Little Black Dresses for Every Body Type

The easiest way to balance a bottom-heavy figure is to choose a little black dress that skims over the lower half of the body. Fuller skirts, like this BCBGeneration dress, disguise heavy hips, while showing off the waist. A fitted halter or strapless silhouette — which accents a trim upper body — is very flattering for bottom-heavy figures.

Don't worry: you don't have to look matronly to cover up flabby arms. The trick is to keep the sexy element with embellishment or peekaboo cutouts on the little black dress. This sheer-sleeve dress is another great way to get some sex appeal and still conceal arms.

The perfect little black dress for a smaller frame elongates and flatters, like this lace trim dress by Connected Apparel. More flattery: look for a dress shape — like horizontal seaming — that is scaled just right for your figure. Avoid too-cutesy looks (like puffed sleeves or giant bows) so you won't look little girlish.

Just because your figure has curves doesn't mean you can't enjoy a pretty little black dress. And nothing looks sexier than showing a little skin, like this elegant cap sleeve dress.

Don't want to show off your legs? You can still look gorgeous in a little black dress, instead of hiding your legs in pants. Try wearing a longer skirt (midcalf or longer) like this Halston Heritage dress.

You don't need to hide your upper body in a little black dress if you have wide shoulders. Instead, look for body-balancing details, such as a trendy asymmetrical neckline, like this Norma Kamali One Shoulder Swing Dress. Avoid puffy sleeves or voluminous tops paired with slim bottoms that will exaggerate your shoulder width.

Disguise a thick waist in a little black dress by either raising, lowering, or eliminating the waistline. This dress works by hiding the waist with a drop waist. A shift without a defined waist or an empire waist dress, which has a raised waist, are other good choices.

Flatter a full bust by drawing the eye to the waist with a fit and flare dress like this trendy little black dress by Calvin Klein. Balance a top-heavy figure with flattering necklines for the full bust: the V-neck, square neck, wrap, or portrait style. Look for fabrics that skim (jersey is good), but aren't clingy or too stiff.

Most clothing actually hangs better on women with smaller busts, but if you want to add more volume up top, look for embellishment or fullness on the bust. This dress has allover embroidery, including on the bust, which gives you a flattering boost.

If your body lacks natural curves, add feminine presence with texture, like this ruffled Jessica Simpson black dress. You can also pump up the volume with extra details like full sleeves, ruched waist, layers, and ruffles.