{"id":117325,"date":"2018-02-16T07:55:14","date_gmt":"2018-02-16T13:55:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thebudgetfashionista.com\/?p=117325"},"modified":"2026-03-31T04:26:57","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T10:26:57","slug":"how-choose-cocktail-dress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/fashion-trends\/how-choose-cocktail-dress\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing a cocktail dress for your body shape"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>A good cocktail dress&nbsp;is a must-have, but buying one you love is no small task. No dress its every body the same, and cocktail dresses &#8212; being more form-fitting than a casual maxi dress &#8212; can be less forgiving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you start shopping, it helps to know your body shape and the design conventions that look best on you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Read next: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/dresses-guide\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1662230\">The Budget Fashionista guide to dresses<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-dominant-color=\"bcb9b9\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #bcb9b9;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/how-choose-cocktail-dress-pin.jpg\" alt=\"Navy cocktail dress for body shape guide\" class=\"wp-image-1663990 not-transparent\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/how-choose-cocktail-dress-pin.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/how-choose-cocktail-dress-pin-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/how-choose-cocktail-dress-pin-300x450.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/how-choose-cocktail-dress-pin-768x1152.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: Canva.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Determining your body shape<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>First, measure yourself at your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips. You&#8217;ll use these numbers&nbsp;to figure out your body type.&nbsp;Here&#8217;s how it breaks down:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If your shoulders and bust are wider than your hips \u2014 by about 5% or more \u2014 you have an <strong>inverted triangle shape<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If your shoulders, bust and hips are within 5% of one another, you have a <strong>rectangle shape<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If your waist is smaller than your shoulders, bust and hips by about 25%, you have an <strong>hourglass shape<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If your shoulders, bust and waist are all smaller than your hips, you have a <strong>pear shape<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If your shoulders are wider than your hips, you have a large bust and your waist is not well-defined, you may have an <strong>apple shape<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Read next: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/fashion-trends\/how-to-dress-cocktail-party\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/fashion-trends\/how-to-dress-cocktail-party\/\">How to dress for a cocktail party<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Inverted triangle shape<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/archive\/fashion-tips-dresses-for-inverted-triangle-body-type\/\">inverted triangle shaped body<\/a>, you are working with a larger bust, broad shoulders plus narrow hips and slender legs. To balance these proportions out, look for dresses with streamlined top halves, defined waists, and volume at the bottom half.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words, the top portion of your cocktail dress should be form-fitting, with minimal embellishments and simple necklines. The skirt portion of the dress can have pleats, tiers, or embellishments to appear fuller. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"boutique-widget\" data-widget-id=\"1299709\">\r\n                <script type=\"text\/javascript\" language=\"javascript\">\r\n                    !function(d,s,id){\r\n                        var e, p = \/^http:\/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';\r\n                        if(!d.getElementById(id)) {\r\n                            e     = d.createElement(s);\r\n                            e.id  = id;\r\n                            e.src = p + ':\/\/widgets.rewardstyle.com\/js\/boutique.js';\r\n                            d.body.appendChild(e);\r\n                        }\r\n                        if(typeof window.__boutique === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {\r\n                            window.__boutique.init();\r\n                        }\r\n                    }(document, 'script', 'boutique-script');\r\n                <\/script>\r\n                <div class=\"rs-adblock\">\r\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/assets.rewardstyle.com\/images\/search\/350.gif\" style=\"width:15px;height:15px;\" onerror=\"this.parentNode.innerHTML=&#039;Turn off your ad blocker to view content&#039;\" alt=\"\" title=\"\">\r\n                    <noscript>Turn on your JavaScript to view content<\/noscript>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rectangular body shape<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your rectangular-shaped body is the more athletic, slender type. Despite the boxy-sounding name, this shape lends to thin legs, narrow hips, narrow shoulders, and a small bust \u2014 in other words, you don\u2019t have a lot of curves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Flattering styles for you are the dresses that add the illusion of curves. Look for belted dresses featuring ruching on the top and bottom halves. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"boutique-widget\" data-widget-id=\"1299710\">\r\n                <script type=\"text\/javascript\" language=\"javascript\">\r\n                    !function(d,s,id){\r\n                        var e, p = \/^http:\/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';\r\n                        if(!d.getElementById(id)) {\r\n                            e     = d.createElement(s);\r\n                            e.id  = id;\r\n                            e.src = p + ':\/\/widgets.rewardstyle.com\/js\/boutique.js';\r\n                            d.body.appendChild(e);\r\n                        }\r\n                        if(typeof window.__boutique === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {\r\n                            window.__boutique.init();\r\n                        }\r\n                    }(document, 'script', 'boutique-script');\r\n                <\/script>\r\n                <div class=\"rs-adblock\">\r\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/assets.rewardstyle.com\/images\/search\/350.gif\" style=\"width:15px;height:15px;\" onerror=\"this.parentNode.innerHTML=&#039;Turn off your ad blocker to view content&#039;\" alt=\"\" title=\"\">\r\n                    <noscript>Turn on your JavaScript to view content<\/noscript>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The hourglass shape<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The hourglass shape is the most balanced body for a woman. You have average-to-larger bust and hips, paired with a small waist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With this body type, you don\u2019t really have a feature to hide as much as you just want to flaunt what you&#8217;ve got. