What Dresses to Wear for your Athletic Body Type
At GlamCorner we have formal dresses to fit and suit all body types; from curvy to petite, hourglass or athletic. Dressing for your body type makes all the difference in your overall appearance, comfort and confidence. For those who have an athletic build, choosing dresses that accentuate your toned figure will help in flattering your best bits and making most of those fabulous arms and legs!
Athletic body types generally have broader shoulders, narrower hips and muscular legs. There is often little difference between the bust and hips, with athletic body types being balanced throughout and often referred to as being ‘rectangular’ in appearance.
Athletic body’s will favour dresses which create feminine curves and highlight toned limbs. Steer clear from dresses which draw attention to the chest and shoulder areas as these will accentuate a broader upper body. The goal is to accentuate your female curves and toned body, so look to draped styles or dresses which cinch in at the waist.
5 Dresses for 5 Events to Suit an Athletic Body Type
1. Daytime Dressing
THE JETSET DIARIES ‘Mediterranean Romper’
Available sizes: 10
A romper is a wonderful and playful alternative to a dress, especially during the warmer summer months. More perfect is that rompers look excellent on athletic body types as they show off the legs while still maintaining a feminine appearance. This romper by The Jetset Diaries features a v-neckline which creates a feminine silhouette, as well a backless design which will accentuate your toned back while guiding the eyes downward toward the legs.
2. Cocktail Hour
SELF PORTRAIT ‘Antoinette Floral Guipure Lace Dress’
Available sizes: 8
This exquisite embroidered dress by Self Portrait will make a statement at cocktail hour or a night out with friends. Flattering for an athletic build, the classic fit-and-flare cut and mini dress hem shows off toned legs while the contrasting cinched in waistband detail adds curve. Team with a slender black heel and pared back jewellery to let the dress be focus!
3. Formal Event
WHEN FREDDIE MET LILLY ‘Anastasia Velvet Gown – Navy’
Available sizes: 6
Feel every inch a siren in this stunning When Freddie Met Lilly dress! Featuring a daring thigh-high split to show off the legs, a mermaid hemline, and an open back, this dress is the perfect formal outfit. Make it shine with elegant silver accessories and style hair in loose, romantic waves for added glamour.
4. The Races
THURLEY ‘Hollyhock Midi Dress’
Available sizes: 8-14
Racing season is here, and so is the perfect race outfit for an athletic build! This Thurley dress in a gorgeous daffodil yellow screams spring races. Crafted from floral guipure lace, this vibrant number frames the décolletage beautifully with cut outs at the shoulder and intricate scalloped edges. With a classic sheath silhouette, this dress perfectly balances out a rectangular build. Be race day ready by complementing this dress with a yellow fascinator and a nude heel and clutch.
5. Party
SAYLOR ‘Jessa Dress’
Available sizes: 8-12
Looking for the perfect party dress to suit your body type? Look no further than this ravishing red lace dress by Saylor! With floral guipure lace overlaid on a red slip, this dress has all the right features to flatter and make the most of your toned figure. The open lace bodice adds a sexy yet demure touch, while the lace backless design adds a stunning effect.
If you are blessed with an athletic build, finding the perfect dress is as simple as noting down your best assets. Look to styles that show off your legs and arms, and flattering curve-hugging cuts with styles that cinch in at the waist or that accentuate the natural curves of the female body.
Bump Friendly Style Guide
Embrace your pregnant belly with gorgeous, flattering bump friendly styles for any occasion! If you are pregnant, dressing for both comfort and practicality is of great importance, but it doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style! To make the most of your gorgeous baby bump, look to styles that drape over and skim the tummy or cuts which fit and flatter your womanly curves. From formal to casual, our collection of bump friendly dresses and gowns for pregnant women will have you looking extra dazzling at any event.
5 Bump Friendly Dresses for Pregnant Women
1. Daytime Dressing
CAMILLA ‘Sign Of Peace Split Front Sleeve Kaftan’
One Size
Perfectly flattering for both a pregnant belly and the summer months, this flowy & feminine Camilla Kaftan offers both comfort and style. Featuring an exclusive Camilla print and an embellished neckline, this dress can be worn during the day paired with a shoulder bag, sandals and rustic jewelry for the daily errands or lunch with friends!
