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December 6, 2010

Ask ThinkThru: What Holiday Dresses Are Good For Pear Shapes?

Ask ThinkThru: Holiday Dresses for Pear Shapes

Can you do a post on holiday dresses for different body types? Being a pear, I can never figure what to wear. And all dresses seem to be “straight down” varieties. —pinktulip

Many cocktail dresses right now are form-fitting, or “straight down,” as you’ve been finding. But not all. There are plenty of options that offer volume in the hip area. The trick for shopping for dresses that flatter pear shapes are finding ones that create balance. So look for styles that have sweetheart necklines to enhance your bust, nip in at the waist to create an hourglass silhouette and feature detail up top to broaden your shoulders. Avoid pockets, heavy bottom draping and bandeau style strapless or bubble skirt dresses. Here are my picks:

1. Sweetheart Neckline: BCBG Strapless Party Dress
A sweetheart neckline is heaven sent for smaller chested girls. It does wonders for enhancing the bustline. And this dress also shows off your waist while downplaying your hips. It’s a little more expensive but the mixed metallic embellishment means it’s very versatile. For one party, you can wear it with sparkly gold peep toes and gold earrings. Another you can edge it up with black booties and a leather jacket. For another you can wear a faux fur bolero with a silver crystal brooch.

2. Waist Emphasis: Voom by Joy Han Wine Cocktail Dress
A voluminous skirt hides your bottom half while emphasizing your small waist. Draw attention to you midsection even more with an embellished belt. For a different party, use a sparkly statement necklace to bring the focus to your face. And don’t forget to do a little spin for your friend in this dress to show off the adorable bow detail in back.

3. Shoulder Detail: Eric Daman for Charlotte Russe Embellished Shoulder Dress
To create balance for pear shapes, it’s good to add some type of embellishment up top. You can do a shoulder with slight padding, lace detail, sequins or studded embellishment like the one on this dress created by the costume designer for Gossip Girl. I like a long-sleeve for a holiday party because you don’t have to worry about bringing something to cover up on top. Since you have a smaller chest, it’s perfectly acceptable to go for a plunge neckline. And if you’re not a fan of the way your legs look in a shorter dress, try an opaque pair of glitter tights. Sometimes it’s better that the dress is on the more simple side. It lets you go wild with jewelry so you can wear it differently for all your parties.

Do you have a fashion question? Ask me in the comments below or just fill out this form.

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6 Comments

  1. pinktulip commented:

    Thanks Sydne! Do you think the 2nd dress would work for NYE? or no?

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    12.10.10
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    • Sydne commented:

      Definitely! Just add a festive amount of sparkly accessories. I would do hair and makeup like Taylor Swift at CMTs. She wore a similar type of dress and the dark smoky eye and sleek hair gave it a sexy vamp feel:
      http://www.mystyle.com/mystyle/photos/gallery.jsp?galleryUUID=360#9726

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      12.10.10
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  2. Henri commented:

    I bought the third one a few weeks ago but I have need advice on how to style this look, in a way thats young and fresh yet conservative. Also the dress is longer is about knee length, are textured tights an option?

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    12.25.10
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  3. Henri commented:

    What about shoes and jewelry?

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    12.26.10
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    • Sydne commented:

      Depends what you have in your closet! I would do big fun earrings or a sparkly headband. As for shoes, try a bold color since the dress is neutral. Or go with a metallic heel.

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      12.26.10
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