be categorized generally into 8 different dress designs. Please take note the these are shapes of the dress and not body types. The key is to determine what dress shape hides your flaws and expresses your best parts, that is what shape is most flattering to your figure.

 

 

BASIC SHAPES IN DRESS DESIGN

 

1.      Rectangle: This dress shape is long, straight, hanging loose and having graceful folds. Such style gives a slimming illusion and is suitable for the well proportioned, heavier figure.

 

2.      Triangle: The triangle dress shape can be seen in Spanish styles, with a fitted bodice and bell shaped skirt. Suitable for many body figures.

 

3.      Oval:  The oval shape dress is very feminine, decorative and softly draped. Very perfect for a well proportioned figure, not so flattering for figures having wider hips and tighs. Suitable for both evening and day wear.

 

 

4.   Square: This dress shape is well suited for very thin figure, but can if well constructed, camouflage different figure types. This shape can be seen in free boxy jackets, straight or boat shaped necklines and capes.

 

 

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 5.  Inverted triangle: As the name implies, this dress shape has a wide bodice, shoulder and a narrow skirt. This design is suitable for a figure with a large bust, defined waistline and average hip size. It sits well on a well proportioned figure but not suitable on an equally ''ïnverted triangle'' figure.

 

6.   Hourglass: This dress shape is characterised by a wide shoulder, natural waist and a full skirt having a balanced shape up and down. This shape is very fit for a tall, slim figure, though flattering for many body types.

 

7.   Round: The round shape style has a wide round look with puff sleeves, full skirts and petal shape. Its very attractive on the young and slim figure, and suitable for formal as well as afternoon frocks. Not suitable for heavier figures.

 

 

 

8.   Combined: The combined dress shape is an infusion or alteration of the current fashion silhouettes to fit a specific figure type. This way a body figure irregularity can be concealed without loosing  the effect of the current design.  I can't really post a picture to represnt this shape as it is a fusion of shapes to fit a body type, but i would put up a picture and explain what shape has been altered to fit the figure. This type is more satisfying as the dress is made to fit you.

 

 

      The dress above has being altered from the rectangular shape by the synching in the waist. This will better show off the narrow waist line of the wearer; showing off a body asset. If not altered, it would have flown from top to bottom remaining feminine, but not as flattering.

 

This article would be better appreciated when you understand your body shape, thus i would write on that in my next post. In the mean time, this should help you understand your wardrobe better.
 

#fashion tip: Chunky costume accessories compliment wedge heeled sandals giving you that edgy girly look.