Designing Dresses for Unusual Figures

 Designing Dresses for Unusual Figures:

Few people are as perfect as to general figure, shape of the face, colouring, etc., that they are able to wear almost any type of dress and look well. Many of us have certain peculiarities such as narrow shoulders, flat chest or round shoulders, a large bust, or our face may be very square, so that we must use care in the design and selection of our dress.

The unusual figures are classified into two groups.

1. Becoming         2. Unbecoming


1. Stout Figure

  • Becoming: Dark colors, vertical lines, A-line dresses, empire waistlines, tailored fits, and V-necks help elongate the body and create a slimming effect.
  • Unbecoming: Bulky fabrics, horizontal stripes, tight-fitting dresses, and overly detailed embellishments can add volume and make the figure appear broader.

2. Thin Figure

  • Becoming: Layered fabrics, ruffles, pleats, prints, and textured materials add volume. Cinched waistlines, belts, and dresses with peplum or draping also create the illusion of curves.
  • Unbecoming: Straight cuts, clingy fabrics, and oversized clothing can make the figure appear frail or undernourished.

3.  Narrow Shoulders

  • Becoming: Dresses with puff sleeves, off-the-shoulder styles, horizontal lines near the neckline, and boat necks add width to the shoulders, balancing the body.
  • Unbecoming: Halter necklines and plunging V-necks tend to highlight the narrowness of the shoulders, making the figure appear imbalanced.

4.  Broad Shoulders

  • Becoming: V-necks, scoop necks, and dresses with soft, flowing fabrics help soften broad shoulders. A-line skirts balance the body by drawing attention downward.
  • Unbecoming: Shoulder pads, structured tops, and horizontal details on the shoulders emphasize width and make the upper body appear larger.

5.  Round Shoulders

  • Becoming: Structured dresses with shoulder seams, square necklines, and soft draping help offset round shoulders. Tailored shoulder designs can add definition.
  • Unbecoming: Rounded necklines, slouchy fabrics, and off-the-shoulder designs can exaggerate the roundness of the shoulders.

6.  Large Bust

  • Becoming: V-necks, wrap dresses, empire waists, and fabrics that flow away from the chest minimize attention to a larger bust. Dresses with wide straps provide support.
  • Unbecoming: High necklines, tight-fitting bodices, and heavy embellishments around the chest area add bulk and make the bust appear larger.

7.  Flat Chest

  • Becoming: Ruffles, ruching, pleats, and embellishments near the bust area add volume and create the illusion of curves. Halter necklines and high necklines also flatter the figure.
  • Unbecoming: Low-cut necklines and extremely fitted dresses can emphasize the flatness of the chest, making it less flattering.

8.  Large Hips

  • Becoming: A-line skirts, dark colors, and dresses that highlight the waist while skimming over the hips create balance. Draping and asymmetrical designs also work well.
  • Unbecoming: Tight, clingy fabrics, pencil skirts, and bold patterns around the hips can emphasize their size and make the figure appear bottom-heavy.

9.  Large Abdomen

  • Becoming: Empire waistlines, wrap dresses, and dresses with ruching or draping around the stomach area help to conceal and flatter the midsection. A-line skirts balance the body.
  • Unbecoming: Fitted or tight dresses, belts around the waist, and shiny fabrics can draw attention to the abdomen and emphasize its size.
10.  Round Face 
  •      Becoming: V-necks, scoop necks, and designs with vertical lines elongate the neck and face. Soft, flowing fabrics around the neckline also help.
  •      Unbecoming: High necklines, turtlenecks, and round necklines can make a round face appear fuller and shorten the neck visually.

11.  Large Face

  •      Becoming: Dresses with V-necks or U-shaped necklines lengthen the neck and create a slimming effect for the face. Asymmetrical designs also divert attention from the face.
  •      Unbecoming: Round or high necklines and collars near the face emphasize its size, making the face look even larger.

12.  Small Face

  •      Becoming: High necklines, collars, and boat necks draw attention upward, making a small face appear more proportionate. Embellishments near the neck also work well.
  •      Unbecoming: Deep V-necks or wide scoop necklines can create an imbalance, making the small face appear even smaller compared to the rest of the body.

13.  Prominent Chin and Jaw

  •     Becoming: Soft, draped necklines, cowl necks, and asymmetrical designs help soften the appearance of a strong chin or jaw. V-necks also elongate the neck.
  •     Unbecoming: Tight, structured necklines, turtlenecks, and square necklines emphasize the jawline and chin, making them more pronounced.

14.  Prominent Forehead

· Becoming: Necklines that draw attention downward, such as scoop necks, V-necks, and square necklines, help balance a prominent forehead.

· Unbecoming: High necklines or collars that bring attention upward may emphasize the forehead, making it appear larger.

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