Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
placeholder article
placeholder article

The Perfect Holiday Dress for Every Body Type

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

December has arrived, and with this month of joyous cheer come traditions of hot chocolate on cold winter nights, twinkling lights shimmering on dorm-room walls, and of course the ever-festive holiday party. Whether you are celebrating with family, friends, co-workers or all three, the need for a party dress becomes necessary for almost every collegiette. Sometimes it can prove challenging to find a dress that fits the season, and compliments your body type. So I have compiled traits that every girl should look for in her perfect holiday dress to make sure that all you collegiettes are dressed fabulously for the holidays.

The Curvy Collegiette: You have natural curves that you definitely want to show off, so look for dresses that follow a form fitting style. Lean towards simpler patterns and darker colors that create a more slender appearance. Also look for thicker material or layers around the tummy that aid in slimming your stomach, and compliment your hips. Also try to avoid low lying waistlines and opt instead for a more empire waist cut.

Purple Brocade Surplice Dress, Torrid.com $78.50
 

The Pear-Shaped Collegiette: You want to embrace the curves you have and add depth where curves might be lacking. When looking for dress look for styles that shift the focus up; empire waistlines, which have skirts that naturally flow over your hips, work perfectly. You do not want anything to heavy or clingy, look for lighter fabrics.  Also look for elaborate or ruched bust and necklines to again bring the focus up.

Junior Ruffle Dress with Studded Detail, JCPenny.com $24.99

The Busty Collegiette-You want to show off your curves without being too revealing in your choices. Try to find dresses with higher necklines and solid straps that allow for more supportive bras to be worn underneath. Avoid strapless or backless dresses. Also, look for solid colors and simple patterns to create an elongated torso and an overall slender look.

 Shoulder Lace Dress, Forever21.com $29.80

The Petite Collegiette: You want to show off yours legs! It is an easy way to elongate your body shape. Shorter hemlines and wider skirts also help to elongate your frame, so opt for ruffled or bubble skirts. Details along the bust-line also bring the eye up and create an illusion of a longer torso.  

California Satin Strapless Pick Up-Style Dress, Kohls.com $48.00

The Tall Collegiette: You want to accent your long lean figure, while also adding some dimension to your look. Patterns and sequins are key to this; by adding these elements to the dress, it adds depth to your figure, and enhances your natural shape. Try bold animal prints or sequins shimmer looks. ­­­­­

Law of Gravity Sequin Dress, Lulus.com $61.00

The Athletic Collegiette: You definitely want to show off your toned body, while adding depth to create a more curvaceous shape! Look for deep v-necks, textured dress, and layered material to add new dimension to your natural shape. Also look for belted or cinched waited dresses to create a more defined look.

Sequin Trim Ruffle Dress, Forever21.com $24.80

What kind of dress will you be rocking at this season’s holiday parties?

Emily attended Fordham University and majored in Communication and Media Studies with a concentration in journalism and a minor in Political Science. A wicked Massachusetts girl at heart who loves writing, shopping, and spending time with loved ones. Emily is constantly looking for new adventures and finds herself eternally wanderlust.  
Sarah is a member of the Class of 2013 at Fordham University, where she's a double-major in American Studies and Communication & Media Studies. A South Florida native, she is still adjusting to the cold and figuring out the basics of a winter wardrobe. A huge sports fan, Sarah watches way too much Sportscenter and compensates by watching copious amounts of E!, Gilmore Girls, and Pretty Little Liars. When she's not watching movies or staring at a television screen, she also enjoys blogging, photography, fashion, reading, and bring Pinterest pins to life. Follow her on Twitter @sari_ramirez.