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/fashion-trends\/the-bodycon-dress\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"91805\">Bodycon and bandage dresses<\/a> are your best friends. Consider a belt too, which will further accentuate your tiny waist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also go for the classic pinup-style dresses that cinch at the waist and flare out at the bottom near the skirt. Look for clearly defined waistlines and hemlines that end above the knee.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"boutique-widget\" data-widget-id=\"1299718\">\r\n                <script type=\"text\/javascript\" language=\"javascript\">\r\n                    !function(d,s,id){\r\n                        var e, p = \/^http:\/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';\r\n                        if(!d.getElementById(id)) {\r\n                            e     = d.createElement(s);\r\n                            e.id  = id;\r\n                            e.src = p + ':\/\/widgets.rewardstyle.com\/js\/boutique.js';\r\n                            d.body.appendChild(e);\r\n                        }\r\n                        if(typeof window.__boutique === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {\r\n                            window.__boutique.init();\r\n                        }\r\n                    }(document, 'script', 'boutique-script');\r\n                <\/script>\r\n                <div class=\"rs-adblock\">\r\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/assets.rewardstyle.com\/images\/search\/350.gif\" style=\"width:15px;height:15px;\" onerror=\"this.parentNode.innerHTML=&#039;Turn off your ad blocker to view content&#039;\" alt=\"\" title=\"\">\r\n                    <noscript>Turn on your JavaScript to view content<\/noscript>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Read next: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/fashion-trends\/repurpose-little-black-dress\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1662844\">How to revive and repurpose your little black dress<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The pear shape<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A pear-shaped body \u2014 aka the triangle body \u2014 carries weight in the lower half. You can balance that out by drawing attention to your slender shoulders and collarbones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To do this, design aspects such as halter tops or  sleeveless or strapless dresses are ideal. You can also use a plunging neckline and a statement necklace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A second strategy is to accentuate your waist with a cinched dress or belt.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"boutique-widget\" data-widget-id=\"1299717\">\r\n                <script type=\"text\/javascript\" language=\"javascript\">\r\n                    !function(d,s,id){\r\n                        var e, p = \/^http:\/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';\r\n                        if(!d.getElementById(id)) {\r\n                            e     = d.createElement(s);\r\n                            e.id  = id;\r\n                            e.src = p + ':\/\/widgets.rewardstyle.com\/js\/boutique.js';\r\n                            d.body.appendChild(e);\r\n                        }\r\n                        if(typeof window.__boutique === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {\r\n                            window.__boutique.init();\r\n                        }\r\n                    }(document, 'script', 'boutique-script');\r\n                <\/script>\r\n                <div class=\"rs-adblock\">\r\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/assets.rewardstyle.com\/images\/search\/350.gif\" style=\"width:15px;height:15px;\" onerror=\"this.parentNode.innerHTML=&#039;Turn off your ad blocker to view content&#039;\" alt=\"\" title=\"\">\r\n                    <noscript>Turn on your JavaScript to view content<\/noscript>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Apple shape<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Apple shapes are most flattered by pieces that elongate the torso, add definition to the waist and draw attention to your legs. Achieve that balance with wrap-style dresses. Use an outer layer, like a blazer, to add structure to your top half.  <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"boutique-widget\" data-widget-id=\"1299719\">\r\n                <script type=\"text\/javascript\" language=\"javascript\">\r\n                    !function(d,s,id){\r\n                        var e, p = \/^http:\/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';\r\n                        if(!d.getElementById(id)) {\r\n                            e     = d.createElement(s);\r\n                            e.id  = id;\r\n                            e.src = p + ':\/\/widgets.rewardstyle.com\/js\/boutique.js';\r\n                            d.body.appendChild(e);\r\n                        }\r\n                        if(typeof window.__boutique === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {\r\n                            window.__boutique.init();\r\n                        }\r\n                    }(document, 'script', 'boutique-script');\r\n                <\/script>\r\n                <div class=\"rs-adblock\">\r\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/assets.rewardstyle.com\/images\/search\/350.gif\" style=\"width:15px;height:15px;\" onerror=\"this.parentNode.innerHTML=&#039;Turn off your ad blocker to view content&#039;\" alt=\"\" title=\"\">\r\n                    <noscript>Turn on your JavaScript to view content<\/noscript>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Inspiration from your shape <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Shopping is more fun when you understand your proportions and the style conventions that make the most of your shape. You&#8217;ll be more drawn to styles that look great on you and you&#8217;ll feel more confident in your clothes. And let&#8217;s be honest: Cocktail parties are way more interesting when you&#8217;re not second-guessing your outfit choices.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A good cocktail dress&nbsp;is a must-have, but buying one you love is no small task. No dress its every body the same, and cocktail dresses &#8212; being more form-fitting than a casual maxi dress &#8212; can be less forgiving. Before you start shopping, it helps to know your body shape and the design conventions that&hellip;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/fashion-trends\/how-choose-cocktail-dress\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">Read More &raquo;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Choosing a cocktail dress for your body shape<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":854,"featured_media":1663989,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[303879,28,303916],"class_list":["post-117325","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fashion-trends","tag-body-shape","tag-dresses","tag-what-to-wear"],"mv":{"thumbnail_id":1663989,"thumbnail_uri":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/how-choose-cocktail-dress-fi-300x158.jpg"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/117325","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/854"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=117325"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/117325\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1663995,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/117325\/revisions\/1663995"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1663989"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=117325"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=117325"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=117325"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}