2. Formal Event
GEORGE ‘Xanthia Gown’
Available sizes: 8-14
This is the perfect formal gown for those pregnant curves! In a slimming black, this George dress is a bump friendly take on the classic little black dress. The draped bodice skims and softens that baby bump while the thigh split and one shoulder detail adds glamour. The dress has a slight stretch to it which is perfect for a small but growing bump. For a sophisticated chic look, try an elegant updo with gold-tone jewelry. A simple strappy heel or stiletto will complement this gown wonderfully.
3. Party
CAMILLA AND MARC ‘Zendo Dress’
Available sizes: 8
Simply refined and elegant, this drape maxi dress by Camilla and Marc makes a stunning yet relaxed outfit for a party or any other special occasion. Crafted out of a pleated chiffon, this dress is a dream when walking as it moves beautifully and dramatically; making this dress pregnant & bump friendly!
4. Wedding
TADASHI SHOJI ‘Whimbrel Gown – Cedar’
Available sizes: 8, 12
If you have been invited to a black tie wedding, then this graceful gown by Tadashi Shoji would be a perfect fit! In a stretch crepe, this gown adds volume and proportion while offering comfort and support for a pregnant belly. The waist is drawn in to give the silhouette shape and a sweeping train completes the look. Pair with a classic black clutch and heels to complement the gorgeous emerald green.
5. Ball or Gala Event
Badgley Mischka ‘Gold Sequin Cowl Back’
Available sizes: 8-14
For a timeless and stunning outfit for a ball or charity gala event, this Badgley Mischka gown is the perfect option. Cut in a flattering mermaid silhouette, the all over sequin fabrication has stretch that hugs the body in all the right places. This gown is bump friendly so not only will you look stunning, but you will also feel comfortable and supported.
If you are pregnant, there’s no need to hide that baby bump or feel that you can’t get all dressed up! You can be sure that you can still look stylish in any of our bump-friendly dresses available to rent for any event or special occasion!
What Dresses to Wear for your Full Bust Body Type
The full bust body type applies to women who have a fuller bust or are ‘top heavy’. Women with this body type have narrower hips and a waist which is usually not very defined. The key to dressing for a full bust body type is to balance your upper body with the lower half, and create an illusion of a more hourglass effect. This is achieved by choosing dresses that add curve to the hips and which define the waist. Selecting dresses with longer hems also helps in maintaining balance to your figure, as shorter dresses can accentuate a heavier top-half.
5 Dresses for a Full Bust
1. Casual Chic
TALULAH ‘Objective Flare Mini Dress’
Available sizes: 6-14
This cute little number by Talulah is the perfect dress for those with a full bust. With a flattering sheer neckline and a gathered waistline to accentuate the waist and add balance to the figure, this dress would be gorgeous to wear day or night.
2. Formal Event
GRACE AND BLAZE ‘Oscar Gown’
Available sizes: 6-16
This stunning sequin gown by Grace and Blaze is head-turning! The silhouette is fitted with a fishtail hem which accentuates the natural curves of the body while bringing proportion and balance. Wear this to your next formal event and pair with a black pod clutch and heels for a glamorous entrance!
3. Wedding
PASDUCHAS ‘Girl Crush Midi – Black’
Available sizes: 6-14
Turn heads in this elegant little black dress by Pasduchas! Featuring a subtle keyhole cutout center front and a high crossover neckline, this fitted silhouette perfectly accentuates your curves in all the right places!
4. Races Ready
KEEPSAKE THE LABEL ‘Uplifted LS Midi Dress’
Available sizes: 8-14
Spring Racing season is in the air! For a perfect outfit for the races, you can’t go wrong with this beautifulKeepsake dress. It has a fitted silhouette with a wide waist panel, drawing the figure in. The long sleeves and V-neckline adds a sexy yet sophisticated touch. Pair with nude heels and accessories.
