Style advice for the Elodie Dress
When selecting and composing your wardrobe, a good understanding of your body shape is key because that knowledge helps you:
- select the perfect designs for your body shape
- know which fabrics and prints flatter your figure most
And obviously, the choice you make depends on your style (classic, sporty, etc.). However, some prints really do look better on you than others, a fact that's influenced by your body and face shape.
Select a print that’s proportionate to your height and posture.
Linear prints such as stripes, checks, graphic or geometric designs look great on you if your figure is made up of straight lines. That means:
- body shapes – V-types, I-types and H-types
- faces – square, rectangular, triangular, or diamond-shaped and straight eyebrows, mouth, nose, or cheekbones
- hair structure – smooth or straight
Prints with soft forms, such as dots, polka dots, flowers or curved lines look great on you if your figure involves more curved lines. That means:
- body shapes – 0-types and 8-types
- faces – round, oval, pear-shaped, and large round eyes, full lips, curved eyebrows, or round cheekbones
- hair structure – curls
Does your silhouette (neat hourglasses and pears) include straight and curved lines? That means your print should also include a mix of straight and curved lines, such as paisley, certain floral prints, or abstract shapes.
Select a garment length that’s proportionate to your height and posture.
Are you shorter than 165 cm?
- Make a version with a hemline that’s around knee length. Leave the ruffle at the bottom off if that helps. What's more, omitting this piece will cut down on the dress volume, making it more flattering to your figure.
- Is the long version still more your cup of tea? Just make sure your ankles remain visible. In this case, you should also consider a solid colour. If your heart is still set on a print, opt for one that has a subtle pattern or go for a fabric with vertical stripes.
- Tip: wear your hair up with this dress and wear heels. You can look taller by keeping the neck area open and heels will add a few inches as well.
Average height women look great in all kinds of different lengths.
Tall women look lovely in dresses that extend past the knee.
- Select a fabric with a design proportionate to your height and posture. Avoid overly tiny or delicate patterns.
- Striking accessories with this dress are a definite yes. For example, pick a belt in a different colour, shoes in a bright shade, a large, eye-catching handbag, etc.
The Elodie Dress for X- and 8-types
Highlighting your waist just that little bit extra works wonders for your body shape. In short, the Elodie's elastic and tie waist make you look divine.
The long sleeves and large wrist trim, however, may somewhat overemphasise your hips. For that reason, make the 3/4-length butterfly sleeve version of the dress. You want your slender legs to be the stars of the show, so make the dress a little shorter.
The motto for neat and full hourglasses is simplicity is a virtue. Select fabric that’s as understated as possible and avoid busy prints. Still prefer fabric with a print? Full hourglasses should pick something subtle with curved lines, such as tiny polka dots or itty-bitty flowers. Neat hourglasses should go for a print with a mix of straight and round shapes.
Are you big busted? If so, the Elodie dress isn’t your best choice.
The Elodie Dress for V-types
Are you a V-type? Then you have athletic shoulders, and your figure gradually tapers towards the bottom. You don't have a clear waist.
Your job? Distract from your shoulders by highlighting your lower body.
The puffed sleeves accentuate the shoulders where it isn’t needed; however, the version with and without wrist trim provides sufficient counterweight in the hip area. If you make the version without wrist trim (i.e. with butterfly sleeves), lengthen the sleeves a little so that the additional volume created is as low as possible.
The large wrist trim creates a nice accent at hip height. Paired with the ruffle trim at the bottom of the dress, these nicely even out your figure’s proportions.
Are you big busted? If so, the Elodie dress isn’t your best choice.
The Elodie Dress for I-types
I-types have a slender, athletic figure. Your challenge is to break up the ‘pencil’ shape and give your figure more body. The puffed sleeves and billowy top add volume to your upper body and help create the illusion of a slender waist. The elasticised waist and the tie, as well as the skirt with its ruffle trim, contribute to your figure by adding shape and movement. The result? You look like a dream wearing the Elodie.
The big wrist trim at the end of each sleeve is a stunning detail. The dress features enough interesting details across the silhouette to cleverly break up the straight line of your figure.
Make the Elodie dress in a patterned fabric to give your silhouette as much visual interest as possible. The more colour, the better!
The Elodie Dress for H-types
H-types have a well-balanced upper and lower body but miss a clear waistline. And that’s why your task is to create one! You want to break up that rectangle.
The tie and elastic in the waist draw attention to the centre of the body. What’s more, the puffed sleeves add volume to the shoulders, and likewise, the ruffle trim adds volume to the bottom. These all add more curves and interest to your figure.
The Elodie dress looks gorgeous in a solid fabric. If you’re looking for something a little more playful, select a print with a linear design (checks, stripes, geometric shapes, etc.), textured fabric, or something with a detail that pops.
Feel free to make the dress just a touch shorter to show off a little more of your legs. Discover a simple way to alter the dress length here .
Are you big busted? If so, the Elodie dress isn’t your best choice.
The Elodie Dress A-types
Do you have a A-shaped silhouette? Then your centre of gravity is on your lower body and your torso is narrower. That's why you should focus all the attention on your upper body and soften the bottom half. Subtly accentuate the waist as well.
The puffed sleeves add the volume your shoulders need to balance out the hips. The ruffle trim at the bottom of the dress contributes to a more harmonious whole at the same time.
The transition from the upper to lower body should be as subtle as possible so that you don’t overemphasise the difference in widths. The elastic and tie create the right amount of focus on the waist.
Consider making Elodie without the big wrist trim and shorten the sleeves. That way you don’t end up with too much volume on your lower body.
Are you big busted? If so, the Elodie dress isn’t your best choice.
The Elodie Dress for O-types
The O-type's recipe for success is to create an elongated V shape across their figure. To do that, you need to create vertical lines and draw attention to the shoulders and face.
You look your loveliest in dresses that drape fluidly over your body, add structure to the shoulders, and don’t focus on the waist. That's check one and two for the Elodie dress, but not for number three. Compensate by choosing a fabric with a subtle, small print, for example. The print creates visual ‘chaos’ so that the eye doesn't hover too long on a single point. Pair with a loose cardigan which will create vertical lines.
The large wrist trim with a slight opening emphasises the hip area, which in turn de-emphasises the midriff.
To avoid unnecessary volume, choose a fabric with a fluid drape that doesn’t billow. When it comes to texture and colour selection, go as understated as possible.
Extra tip: pair the dress with striking earrings to draw attention to your face.
Are you big busted? If so, the Elodie dress isn’t your best choice.
