At Montique we are often asked by our clients how to accentuate their shape or how to draw attention away from certain features. We understand all body shapes are unique, and we design dresses that are perfect to show off all body types. Our fashion stylists have curated a list of what to look for in a dress that will embrace and spotlight your curves.
Ruched Detailing
Extra layers of fabric like a ruched detailing at the waist provide elegant coverage and smoothes the area that you may not want people to focus on. Depending on where it is placed, it can also direct the eye to areas you would like to accentuate. For example, soft waist detailing in the middle will highlight your hourglass silhouette, while ruched fabric at the side, like our Jolie Gown will streamline the waist and attract attention to other parts of your figure.
Waist Belts and Ties
A dress with a detachable waist tie will flow gracefully down over your midsection to create a slimming vertical detail and pull the eyes to the lower half of your body - accentuating your legs and hips! Belting your dress with a waist tie or even a dazzling feature belt like our Tara belt spotlights your waist, creating a beautiful shape. A belt works amazingly on a pear or hourglass shape for this reason, or even a rectangle shape to create the illusion of a waist. The best part is - a belt will let you have fun with accessories and adds depth to your ensemble.
Off-the-Shoulder Styles
Off-the-shoulder styles elongate your neck and streamlines your silhouette from the shoulders down. Off-the-shoulder dresses feature refined detailing at the neckline to highlight this area, such as our Modena with playful feathers or our Lola with a folded sweetheart style. Off-the-shoulder dresses can be paired with a bolero or wrap for extra coverage, making it a versatile choice. Styled with a feature necklace or statement earrings, the off-the-shoulder style creates a lengthening effect for the bodice.
Asymmetric Necklines
A modern and stylish choice is an asymmetric neckline that helps draw attention to the bustline while complementing the hip or waist area. Our Brooklyn Jumpsuit is a classically tailored jumpsuit with a modern asymmetric neckline for a contemporary look that elongates the neck. One-shoulder styles like our Cosmina, Coco, Luna or Monaco will show off the shoulders and neck and create a streamlined silhouette as the eyes go from the neckline down the bodice.
Soft or Sharp V-Necklines
The key to working a V-neckline is by selecting the depth that best fits your bust. A deeper V for fuller bust shapes will elongate and balance your silhouette, whereas a less dramatic plunge for a smaller bust will define your shape better. Opt for a cross-over V-neckline that adds texture and detail to your chest area, especially for smaller busts and narrow shoulders. Our Leo Gown and the Paris Gown are perfect options for a beautiful neckline.
Feature Sleeves
Not only will sleeves provide coverage and warmth for your arms, but they can also help create shape whilst disguising parts that you may not want to show. A bell sleeve, as featured on our Greta, is flattering as they fall softly around your arms and help balance your shape. Our Lana Gown features three quarter split sleeves that fall to a cape at the back of the gown, which creates the ultimate ethereal look with the right amount of coverage. Or, try our Ballencia Gown that features a long one-shoulder sleeve with stunning sequin detail for a statement sleeve.
Stretch Fabric
Thick and stretchy fabrics are perfect to ensure you have a comfortable fit whilst accentuating your waist and hips. Form-fitting fabrics like jersey knit, scuba, and stretch crepe will highlight your curves and ensure your silhouette is flattering and fabulous!
Stand out of the crowd with confidence and style with Montique.
