How to Choose the Perfect Quinceañera Gown

Tips to help you find the most flattering dress for your figure

Just because you wish you looked like Reese Witherspoon or Natalie Portman at your next formal event, chances are, if you’re an

average woman like me, which means I’m thinner on top, heavier on the bottom and short all over, you probably lack more Portman and

appear more pear-shaped. However, all women deserve to look and feel stunning in stylish pageant dresses—regardless of if you’re an apple or pear-shape, petite, thin, or curvy.

By dressing yourself appropriately using the following four proportionality tips, you will find the best formal gown for your body type…

1. Pear shapes

The perfect gown for pear-shaped figures balances out a body that’s thinner on top and fuller in the hips and thighs like this:

• By drawing attention to the smaller part of your body—your upper body (bust and shoulders)
• You can do this with a dress that had elaborate bodice detailing, sequins, gathering, embroidery, or with an eye catching necklace or

  brooch

• Draw the illusion of length by showing some skin—expose a long, graceful neck or sleek shoulders with a strapless dress
• Minimize your heavier lower half by creating a sleek line with a skirt that flares out from the waist
• That means, avoid stretchy material on your lower half that clings to the hips and thighs

2. Apple shapes

If your figure can be described as an apple you are heavier on top (through the shoulders, bust, and midsection) and thinner through the

lower body. You need a dress that defines your non-existent waist and draws attention to your assets like this:

• Show off your enviable cleavage with a plunging neckline such as a V-neck or halter
• Pick a short dress that shows off your long, sexy legs
• Choose a bodice or corset top with boning to create the illusion of a synched waist
• Pick a style with ruching or gathering at the torso to mask a not-so-taunt tummy
• Choose a dress with a thick belt or sash to define your waist

3. Classic hourglass

The curvy hourglass figure is equally balanced on the upper and lower body with a tiny waist. The great thing about being an hourglass

is that you look good in almost anything. However, most hourglass shapes run on the short side so pick a dress that accentuates your

curves like this:

• Wrap and sheath dresses are ideal because they cling to curves and accentuate your trim waist
• Use a belt or sash to nip the waist
• Clingy fabrics will look stunning on your natural, womanly curves so flaunt away
• · Just steer clear of dresses that overwhelm your petite frame or make you appear even shorter

4. Slim, boy shapes

If you are tall and straight with a small bust and hips you will want a dress that creates the illusion of curves like this:

• To fill out the bust fuller bust and hips, choose a dress with embellishments or gathering on the entire length of the dress
• Select a dress with an empire waist to create the illusion of curves
• Fill out your bust with dresses with built-in cups or ruching/gathering on the bodice
• Choose a dress with tiers to fill out your lower half