the sheath dress: how it works on 3 body types
Dress and Scarf: Kiskadee; Booties: The Shoe Hive
When I’m working with a client who wants a versatile and flattering dress, I always show them a sheath. Its silhouette works with many body types, they come in almost every fabric and color, and can easily transition from the office to after-work occasions. It is a dress that continues to defy time. In fact, sheath dresses date all the way back to ancient Egypt — women were often depicted in tight-fitting tubes of fabric with straps attached. And let’s not forget “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and how Audrey Hepburn made that Hubert de Givenchy black floor length sheath the dress every woman wanted to wear. And, along with that dress, now I want a croissant and some coffee while ogling Tiffany’s jewelry. But I digress.
I’m sure you’re thinking, “How can I wear the exact same dress as someone with a completely different body type?” Fear not, readers! I found the perfect sleek and minimal sheath from Kiskadee and styled it on three different body types.
Dress and Cardigan: Kiskadee; Earrings: Coco Blanca; Shoes and Necklace: The Shoe Hive
“I have always been curvier up top. I am constantly on the hunt for clothing that doesn’t draw too, too much attention to my bustline, but isn’t something I’m swimming in.” – Lindsey
When you’re curvier-above-the-waist, the key is to lengthen the neckline. A great choice is a cardigan with a V-neck or straight-down-the-front drape, like the beautiful cashmere cable-knit one I selected for Lindsey. I accessorized her look with a long, pendant necklace, which further lengthens, and breaks up her bustline.
Dress and Scarf: Kiskadee; Booties: The Shoe Hive
“People always think that because I’m petite, that I don’t have a booty. But as Sir Mix-A-Lot wisely stated, I’m little in the middle but I’ve got much back. I have a hard time looking for dresses that are fitted without being too tight in the rear. I usually buy plain dresses and accessorize with a skinny belt and a statement necklace, but I’d like to shake up this go-to look.” – Hilary
Attention curvier-below-the-waist ladies! One way to balance your silhouette in a figure-flattering sheath dress is to draw attention up. Try a fun printed scarf, like I did on Hilary, or a statement necklace. Additionally, the black tights and matching black shoe lengthens Hilary’s leg line.
“I am petite and straight up and down. Since having three kids, I have even less of a waistline now.” – Rosana
When I dress clients who are a “flute” shape, I like to add movement to their silhouette. With a form-fitting sheath, that means a fun scarf, a draped leather jacket, or, as I did here — a white tuxedo-style jacket with satin lapels and buttons that add interest to her look. We also pushed up her jacket sleeve to draw attention to her waistline.
Want to learn more about dressing for your body type? Email me at marisa@dcstylefactory.com to find out about booking an appointment.
- About the company
Mint Condition stocks an ever-changing inventory of current women’s clothing, handbags, shoes and jewelry by top designers – all in a fresh boutique atmosphere. Come see why we've been named the DC Metro’s Best Consignment Store by Washingtonian, Northern Virginia, Virginia Living Magazines and the Washington Post Express and featured in Southern Living Magazine as one of Old Town's best boutiques.
Visit our fabulous 2,000 square foot location along the brick-lined streets of charming, historic Old Town, Alexandria.
Mint Condition
103 S. Saint Asaph Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.836.6468
