Dress Style That Is Good for Large Hips and a Small Waist

Actress Hannah Simone rocks an A-line dress to show off her slender waist at the TrevorLIVE LA event in 2013.
... Jason Merritt/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

A pear body shape is characterized by a small waist with wider hips, so clothing that features a defined middle while skimming over the bottom half is ideal. Take the chore out of dress shopping by choosing a style with the right cut, colors and features -- soon you'll be playing up your assets in the most flattering of ways.

1 Get an A

An A-line dress is generally thought to be the ideal cut for a pear-shaped body, because its silhouette nips in at the waist and flares out at the hem to create a proportionate finish. Look for a high-waist style to call extra attention to your slender midsection, and choose a neckline that adds width to your upper body to balance your upper and lower halves. For instance, a cap-sleeve style that brushes your shoulders has a subtle widening effect. You can also use color to achieve your desired end: Dark colors on the bottom of your dress, such black and navy, will work to camouflage the lower body, while light or bright colors and prints will draw the eye upward to your slender waistline, chest and arms.

Stacey Kole holds a Master's Degree in Education and has written for a variety of education publications. She also was managing editor of the International fashion and beauty publication Savvy, penning cover stories on such celebrities as Vanessa Hudgens and Julianne Hough.

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