Fit Lab: Sheath Dresses

The cut of this classic style may be narrow, but you don't have to be to wear it. Real Simple hand picked the best for every body type.

Real Simple Magazine
By: Yolanda Wikiel
August, 2010

IF YOU HAVE A TUMMY:

LOOK FOR: "Ruching that visually flattens the stomach and creates the look of a more defined waist," says Julie Watson, a Chicago-based personal shopper. Patterned fabric can also help distract attention from one specific problem area.

AVOID: Lightweight or slinky fabrics that will cling to the middle.

IF YOU HAVE AN HOURGLASS FIGURE:

LOOK FOR: Waist-enhancing seams and a form fitting cut to play up balanced proportions.

AVOID: "Stiff or heavy fabrics, like tweed and brocade, that don’t shape easily to the contours of the body," says Gregg Andrews, the national fashion director of Nordstrom. Those who wear D cups or larger should steer clear of high necklines, which can overemphasize and already large bust.

IF YOU HAVE FULL HIPS AND THIGHS:

LOOK FOR: "Styles that offer a bit more volume or interesting detail up top to even out the proportions of the lower body," says Watson. What else works? "Fabrics with some stretch or softness, such as rayon, silk, and cotton blends, and a straight-not tapered-cut of the skirt to accommodate the hips," says fashion designer David Meister.

AVOID: Pegged cuts that make hips and thighs look larger. Wrist-length sleeves that line up with the hips direct the eye straight to that area.

IF YOU HAVE A STRAIGHT FIGURE:

LOOK FOR: "A dress with built-in curves. You’ll know it when you see it because it will have a great shape even on the hanger," says Andrews. Also keep an eye out for a fitted bodice with darts and seaming throughout the torso to help create a defined, feminine silhouette.

AVOID: Thin, elasticized waistbands or gathered fabric at the stomach that adds thickness to the middle and makes the body look straighter.