5. Party
TRELISE COOPER ‘Million Dollar Lady Dress’
Available sizes: 8-14
Trelise’s dress is the perfect party or special occasion dress. Boasting a flirty V plunge neckline that is adorned with hand beaded florals, this blushing pink midi features a partially lined sheer hem, that elongates the legs beautifully!
Women with a full bust have plenty of styling options to accentuate and make the most of your curves. For more gorgeous dresses and gowns to wear day or night, have a look at the rest of our Full Bust collection.
What Dresses to Wear for your Hourglass Body Type
The hourglass figure is universally known as being ‘curvy’; where the bust and the hips are directly in proportion to one another, while the waist is quite narrow or slim and the upper body is balanced with the length of the legs. Hourglass figures do well in dresses which accentuate the curves and especially the waist. Form or figure hugging dresses, v-necklines, strapless necklines, accentuated waistlines, wrap dresses and fishtail gowns all do a great job in accentuating and flattering an hourglass body type.
5 Dresses for an Hourglass Body Type
1. Casual Chic
CAMILLA ‘Constantinople Halter Layered Playsuit’
Available sizes: 10-12
A gorgeous playsuit like this one from Camilla features a high halter neckline which accentuates an hourglass figure’s balanced upper body. The dreamy hues of blue and bronze crepe make for a perfect summer outfit to wear to a BBQ, by the poolside or shopping with friends!
2. Formal
ELLE ZEITOUNE ‘Montana Scarlett’
Available sizes: 8
This stunning gown by Elle Zeitoune was made for your hourglass figure! Featuring an off-shoulder and sweetheart neckline and a sophisticated sweeping train, this gown perfectly accentuates a balanced figure while adding extra definition to the waist and torso with the high waisted skirt. A perfectly show-stopping look for your next formal or gala event. Pair with nude heels and an elegant clutch.
3. The Races
RODEO SHOW ‘Madrid Dress – Navy’
Available sizes: 8-14
The perfect race day outfit, this dress by Rodeo Show dazzles with its statement floral lace and fluted midi silhouette. The halter shaping at the neckline and high eyelash collar accentuates an hourglass shape, fitting the curves like a glove! Pair with a stylish black fascinator or go for contrasting white for a race ready look.
4. Wedding
GRACE & HART ‘Allure Floaty Dress – Blush’
Available sizes: 6-10
This Grace & Hart dress is pretty as a picture! It features a fitted bodice, wide cinched waist panel and a full skirt for a flattering feminine silhouette, which is ravishing on an hourglass body type. Pair with feminine sandals and try a classic bag and pared-back accessories for a perfect wedding guest outfit.
5. Cocktail Party
CAMILLA AND MARC ‘Wake Baby Dress’
Available sizes: 8, 12
The perfect dress for cocktail night with the girls or simply a night on the town or dinner for two, this Camilla and Marc creation stuns! Featuring a high rolled neckline and organza fabric, this body con dress accentuates the curves making it perfect fr those with an hourglass body type. Pair with black or nude heels to further elongate the legs and keep accessories simple, sticking to a pair of elegant stud earrings.
The key to dressing your hourglass body type is to select styles that proportionate the top and lower body, while bringing extra definition to the waist. Look to dresses that have a glove-like fit such as bodycon styles, or dresses which cinch at the waist. Further accentuate your assets by opting for feminine and elegant styles of dress. We have a wide range of dresses for hourglass body type’s available to rent at GlamCorner.
What Dresses to Wear for your Tall Body Type
Those with a tall body shape are blessed with lovely long limbs and a gorgeous shape to carry beautiful floor length gowns. But don’t think this is the only style you have to wear.
From high necked or backless, to shorter styles and midi-length designs, we’ve picked our top 5 dresses for those with a tall body shape to show you how to style every sort of outfit, for every occasion.
