Choose a Flattering Sundress: How to Look as Hot as the Weather
Neckline
A flattering sundress starts with a flattering neckline. This detail can have a huge impact on where attention does, and does not go, and you can create a lot of illusion with the right neckline. If you have a long, elegant neck, draw attention to this asset with a boatneck style or a square neckline. These are both kicky, casual looks that are great for summer, and will draw attention to your long, graceful neck. If you have a shorter or thicker neck, a v-neck or a halter-style top will trick the eye by creating a strong vertical sightline that makes it appear as though your neck is longer and slimmer than it really is.
Shoulders
If you want to make your shoulders appear broader, a halter top or very thin spaghetti straps are a great choice, as they will help your shoulders blend into the rest of your torso, creating a more balanced visual effect. A plunging neckline minimizes your shoulders by drawing attention to the middle of your torso, so if you have very broad shoulders, a deep v-neck can make a big difference. If your shoulders are very toned, show them with a flattering sundress that has thicker, brightly colored or embellished straps that will draw the eye towards your shoulders.
Upper Arm
A flattering sundress for summer weather is one that will help you stay cool, and a halter or a sleeveless dress can bring out the best in your shoulders while helping you feel comfortable. If you do opt for sleeves to cover your upper arm, make sure that you choose a very light fabric, like breathable linen. Sleeves with an eyelet detail can give you maximum air circulation while still offering visual coverage. Another great choice is to pair a flattering sundress with a light linen or lace wrap or stole which you can throw around your shoulders to drape across your upper arms. This allows you to choose any dress you like without worrying about whether it exposes your upper arms or not.
Bust
If you are very curvy up top, a flattering sundress will provide a tightly nipped waist and some fullness in the skirt to balance you out for a classic hourglass shape. If you want to disguise a flat chest, a blousy top with gathers or ruffles will add the illusion of a bit more weight. Color and pattern can also be a big help in this area: a band of light color or a busy pattern across the bust will draw the eye to the chest, giving the illusion of greater size, whereas a band of simple, dark color will minimize the appearance of the bust.
Waistline
The placement of the waistline is the most important feature of any flattering sundress, and it is more often than not the primary reason that a dress will fail or succeed in bringing out the best in your body. To choose the right waistline for your shape, think torso length. If you have a short torso, an empire waistline that falls just below the bust will make you look longer and leaner. A drop-waist dress is also a great choice because it will camouflage how high your natural waist is, giving you the illusion of more length. If you have a long torso, try a Basque waistline, a v-shaped waistline that will help you use your length to the most flattering effect by balancing it with your hips.
Length
If your legs are an asset, your most flattering sundress will have a skirt that falls above the knee so that you can draw attention to this great feature. If you want to create the look of longer, leaner legs than nature has give you, an a-line skirt that flares out at the bottom will create a strong vertical shape that will seem to add instant inches. If you have great calves, draw attention to them with an asymmetrical hemline that will add interest to the bottom of your flattering sundress.
If you can’t find a dress you love in a length you like, consider getting the hem let down or taken up to suit you better. This is a very simple and inexpensive alteration, so even if you’re not practiced with a needle and thread, you may want to visit a local tailor. After all, a flattering sundress should be perfect right down to your toes.
