While we will never abandon our love for street, celeb, and blogger style, when looking for flattering style tips, there’s no better way to get real answers than by asking “real” girls—i.e., people we know. So, when it came time to approach this story theme of slimming dresses, I thought it would be fitting to turn the mic over to our very own group of editors to weigh in. From my own experiences as a petite 5’2” girl who doesn’t like to wear anything tight at her midsection to 5’9” editor Aemilia’s penchant for a more formfitting silhouette on her athletic body type, we’re sharing the various flattering styles we like to wear—and why. Read about each of our picks and shop them below.
“I’m not fond of tight dresses, so I love that this wrap dress is waist-defining without being formfitting. Plus, you can wear it with literally any type of shoes.”
Shop her pick:
Available in sizes XXS to XL.
“As someone who doesn’t like clothes that hug the midsection, I tend to opt for a dress that’s fitted at the top, gathers at the waist, then is flowy from the waist down. It lets me feel like I’m wearing something flattering but not super tight or uncomfortable at the same time. Also, being on the shorter side (5’2”), I’ve found that either a mini or midi length is the key to looking elongated.”
Shop her pick:
Available in sizes XS to L.
“I’ll admit that I was intimidated by the high side slit and backless cut of this dress when I saw it on the hanger. So, I was happily surprised to find how well it framed my upper back (the placement of the straps had a lot to do with it) and showed off just the right amount of leg. It’s my go-to dress for weddings and formal occasions.”
Shop her pick:
Available in sizes 0 to 14.
“I typically gravitate toward dresses with a tapered waist since they always help to define my shape.”
Shop her pick:
Available in sizes XS to L.
“This is my ideal dress silhouette because it slightly covers my arms with the drapey detail, and the short hemline elongates and highlights my legs, which is super flattering to me.”
Shop her pick:
Available in sizes XS to L.
“As someone with a more athletic body type, I tend to stay away from anything too big on the bottom, because I feel like it adds extra volume to my hips and more muscular legs. Instead, I tend to favor a sheath or empire-waist dress.”
Shop her pick:
Available in sizes 0 to 12.
“If I want a truly figure-defining dress for my shape (busy but with comparatively narrow hips), I like a slinkier version of a wrap dress. Fabric is key to an easier, relaxed shape while the tie at the middle highlights where my natural waist is without making me feel like my body is on display or hidden under too much material.”
Shop her pick:
Available in sizes XS to XL.
“While this dress is clearly reserved for special occasions, I jump at any chance to wear it. The combination of the ruffled, slightly fluted bottom and the slimming, waist-cinching black band makes me feel like my most confident self. The embroidery is designed to flatter the natural curves of your body, so you can rest assured that your best features are being highlighted.”
Shop her pick:
Available in sizes 4 AU to 14 AU.
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