Would you like to know which body shapes look great in shift dresses? Read on for the break down of all the shapes that can rock the shift dress and the whys.
Shift dress is a streamlined dress with slight to no-waist definition; it´s hem is just above or below the knee. Although often sleeveless, some shift dresses have short to long sleeves, others have cut-out sleeves.
I don´t want to break your heart, darling, but not everyone can wear shift dresses. If you´re particular in dressing your body type, which I strongly recommend, then pay attention because here, I list down which body types and shapes will look great in a shift dress.
Table of Contents
1. Shift Dresses are Great for Boyish Shape
Get the Look: Dress, Booties, Lipstick, Purse
If you have boyish shape – undefined waist and narrow hips – a shift dress will flatter your figure. Go for one with details on the sleeves such as this royal blue shift dress which sleeves are covered in honeycomb-shaped cutouts. Adding a cute touch of symmetry and style on top will distract the attention from your straight figure.
Finish the look with a gorgeous black purse and a pair of black peep-toe booties for a result that´s divine.
Similar Blue Shift Dresses:
From Left: 1. Long Sleeve Ruffle Mock Neck / 2. V Neck Short Sleeves / 3. V Neck Floral Embroidered Ruffle Sleeveless
2. Which Body Shapes Look Great in Shift Dresses? Wear Shift Dresses if You have Small Bust
Get the Look: Dress, Handbag, Pumps, Makeup, Lipstick
If you have small busts (like myself), shift dresses are a go-to style for your shape because they show off a trim silhouette. Wear some padded brassier and opt for this color blocked shift dress which shade is light on top. This color blocking works especially well for pear shaped. The white adds width and volume on top while the black below slim you down.
3. Shift Dresses are Safe if You have Tummy
Get the Look: Dress, Purse, Booties, Lipstick, Eyeshadow
Because shift dress does not accent the waistline, it´s the perfect silhouette for you if you have tummy. Opt for a mini shift dress if you´re comfortable showing your legs. This black floral print dress is safe for any size given its subdued blooms. Wear it with some fabulous black booties and add a black leather jacket for evenings.
Similar Floral Shift Dresses:
From Left: 1. Max Studio Scarf Print Sleeveless Shift Dress / 2. Ralph Lauren Petite Floral Print Crepe Shift Dress / 3. kensie Chiffon Floral Printed Shift Dress
4. Which Body Shapes Look Great in Shift Dresses? Wear Shift Dress if You´re Slim
Get the Look: Dress, Handbag, Pumps, Blush, Lips
For slim figures, a flow-y and roomy shift dress is the way to go. It skims your shape as you move while adding you some weight. I really love this magenta shift silhouette for its glamor appeal; it features a deep, scoop neckline and a flared line which is utterly feminine. It´s sheer sleeves have on-trend cut-out details which makes this dress VERY of-the-moment.
To create that coveted sophisticated look, I partnered this dress with sexy dress pumps in black. Although you can safely grab a black handbag to match your shoes, I opted to go chic by not matching the accessories. I went for a white bag.
Similar Floral Shift Dresses:
From Left: 1. Gracyoga V-Neck Ruffle Bell Sleeve Flowy Shift Dress / 2. Trina Turk Colorblock Shift Dress
5. Which Body Shapes Look Great in Shift Dresses? If You don´t Care About Curves
Get the Look: Dress, Handbag, Booties, Lips
If you´re a type who´s not concerned with curves, then shift dress will do a really good job in hiding them. For medium size to voluptuous figure I recommend this black shift dress with subtle pearl beads accents. It hides your curves, especially the unwanted ones, without adding you weight.
But steer clear of it if you´re on the slim side, this silhouette will make you appear thinner, even sickly (believe me; I´ve tried it in a dressing room!).
Dress up your shift with some stunning black half boots, my pick is peep-toe, and polish it with a glamor black handbag.
Similar Black Shift Dresses:
Get the Look: 1. BELONGSCI V-Neck 3/4 Sleeve Casual Shift Dress / 2. amyenjoylife Sexy Shift Mini Dress / 3. yoeasy Short Sleeve Tunic Mini Shift Dress
Takeaway!
Because they don´t emphasize the waist, shift dresses will flatter a straight figure, a slim shape, with small busts, or with tummy. Bear in mind that wearing this dress isn´t about going curvy, it´s about letting your toned legs shine out or drawing the attention to the top with details, and complementing your femininity.
This dress will not flatter your figure if you have big busts, or if you´re an hour glass.