15 Sensational Dresses for a Pear Shape Body

By Shelby Bonner Feb 25, 2024

A pear body shape is defined as having hips that are wider than your bust and shoulders. You also have a defined waist, proportionally slimmer arms and shoulders, and possibly a smaller bust. A pear shape is also referred to as a spoon shape or triangle shape.

Knowing how to dress your pear-shaped body can be difficult, as your top half and bottom half are not the same proportions. It can be hard to find dresses that show off your figure in a flattering way and make you feel stunning and confident.

When choosing dresses for a pear body shape, it's best to draw attention to your waist and upper body, while drawing attention away from your hips and thighs with fabric and shapes that skim over your lower half.

Regardless of what you may think, there are many dress options and styles to choose from that will flatter your shape.

Panaprium is independent and reader supported. If you buy something through our link, we may earn a commission. If you can, please support us on a monthly basis. It takes less than a minute to set up, and you will be making a big impact every single month. Thank you!

A-Line Dress

An A-line dress is a classic look that looks amazing on pear-shaped bodies. An a-lined dress will showcase your defined waist while smoothing your curvy hips. The hem of an a-line skirt is wider than your shoulders, helping to create a balanced, full look that is flattering and eloquent.

Try out these cocktail dresses.

Off-The-Shoulder Dress

Off the shoulder can mean a variety of things, with the top half creating a straight line, a v shape, or other shapes. Any dress that falls off the shoulder will help widen your shoulders and draw attention to them and upwards to your face.

Discover an ethically made dress here.

Wrap Dress

A wrap dress is another fantastic choice that can be casual or formal. The looser shape of the dress fits close to your body, skimming your shape without being as tight as a body con dress. The top can be adjusted to fit tighter to show off your waist, and the loose skirt helps veil your lower half.

Try out a cotton dress.

Empire Waist Dress

Empire waist dresses are a classic look that has been in style for many decades. They are characterized by a high waist that sits just below the bust, perfect to accentuate your waistline.

They also give the illusion of a longer torso and skim over your hips and thighs for a flattering, eloquent look.

Check out these classic dresses.

Shift Dress

A shift dress is characterized by cloth that falls straight from the shoulder and brings attention around the bust. The loose fit of a shift dress will drape over your hips and thighs, and make your legs appear longer.

The darts around the bust help create some shape and bring attention upwards.

Learn how to rent dresses here.

Maxi Dress

A long, full-length gown also looks great on pear-shaped bodies. The long hem that gathers by your feet creates the illusion of a wide hem. The full length will show off your waist and top half and help skim over your lower half.

Check out these maxi dresses.

Fit and Flare

Fit and Flare dresses, like a-line dressers, have a form-fitting top with a wide skirt that flares out, helping to create shape and curve at the bottom to balance out your form. There are a variety of types of fit and flare dresses, so you are sure to find one that fits your style.

Save these dresses.

Puff Sleeve Dress

Puff sleeve dresses are fun and romantic and add whimsy to your look. The wide, loose sleeves bring attention to your shoulders and arms and give the illusion that they are wider. Make sure your puff sleeve dress has a loose, wider skirt to further help balance your proportions.

Find more bold looks here.

Tiered Dress

A tiered dress will create a shape from your top to your bottom so there are no harsh angles, and will help blend in your hip curves. It looks great worn casually or more formally. Make sure the bottom skirt is looser than the top for best results.

Try out these flowy dresses.

Plunging Neckline Dress

Dresses with plunging necklines are not only sexy but also work great on pear-shaped bodies. The deep v creates space in the top half and the wide opening draws attention up to the face. The bottom skirt in contrast seems flowier and longer, bringing attention to your legs and not your hips.

Discover these sexy dresses.

Belted Dress

If the dress you choose does not have a noticeable waistline, adding a belt is an easy way to create one and help bring attention and shape to your upper half. It is also a great way to accessorize and add different textures and colors to your look.

Check out these belts.

Embroidery or Pattern Top

Dresses with an embroidered or patterned top are a great way to bring attention to your top half. Choose a fitted top with a lot of stitching, embellishments, or a bold pattern. Horizontal striped patterns can also help your top half look wider.

Find more sequence looks here.

Asymmetric Neckline

An asymmetric neckline is a sophisticated, chic option that brings attention to your face and neckline while also creating the illusion of wider shoulders. Asymmetric necklines are also great if you have a smaller bustline as most add shape to your upper half without relying on a lot of cleavage.

Save these linen dresses.

Smock Dresses

A smock dress is crafted from lightweight material with a loose, floaty skirt making it perfect for warmer months and pear-shaped bodies. The long, flared skirt will create width at the bottom of the dress and not at your hips.

The loose nature of the skirt will also gently show off your figure while creating a smooth, flattering silhouette.

Find more summer dresses here.

Midi Dresses

Midi dresses are a nice length for shaping your body as they help elongate your top half and also bring attention to your legs. Make sure to keep all other styling advice for your pear-shaped body when choosing a midi dress for the most flattering look.

Learn what to wear over a midi dress here.

Was this article helpful to you? Please tell us what you liked or didn't like in the comments below.

About the Author: Shelby Bonner

Shelby Bonner is a freelance graphic designer and writer who is passionate about fashion, and ethical, environmentally friendly fashion. She enjoys finding new brands, and following the latest styles each season.

What We're Up Against

Multinational corporations overproducing cheap products in the poorest countries.
Huge factories with sweatshop-like conditions underpaying workers.
Media conglomerates promoting unethical, unsustainable products.
Bad actors encouraging overconsumption through oblivious behavior.
- - - -
Thankfully, we've got our supporters, including you.
Panaprium is funded by readers like you who want to join us in our mission to make the world entirely sustainable.

If you can, please support us on a monthly basis. It takes less than a minute to set up, and you will be making a big impact every single month. Thank you.