6 Best Dresses for Pear-Shaped Figures

6 Best Dresses for Pear-Shaped Figures

If you are bottom-heavy with wide hips and narrow shoulders, you've got a pear-shaped figure. Find out which frocks and gowns are the most flattering for your body shape.

The pear figure

Pear-shaped women have a petite upper body characterized by a slender neck, narrow shoulders, small bust and rib cage, shapely waist, and a fuller lower body with generous hips and thighs. For the most flattering look, you should look for a dress that plays up your slender waist and sexy shoulders while minimizing the hip and thigh area.

1. Detailing and volume on top (and minimal at the bottom)

Your svelte torso means that you can afford to wear any style that has got volume on top – from bulky embellishments such as lace and ruffles at the neckline as seen on Lucy Liu to beadings across the bodice to breast pockets and puff-sleeves. Conversely, to play down your heavy lower body, you may want to keep your lacework and gathers at the bottom to a minimum.

2. Slightly nipped in at the waist

Take advantage of your slender waistline by choosing dresses that gently taper at the waist and slightly flare out over the hips and thighs. A dress with a softly fitted waistline (like Scarlett Johansson's) helps draw attention to your curves and gives your figure a sexy hourglass shape. The key is to keep the fit around the waist comfortable, but not too tight.

3. Trapeze or empire cut

Jennifer Love Hewitt's empire-waist gown works great for the pear figure. Empire dresses with a fitted bodice showcase your petite waist and bring the eye up away from problem areas. The A-line cut of the trapeze dress is perfect for minimizing chunky thighs and wide hips because of the generous room over the bottom.

4. Shirtdress

A structured shirtdress with sleeves (as seen on Mary-Kate Olsen, right) is great for downplaying bulges, and flatters most body shapes particularly pear-shaped ones. Look for one in a stiffer fabric like khaki instead of flimsy ones which tend to be more unforgiving of heavy bottoms.

 
 

5. Sexy neckline

Monica Bellucci's gorgeous bias-cut halter dress has a deep neckline that highlights her slender upper body and draws attention upwards. Just make sure that the dress skims over your hip smoothly. Allow space for movement and avoid a skintight fit.

 
 
 
 
 

 6. Widening neckline and sleeves

The boat neck and billowing sleeves of Jessica Szohr's frock help visually broaden the upper torso. Necklines such as strapless, off-the-shoulder, square or cowl-neck as well as long sleeves, cap and puff sleeves instantly create a more balanced silhouette.