5 Dresses for 5 Events to Suit a Tall Body Type
1. Formal Fiesta
THURLEY ‘Mexican Carnival Dress’
Available sizes: 8
Be bold, and stand out from the crowd in the Thurley ‘Mexican Carnival Dress‘. The colourful floral lace design adds a modern touch to the classic fitted shape, while the long sleeves and cut out shoulders make it easy to wear all year round.
For those worried about finding a long enough dress for the tall body shapes, the knee length hem line of this dress is the answer to all your worries.
2. Mother of the Bride
ERDEM ‘Emiko Guipure Dress’
Available sizes: 10
Mother’s of the Bride always want to look their best, and those with a tall body shape can do just that in this Erdem ‘Emiko Guipure Lace’ Dress. If modern lace detailing isn’t up your alley then this is the perfect alternative. The classic tri-colour lace design brings together classic style with a fashionable twist. Perfect for those who want a traditional Mother of the Bride dress with a modern edge.
3. Classy Cocktails
SELF PORTRAIT ‘Teardrop Guipure Paneled Mini Dress’
Available sizes: 8-10
For the fun-loving ones, just because you have a tall body shape doesn’t mean you have to stick to the longer hem lengths. This Self Portrait ‘Teardrop Guipure Paneled Mini Dress‘ is the perfect option for those who want to show a big of leg. In line with the of-the-moment lace trend, this mini dress features a semi sheer bodice, lace ruffles and a high-neckline.
A perfect option for pairing with flats or heels for a quick cocktail (or three) with the girls in the afternoon.
4. Beautiful Black Tie
GRACE & HART ‘Renaissance Gown in Blush’
Available sizes: 8-14
Being in the ‘tall body shape group’ has many a plus – one in particular being lucky enough to donn a gorgeous gown and not worry about half the dress trailing behind you. This Grace & Heart Renaissance Gown in Blush is a perfect option for a black tie ball, or even a formal wedding. Pair it back with fine accessories and a low neat bun for a truely sophisticated feel.
5. Summer Time Fun
PREMONITION ‘Glasshouse Playsuit’
Available sizes: 6-10
With Summer just around the corner, there’s no better way to walk your way through the warmer weather than in a cute little playsuit. This metallic sheer lace playsuit can be styled up or down depending on the occasion. The flirty cut-outs accentuating the female decolletage.
Finding the perfect outfit for your body shape can prove difficult at the best of times. Knowing what style suits you makes it 100 times easier! Look for designs that elongate your legs and show off your long and lean figure – everyone will be incredibly jealous.
What Dresses to Wear for your Petite Body Type
For those with a petite body shape, you’re in luck. Close to every dress style suits your shape, however, be careful not to swamp your beautifully tiny frame. Knowing how to style a gown on a smaller body shape is key.
Look for slight figure hugging dresses with a touch of volume (think ruffles or layers), but be aware of wearing too much material.
5 Dresses for 5 Events to Suit a Petite Body Type
1. Cool, Classy and Casual
REALISATION ‘Diane Dress in Navy Star’
Available sizes: 6-14
Deciding what to wear for a casual BBQ or a couple of cocktails with the friends is probably harder than picking between a margarita and an Aperol Spritz. Here’s where we come in! This Realisation Diane Dress in navy star makes for a perfect cool, comfortable, and classy option for a casual affair.
The soft silk drapes wonderfully across the body, while the faux wrap around design, deep V neckline and ruffles along the hemline and neckline create an overall feminine feel. Perfect for all year round, the long sleeves are fine during summer as the lightweight material feels like it’s not even there!
2. Cocktail Drama
SELF PORTRAIT ‘Floral Vine Cape Mini Dress’
Available sizes: 6-12
Perfect for those with a petite body shape, 60s inspired dresses – with their simple shift shape – this Self Portrait number, is the perfect option for cocktail drinks or dinner. Boasting a delicate, ditsy mesh cape and a contrasting white collar in a high neckline reveals a subtle balance of skin.
