Which Shirt Dress Suits My Body Shape? A Guide to Flattering Fits

There’s a laid-back luxe feel to shirt dresses. Timeless, yet totally on-trend, it’s the kind of piece that goes from morning meetings to mimosas without missing a beat. But as with any go-to favorite, the real charm is in the fit… and finding the one that loves your body back.

Our shirt dresses are designed with crisp lines, clever tailoring and real women’s bodies in mind. The result? Flattering silhouettes that celebrate your shape and keep things feeling fresh, easy, and endlessly wearable. We want you to feel fabulous! 

Start With Your Shape

Image credit: Wikicommons

There are so many systems to cram the endless variety of body type into the categories, from the deeply complicated Kibbe Body Type to the whimsically named ‘Fantastical Beauty’ which could cast you as a warrior or a nymph for added fun. 

At the risk of being a bit ‘Trinny and Suzanne’ (if you know, you know), I have chosen to categorise silhouettes using the easy to understand ‘shapes’ system. Of course, human beings do not always fit into exact shapes, but here’s a general guideline to elevating your natural proportions. 

Hourglass

If you’ve been blessed with balanced curves and a defined waist, you’ll want a dress that celebrates that hourglass outline. Look for structured waists and fitted bodices. The Shirt Company’s ‘Christiane’ shirt dress is your best friend. It cinches elegantly at the waist while flaring subtly at the hips, framing your figure in all the right ways.

Pear

Wider hips and a more petite and narrow upper body? Welcome to the bootylicious pear shape. If you want to remove focus from your derriere, the key is to bring the eyes upward. Think strong collars, detail around the neckline, and a gently skimming lower half. The ‘Veronica’ dress, with its architectural collar and flattering vertical stripes, does exactly that, creating harmony between your top and bottom half.

Apple

If you carry weight around the midsection and have a fuller bust, opt for pieces that elongate the torso and draw attention to your legs or neckline. Enter the ‘Ottilie’ - an A-line dream with a gentle V-neck and plenty of movement. The beautiful obi style belt helps to define the midsection and the leg slit helps make the most of your best assets. This shirt dress is also cut generously on the bust to ensure comfort and style aren’t mutually exclusive.

Rectangle

For those with straight lines, minimal curves and a more athletic body type, it’s all about creating shape. Seek out dresses that nip in at the waist or add volume to the hips. The ‘Le Marais’ dress offers a cinched waist and subtly pleated skirt, injecting dimension and femininity into a clean, classic silhouette.

Inverted Triangle

Broad shoulders and narrower hips? Many women with this body type will want to soften the upper body and add volume below. Once again, the ‘Christiane’ shines—its flared skirt creates balance while the understated top keeps things streamlined and elegant.

Styling Secrets

• Fabric matters: At The Shirt Company, we opt for crisp, breathable cotton sateens which drape beautifully without clinging. 

• Length is key: Midi shirt dresses are universally flattering - just long enough to feel elegant, just short enough to show off some leg.
  

• Cinch it in: Even if a dress isn’t belted, you can always add one. A waist-defining belt transforms a relaxed fit into a refined silhouette in seconds.

When it comes to shirt dresses, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution… and that’s exactly the point. Finding the style that flatters your shape turns a wardrobe basic into something transformative. Whether you’re dressing for confidence, comfort, or pure fashion joy, The Shirt Company’s collection has a shirt dress ready to love your body just as it is; clean, tailored, and always impeccably chic.

👉 Explore the full shirt dress collection at The Shirt Company