How To Pick the Perfect Homecoming Dress for Every Figure

Article published at: Aug 18, 2021 Article tag: Homecoming
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If you are having trouble picking the perfect homecoming dress, we’re here to give you our top homecoming dress ideas tailored to different body types. It can be difficult enough to decide the color, but when it comes to your dress’s silhouette, things get even more confusing! 

For starters, it must be said that no matter what your body type is on paper, what matters the most is that your dress makes you feel confident and cute. If there are certain silhouettes that make you feel good when you look in the mirror, it doesn’t matter whether it aligns with what’s typically recommended for your body type. 

This guide is meant to give you a starting place if you’re unsure about dress shopping and help you experiment with looks that make you feel cute. You may find you’re not into the silhouettes suggested for your body type and prefer others; that is also perfectly okay! Again, it’s all about choosing a homecoming dress you love. 

The 5 Most Common Body Types and the Most Flattering Types of Homecoming Dresses for Them

Without further ado, here are the five most common body types as well as our tips on choosing a homecoming dress that best flatters your features. Keep in mind that body types are not an exact science. The fashion industry has divided body types into these five categories, though we recognize that it’s not representative of every body. 

The Hourglass Figure

If you have an equally proportioned waist and bust, you have an hourglass figure, and you have a choice of styles that will suit you and bring out the best in you. 

One style that will certainly do the job is that with a clinched-in waist, which will enhance the proportions above and below. Choose bright colors if that is your style, like a vibrant yellow or green homecoming dress, to ensure all eyes will be on you.

The Triangle Body Type

The triangle or pear figure is that of someone who has a larger proportioned waist and hips than bust and upper body. A triangle figure may find that a dress that draws attention up toward the neck is most comfortable and flattering. A strapless dress, for example, enhances the shoulder and neck area and draws the eye that way, and a V-neck dress can do the same. 

An A-line or full skirt dress will keep your proportions visually balanced and may be more comfortable than a very tight, form-fitting look. 

The Athletic Body Type

The athletic body type is where your waist and hips are less broad than the shoulders. Individuals with this body type may find that dresses that enhance their waist more flattering. This can be done by wearing a dress that has embellishments in the waist area, or ruffles for a broader effect. 

Try an A-line dress or any that flows out from the waist for a truly sexy and stylish look. If you have a bigger bust, you may find it more comfortable to look for dresses with thicker straps or sleeves for visual balance.

The Apple Body Type

Apple body types are individuals who have a fuller bust and mid-section with slim shoulders and legs. Dresses that are belted, an A-line, or an empire waist design will draw the attention upwards, which you may find flattering. 

Wraps and full-skirted dresses also do the job, and if you want to show your legs, shorter hemlines tend to be very flattering. Embellishments and pretty sleeves may also be details to look for when you’re shopping for a homecoming dress.

For Petite Figures

The petite girl can be any other body type, but also under 5’3”. Fitted dresses, and those with an asymmetrical hemline, are great for petite figures as they highlight the body. 

If you want to look taller, avoid horizontal prints which will draw attention to your height. Muted tones like 

What Style of Dress Looks Good on All Body Types? 

The A-line silhouette is flattering on pretty much all body types.

What Dress Lengths Are the Most Flattering? 

Shorter dresses that hit just above the knee tend to be more flattering than dresses that hit any other part of your leg. Floor-length dresses can also elongate your figure, especially in more form-fitting designs.  

What Are the Rules for Homecoming Dresses? 

Specific rules on homecoming dresses will vary depending on what your school’s dress code entails. When it comes to what not to wear to homecoming, you can expect casual attire and overly-revealing looks to be against the event’s rules.

Finding the Perfect Homecoming Dress for Your Figure

Remember that homecoming is not just about what you wear, but also about enjoying yourself. Wear a dress that you love, one that you look at and fall for, and wear one that is comfortable in the circumstances.

We hope that we’ve helped you find the easiest way to discover the right homecoming dress for your body type and shape. For more inspiration, check out Sherri Hill’s 2026 homecoming collection.