2. Black Tie Glamour
GEORGE ‘Sofia Mermaid Hem – Black’
Available sizes: 6-16
If a black tie ball or gala dinner is on the agenda, then look no further than the George ‘Sofia Mermaid Hem – Black’ for a gorgeous gown for those sporting a petite body shape. The fitted bodice and off the shoulder neckline is contrasted with the added drama from the full bodied, semi sheer lace, showing off your incredible frame without swamping it in too much material!
4. High School Formal Ready
ZIMMERMANN ‘Mischief Wallpaper Dress’
Available sizes: 10
Ready and waiting for those with the gorgeous petite body shape, this Zimmermann ‘Mischief Wallpaper Dress‘ is the perfect pick for a High School Formal. Featuring an incredible embroidered pattern across the dress, the structured design creates a wonderful sillouette against your finer frame.
Style the deep v neckline and spaghetti straps with a fine chocker or necklace, then pull your hair up into a low pony tail or bun for a truely stylish finish. Stand out from the crowd in this formal ready dress for a fraction of the retail price!
5. Bridesmaid Duties Made Easy
ALICE MCCALL ‘Northern Lights Dress Ballet’
Available sizes: 8-12
For all those bridesmaids out there with a petite body shape, we’ve got the perfect dress for you to show your bride-to-be! This Alice McCall dress features a feminine and floral embroidery with pleated contrast edging on the hems. The sheer details with an attached mini slip show just the right amount of skin.
Wrap an intricate metal detailed belt around your waist for extra drama and pair it with a simple strapped mule. As a bridesmaid dress, this beautiful design works wonders for all body types, not just those with a petite body shape.
What Dresses to Wear for your Pear Shaped Body Type
For those incredibly lucky women with pear body shapes, we’re positive you’ve had a few internal arguments when deciding what to wear. The team at GlamCorner are here to save the day.
Finding a dress that’s going to fit your curves down below and your smaller frame up top means knowing which styles will suit your body shape. Take a look at our top five picks to see what we’ve chosen as the perfect option for your pear body shape.
5 Dresses for 5 Events to Suit a Pear Shaped Body Type
1. Formal Work Drinks
UNSPOKEN ‘Alexa Midi Dress – Navy’
Available sizes: 6-10
Pear body shapes have an incredible silhouette – smaller up top with gorgeous curves down below. Accentuate all the right areas in this Unspoken Dress. Featuring an off the shoulder, sweetheart neckline, the fitted bodice gives shape to your upper half while showing off your décolletage and neck.
Perfect for formal drinks and dinner, the knee length loose fitting skirt will drape wonderfully over your curves while staying sophisticated, and classy.
2. Cool Cocktails
REBECCA VALLANCE ‘Bravado High Neck Plunge Dress’
Available sizes: 8-10
The key to picking a perfect dress for those with pear body shapes is to find something that shows off your curves without swamping your frame. This Rebecca Vallance Bravado High Neck Plunge Dress is our top pick!
Featuring a a figure hugging bodice and skirt, the lower ruffle adds shape and dimension to the slim design. Adding a tiny touch of spice to the dress, the origami cross-over bodice creates a diamond shaped cutout in the bodice, perfect for a subtle sexy touch.
3. Spring Into The Races
REBECCA VALLANCE ‘Capir Mini Dress’
Available sizes: 6-14
Spring Carnival is the perfect time for everyone to look their best, from top to toe, and test out the latest fashion trends on the field! For those with pear body shapes, this ravish red dress by Rebecca Vallance is a perfect option for the warmer racing season.
Channel classic elegance in this off-the-shoulder, double layered dress with ease. Slimming in all the right places, the off-the-shoulder ruffles even out your pear figure while also accentuating your curves, waistline and beautiful décolletage.
Trust us when we say you’ll be turning heads for all the right reasons in this beautifully simplistic yet chic design.
4. Sunny Summer BBQ
CAMILLA ‘Bahia Bliss Shoestring Strap Playsuit’
Available sizes: 8-12
The sunny Summer months are all about delicious BBQs and afternoon drinks. Finding a summer suitable outfit for those with pear body shapes is made ten times easier with this Camilla Playsuit.
