Body Styles

Did you know TJ Formal has experts who can help you look the very BEST in your dress? Between our in house fashion designer and our owner who is formally educated in fashion, plus our decades of experience, we can teach you how to choose wisely when picking out a formal dress.

We will help you discover your true body style and what looks good on you. Also, what looks...not so good. Finding your perfect dress means not only finding a style you like, but also a style that looks good on your body style and fits you well. Be comfortable and confident in your beautiful new look!

Any terms you don't understand can be found in our Fashion Glossary.

RECTANGLE
The Rectangle body style means your waist is a little larger and more inline with your bust and hips. If you are finding as you check size charts on dresses that your waist measurement (always be sure to measure correctly!) is consistently putting you in a larger size, then this could be your body style. There are lots of great styles that would look great on you!! Choose an option from each of the attributes below, for example a dress with a halter neckline, empire waist, and ballgown skirt.

The best styles for a Rectangle body style:

Necklines (with Spaghetti Straps or Strapless):
  Halter
  Sweetheart
  V-necklines



Waistlines (with Mid to Low backs):

  Empire
  Natural
  Low

Skirts:
  Ball Gown
  Circle
  Wrap
  Dirndl
  Straight


HOURGLASS
An Hourglass shape is very curvy with the bust and hips being about the same measurement and a very defined waistline. Many, many dress styles look great on this body style, with just a few things to avoid.

Best features for an Hourglass shape:

Necklines (with Spaghetti Straps or Strapless):
  Halter
  Sweetheart
  V-necklines




Waistlines (with Mid to Very Low backs):
  Empire
  Natural
  Low

Skirts:
  Mermaid
  Straight
  Asymmetrical
  Wrap skirts


INVERTED TRIANGLE
The Inverted Triangle body style means you have a larger bust, tapering down to the waist and then smaller hips. For the larger bust, you will need a dress that has a supportive bodice.

Best features for an Inverted Triangle body style:

Necklines (with Thick Straps or Strapless)
  Sweetheart
  V-neck
  Scoop
  Square



Waistlines (with Mid to Low backs with Lace-ups):

  Natural
  Empire
  Low

Skirts (with Wraps, Tiers or Layers):
  Mermaid
  Straight
  Ball Gown


TRIANGLE
A Triangle body style is sometimes called a "pear" shape. It's a smaller bust with wider hips. You will need a fuller skirt and a bodice with embellishments.

Best features for an Triangle body style:

Necklines (with Spaghetti Straps or Strapless):
  Plunging V-neck
  Sweetheart necklines

Waistlines (with Mid to Very Low, Lace-up or Open backs):
  Basque
  Low
  Empire

Skirts (with Layers or Draped):
 Ball Gown
 Circle skirts 


FULL
A Full body style means you have a fuller bust that will probably need more support, a wider waist and wider hips. There are many styles that look great on you!

Best features for a Full body style:

Necklines:
  Halter V-neck
  Scoop with Thick Straps
  Square with Thick Straps

Waistlines (with Mid backs with Lace-Ups):
 Empire
 Natural

Skirts:
 A-line
 Circle
 Ball Gown



DIAMOND
A Diamond body style means you have a fuller waist, with a smaller bust and hips. Stay away from dresses that are fitted at the waist or have belts.

Best features for a Diamond body style:

Necklines (with Halter or Thick Straps):
  V-neck
  Scoop
  Square
  Sweetheart



Waistlines (with Mid to Low backs with Lace-ups):
 Empire
 Basque 

Skirts:
 A-line
 Ball Gown
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