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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at C Mich chapter.

Attention all sorority girls, formal is right around the corner. Looking chic and fabulous is a must! Feeling good about yourself for formal is important because those pictures pop up everywhere, from recruitment videos to Facebook profile pictures. The first place to start is with the right dress! Not every girl is wafer thin like most socialites, celebrities, and advertisements. Below are the perfect dresses for curvy, petite, or boyish shaped girls to make sure you’re looking flawless for your formal night.

Curvy Girls:
1. Put emphasis on the waist.
This means you should choose a dress that is cinched or nipped at the waist to enhance that B-E-A-utiful hourglass figure. It is usually more flattering when the fabric hangs loosely from the waist down to again make sure that the eyes go straight to the cinching waistline.

2. Make sure the dress is tailored.
Make sure the dress fits appropriately. Often if too big, it will give an undefined shape, which is not flattering for girls with curves. If too small it can also make you look like you are trying to squeeze into a size that isn’t right for you. Having a well-tailored dress is crucial when deciding what to wear. As goldilocks would say you want one that is not too big or small but “just right.”

3. Show off a little Skin!
Make sure this is done in a flattering and tasteful way. Something like draping in the front, a slit on the side, or a low back dress can make you feel sultry and sexy without revealing too much, you don’t want to be Wayside appropriate.

Pettie Girls:
1. Work with what you got!
Enhance your tiny frame by creating the illusion of that infamous Kim Kardashian hourglass body. Define the waist with a dress that is fitted at the waist or a empire waist dress that cinches right under your cleavage.

2. Add details.
Dresses that have pleats, ruching, and peplums can add curves and create a rounder shape. Don’t be scared to use these touches, your petite frame allows you to be able to explore and try new things. Peplums are a huge trend this fall, give it a try and see what you think.
 

3. Combine and mix fabrics that will add complexity to any sillhouette.
When you mix different types of fabrics it will add on to your shape and help create curves. Mixing fabrics like silk and chiffon will also help to make a elegant
 

4. Have fun with prints!
Be bold and have fun with colorful and elaborate patterns. Make sure to have fun with prints but to not go overboard. Remember that with your petite frame, you should have fun and be able to have a bit more freedom when it comes to picking out a dress.

Everyone wants to look amazing on their formal night. Make sure that you are picking the right party dress for your body type to make you feel confident and be able to enjoy a great night.
 

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Alex Puzzolo is a junior at Central Michigan University. She is majoring in Integrative Public Relations and minoring in Leadership. She is an active member in her sorority, Phi Sigma Sigma, by holding Executive Board positions. Alex is a Co-founder of the Central Michigan University chapter of Her Campus. She is from Mundelein, IL and loves to travel. She has been to multiple countries and just recently completed an internship in Ireland. An interesting fact about Alex is that she has worked in a jewelery store for the past two years and is certified member of the Gemology Institute of America.