Featuring an iconic Camilla print embellished with Swarovski crystals, the soft floating silk drapes wonderfully over your curves, while the thin spaghetti strap shows off your petite upper frame. Team it with a pair of slides or simple block mules and this beautiful silk playsuit will take you from day to night, all Summer long.
5. Black Tie Babe
GRACE & HART ‘Embrace Gown’
Available sizes: 8-14
Black tie balls, gala dinners and even a wedding all call for the best of the best. Finding a gown to suit those with pear body shapes, that suits the occasion, can definitely cause even the surest of shoppers the odd panic moment. With this in mind, take at a look at the Grace & Heart Embrace Gown – a perfect outfit suitable for anything black tie.
Featuring a floor length hemline, the classic style is constructed from a delicate floral lace. With a high neckline and figure hugging shape, the front split adds an extra ‘something special the classic silhouette. Embrace your beautiful pear body shapes in this slimming, incredible design.
What Dresses to Wear for your Straight Body Type
For those of us with a straight body shape – think up and down with minimal curves, finding a dress or jumpsuit that doesn’t make you look like a column can prove rather difficult. That’s where we at GlamCorner come in.
We’ve picked out our top five outfits for straight up and downers – for all different occasions – to show you how to give off the allusion of glamorous curves, while also showcasing your gorgeous long and lean figure.
5 Dresses for 5 Events to Suit a Straight Body Type
1. Fabulous and Formal
FOR LOVE AND LEMONS ‘Daisy Lace Midi Dress’
Available sizes: 8-12
One of the biggest concerns dressing a straight body shape is trying to get the allusion of a beautiful hourglass figure. This For Love And Lemons Dress is the perfect option for a formal function for those who have a straight frame.
Featuring a delicate lace that runs around the waistline, the neck, down the arms and through the bodice of the dress adds a touch of drama with the semi sheer detailing. The gathered skirt creates the illusion of an hourglass figure while not swamping your frame in excess material.
2. Black Tie Drama
TALULAH ‘Carnation Flared Sleeve Gown’
Available sizes: 8-14
This dramatic figure hugging gown by Talulah is a perfect option for anyone with a straight body shape. The bell sleeves and flared hemline add that extra bit of detail that will show off your gorgeous figure from top to bottom.
Don’t shy away from the bold red colour, while black is the easiest colour to wear, opting for a dress in a different hue will make your skin tone pop and make you stand out from the crowd. Pair it with a simple strappy stiletto and a neat box clutch for a polished overall look. Red carpet ready in no time.
3. Daytime Casual Look
ALICE MCCALL ‘Sherbert Bomb Playsuit – Peach’
Available sizes: 8-10
This fabulous, feminine playsuit by Alice McCall is the perfect option for those with a straight body shape who want to give themselves the allusion of some curves. Featuring cascading ruffles and an open back, this cute little playsuit styled with either poker straight hair or a messy low bun is perfect for a cool and casual finished look.
4. Desk to Dinner Outfit
JAY GODFREY ‘Reese Jumpsuit’
Available sizes: 8-14
We are forever seeking that perfect office to bar outfit, and let us say that we believe we’ve found exactly that. This Jumpsuit has all the right features perfect for those with a straight body shape.
With wide leg flared pants, a fitted waistline and exaggerated shoulders, this stunning power pantsuit will give the right shape to your frame. Wear your hair back in a low, slicked back ponytail to show off the stunning statement shoulders.
5. Summertime Maxi
WE ARE KINDRED ‘Catarina Pleat Maxi Dress’
Available sizes: 8-12
Summertime evening affairs are one of the best parts of longer days and the warmer weather. Take advantage of the soft flowing silk organza in this We Are Kindred Max and float around all night long in this gorgeous design.
Featuring an asymmetric pleated skirt and romantic floral print, the cold shoulders show off your shoulders and neck bones while staying sophisticated and modern. Go casual with a pair of platform brogues and loose waves, or make the entire look more formal with a pair of pointed sling backs and a cute box clutch to hold all your necessities. Quick and easy, ready for a summer time formal wedding.
