Congratulations, graduate-to-be! You’ve done it! It’s time to celebrate all the hard work and late-night study sessions. And what better way to celebrate than with a perfect outfit that makes you feel confident and beautiful on your big day? Granted, choosing the perfect graduation outfit for your body type is, by no means, an easy feat.

The options are endless, and it can certainly be overwhelming to decide which one is the perfect sartorial match for you. But don't fret! The secret to nailing that stunning look is embracing your unique body shape. Forget about following cookie-cutter trends and let's celebrate your curves, lines, and angles with a dazzling graduation outfit that enhances your best features.

Here are our best tips on how to choose the perfect graduation outfit for your body type!

But First, How To Determine Your Body Type

To determine your body type, there are a few easy steps you can follow.

Get a measuring tape: You will need a flexible measuring tape to take accurate measurements of your body.

Measure your shoulders: Stand up straight with your arms relaxed at your sides. Measure the distance from the tip of one shoulder to the tip of the other shoulder.

Measure your bust: Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust. Make sure that the tape is straight and not too tight.

Measure your waist: Find the narrowest part of your waist, which is usually located above your belly button but below your rib cage. Wrap the tape around your waist, making sure it's snug but not too tight.

Measure your hips: Stand with your feet together and wrap the tape measure around the widest part of your hips.

Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to cross-reference them with the 5 most popular body types: rectangle, athletic, hourglass, pear, and apple.

Remember, there's no one "perfect" body type. The goal is to embrace and dress your body in a way that makes you feel confident and comfortable. So, let’s get into it.

The Hourglass body type

The key to finding the perfect graduation outfit for an hourglass shape is to embrace your curves and highlight your waistline. Look for dresses that cinch at the waist or feature a fitted bodice that shows off your hourglass shape. To enhance your hourglass figure, choose dresses with a V-neck or scoop neckline that flatters your bust and shows off your décolletage. Avoid high necklines or dresses with thick straps that can make your shoulders appear broader. Prints can add dimension and depth to your outfit. Look for prints that feature bold, bright colors or geometric shapes that will draw attention to your curves.

The apple shape body type

The ideal way to dress an apple shape is to create a waistline. Opt for dresses that cinch in at the waist to create a flattering silhouette. A-line dresses, wrap dresses, and belted dresses are great options. If you have great legs, show them off with a knee-length dress or skirt. This will draw attention away from your midsection and balance out your body proportions. Stay away from clingy fabrics like jersey or spandex as they can accentuate your midsection. Instead, opt for flowy fabrics like chiffon, silk, or cotton that drape beautifully over your curves. A V-neck or scoop-neckline dress will elongate your torso and draw attention away from your midsection. Avoid high-necked dresses or tops that can make your upper body appear larger.

The pear body type

If you have a pear-shaped body, choose dresses or tops that draw attention to your upper body. For example, a dress with a halter neckline or a strapless dress will highlight your shoulders and draw attention to your upper body. If you're looking for a dress that is a bit more formal, an empire waistline dress is a great option for you. This style features a high waistline that falls just below the bust, which helps to elongate your figure and create a more balanced look. A jumpsuit is a stylish and trendy option that can work well for apple-shaped body types. Look for a jumpsuit with a cinched waist or a belt to create a more defined waistline. Pair it with some heels and statement jewelry for a chic graduation look.

The Athletic body type

Your shoulders and bust are wider than your hips, so you want to create a balanced look. Look for dresses or gowns that have fuller skirts or A-line cuts. This will draw attention away from your shoulders and create an hourglass silhouette. Choose dresses or tops with a V-neckline. This neckline creates the illusion of a narrower upper body and elongates your neck, giving you a more proportionate look. Look for dresses with an empire waistline. This style creates a fitted bodice that flows into a fuller skirt, creating a balanced look. Adding details to your lower half can create a visual balance. Opt for dresses with ruffles, patterns, or embellishments on the skirt. This will draw the eye down and create a fuller look to your hips.

The rectangular body type

One of the keys to dressing a rectangular body shape is to create the illusion of curves. To achieve this, choose an outfit that cinches at your waistline. You can do this with a belt, a high-waisted skirt, or a dress with a defined waist. Adding texture to your outfit can create visual interest and give the appearance of more curves. Consider fabrics like lace, ruffles, or pleats. Another way to create the illusion of curves is to play with color and prints. Choose patterns that have a lot of movement or opt for bold, bright colors to draw attention to your figure.

Now that you have a better understanding of your body type and how to choose the perfect graduation outfit for your shape, you can confidently rock your graduation look and feel amazing on your big day.

Remember, the key to choosing the perfect outfit is to embrace your body type and choose something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Whether you're a pear, apple, hourglass, rectangular, or an inverted triangle, there's a perfect outfit out there for you.

Cover image: Freepik