Sundress season means the sun is out, the toes are out, and your most flirty, easy breezy dresses are out to play. The goal during the warmer months is to stay cool, but something awful happens in that transitional period from our stylish layered looks to the simple, single-layered outfits we put together. Some of us seem to struggle with looking fashionable and not frumpy in our warm-weather attire. And there could be many reasons why your sundresses aren’t working for you and instead appear to be working against you. One of them could be the sundresses you’re choosing don’t flatter your body type. If you don’t know your body type — Pear, Inverted Triangle, Rectangle, Apple, and Hourglass — then I suggest you refer back to our previous articles about the different body types and the characteristics associated with each one.

Apple

The apple or round body type typically means the majority of your width is held in your center. The stomach, and sometimes bust, steal the show in your outfits, making it the focal point of your body. In order to balance that out, we want to introduce sundresses that create a waist. The dress should have a built-in structure to it naturally. Whether that be rouching in the center, a tie waist, a strong A-line, or a fitted bodice with a peplum or flare moment like in the first picture below, a sundress that creates a strongly defined waist is going to suit you best. Another thing to consider is necklines. Your figure will truly shine the most with sweetheart, v-neck, and one-shoulder necklines.

Rectangle

The rectangle body type is very similar to the apple in the case that it also does not have a very defined waist. Instead of the midsection protruding outward and being the widest section of the body, this shape has no widest point. The hips, waist, and shoulders are about the same width all the way across. So, the goal again is to find sundresses that create and accentuate the waist. Wrap dresses, belts, ties, gathering, and rouching are going to be your best friends. Avoid harsh necklines that square necks, especially ones with spaghetti straps. Those won’t do you any favors even if the dress has some decent structure built in.

Pear

Characterized by being bottom-heavy or wider around the hip and thigh area, the pear will find balance for their body in a sundress that brings attention to the top of the body. An ultra-feminine puff sleeve is a sweet way of accomplishing this goal. An asymmetrical shoulder moment or an off-the-shoulder style are also great contenders. Try to avoid too much volume on the bottom as that will only keep your body out of balance. Fitted skirt styles and straight-down A-lines are things you’ll want to lean into. Avoid slits and asymmetrical hemlines.

Inverted Triangle

The exact opposite of the pear is the inverted triangle girlies. V-necks are going to be your life savior for a sundress or any dress for that matter. You want to soften the bust and shoulders as that is the area of your body that is widest. To create a balanced frame, grab a dress with an interesting hemline or one with lots of volume. A strong A-line sundress with a V-neck will be an easy go-to for you. Avoid fuss and volume on the top as that will only bring the eye back up to the area that is already the widest.

Hourglass

The hourglass, or what is considered the balanced body type, is symmetrical and even. The shoulders and hips are equal in measurement and the waist is snatched. And when I say snatched, I mean snatched. Technically, because this body type is balanced, you can wear almost anything. But the sundress that will make this body type shine the most is a fitted one. Think stretch and figure hugging. Many of your best sundress styles are not going to be what you traditionally think of sundresses. I would almost completely avoid linen dresses for the summer, especially around the hips. Those dress styles are usually made with an oversized vibe, and your body appreciates a silhouette that hugs the curves.

Embracing sundress season involves not just enjoying the sunshine but also choosing styles that complement your unique body shape. Whether you identify as an Apple, Rectangle, Pear, Inverted Triangle, or Hourglass, the key lies in understanding how to create balance for your body. From defining the waist for Apples and Rectangles to drawing attention upward for Pears and softening the upper body for Inverted Triangles, each body type can effortlessly shine in the right sundress. Even the hourglass can find a way to highlight their frame with unconventional summer dresses. With these tips in mind, you're sure to step out in style, radiating confidence and charm throughout the sunny season.