How to Choose the Right Sundress for Your Body Type

Have you put on a sundress that looked stunning on the hanger but just felt “not for me” when you tried it on? Yeah, I understand your pain girl! 

Sundresses for women come in a million styles, but finding your perfect fit is all about knowing what works for your body shape. 

The right sundress can make you feel effortlessly confident, while the wrong one can make you look like a female Mr Monk.

I’ve spent way too many dressing room hours figuring this out, so let me save you the trouble! 

Here’s how to pick the perfect sundress for your body type, with tips that actually work.

If You Have an Hourglass Shape… Show Off That Waist!

Lucky you! Your curves are naturally balanced, so the goal is to highlight that tiny waist. 

Look for:

• Fit-and-flare dresses that hug your waist and flow out at the hips

• Wrap dresses that define your midsection without being restrictive

• Belted styles to accentuate your hourglass figure

I once bought a boxy sundress that completely hid my waist, and I felt like I was wearing a potato sack. 

Now, I stick to wrap dresses. They’re flattering and they adjust, so I never have to worry about fit.

If You Have a Pear-Shaped Body… Balance It Out!

Wider hips and a smaller upper body? The goal here is balance. You want a dress that draws the eye upward while gently skimming over the hips.

Look for:

• A-line or empire waist dresses that float away from the hips

• Off-the-shoulder or halter necklines to bring attention upward

• Dresses with ruffles or details on top to balance proportions

I used to avoid sundresses because I thought they’d make my hips look wider. Then I found an A-line dress with a cute sweetheart neckline and ruffled body and wow!

I mean, just wow! I just love wearing that sundress. It instantly made me fall in love and I bought it without a second thought even though it was slightly out of my budget.

If You Have an Apple-Shaped Body… Define That Waist!

If you carry weight in your midsection, the right sundress will create shape and keep things comfortable.

Look for:

• Empire waist dresses that cinch right under the bust and flow down

• V-neck or scoop necklines to elongate the upper body

• Dresses with ruching or draping to create soft definition

If You Have a Rectangular Body… Create Curves!

Straight up and down? The key is adding shape where you want it.

Look for:

• Smocked or ruched dresses to create a waist

• Tiered or ruffled skirts to add volume

• Cut-out details or belted styles for a curvier silhouette

I remember slipping into a ruched midi dress and being amazed at how it created the illusion of curves. 

If You Have a Petite Frame… Keep It Proportional!

When you’re on the shorter side (like me!), the right sundress won’t overwhelm your frame.

Look for:

• Mini or midi dresses that don’t drown you in fabric

• Vertical patterns or high slits to elongate the legs

• Slimmer straps or V-necks to keep things balanced

I used to think maxis were off-limits, but then I found one with a high slit. And I instantly fell in love with it. 

It gave me the drama of a long dress without making me look like I was wearing my mom’s clothes.

Final Thoughts: 

The perfect sundress is the one that makes you feel amazing! At the end of the day, it’s not about “rules”; it’s about finding what makes you feel your best. 

Try different styles, play with fabrics, and don’t hesitate to leave your comfort zone.

What’s your go-to sundress style? Let me know in the comments!