Finding a piece of flattering clothing often means knowing your body type and what looks good on it. Afterall, body types are different. For example, what looks good on a woman who’s tall and lean, might not look good on a woman who’s petite and curvy. However, there is a dress to suit every body type. So no matter if you’re long and lean, short and fine boned, hourglass shaped, pear-shaped, or apple shaped, look to the following dress styles for your particular body type:

1. Little black dresses
In the 1920s Coco Chanel introduced the little black dress to fashion. They have gone through changes over the years, sometimes much more “little” than others, but they have never gone out of style. These dresses silhouette the pear-shaped, small waisted body, and hide the lower body, depending on the length. Traditionally it has a fitted bodice and a fuller a-line skirt though, over time, styles have changed. This dress seems to be timeless and is always fashionable.

2. The wrap dress
This dress may have the best design of any dress ever made. It stays in fashion because it flatters almost any body type that exists. It highlights the waist and bust, hides bulges, and causes curves to seem to appear out of nowhere. The wrap dress is a transitional dress because it can be worn to look sexy for special occasions, or worn as a comfortable everyday dress. This dress, perhaps several of them, will fit nicely into any wardrobe.

3. Maxi dresses
Here is a dress that is flattering for different body types depending on how it is worn. If you are petite you will want to choose one that is not too long and not too full but is made from fluid and easily moving fabric. There should also be small prints or designs on the fabric. If your waist just does not seem to exist don’t choose this dress with pleats or a belt at the waist. A straight shaped maxi dress will follow the lines of your body and be more flattering. If your waist is tiny and stands out choose a dress that will show it off. A flared shaped dress will follow and accentuate your curves. choose a soft light material that will move as you do. For very tall people this dress is a gem. Choose a belt or cinched waist depending on the shape of your body. If you want to appear to be shorter pay attention to horizontal designs on the material.

4. Sheath dresses
If you have an hourglass shape this form-fitting dress works very well. This dress can fall straight down from the shoulders and flow well over your hips and waist. This dress is versatile and diverse and can flatter other body types as well. Depending on the material, the cut, and the fit of the dress it can look like a completely different style of dress on different body types. You want to choose the dress that helps define and draw attention to your best features and downplays other portions of your body. This is the best style of dress for accomplishing this personal fit.

5. A-Line dress
This dress is fitted at the top with the bottom half of the dress flaring out at different proportions and flowing over the hips and thighs. Pay attention to the neckline when buying this dress as it will influence how much attention is drawn to the bust.