A Sweater Dress for Every Body Type

September 15, 2011 - Guest

While browsing the Pattern Finder®, I made a discovery: Lion Brand has designed a sweater dress pattern to flatter every body type (Hourglass, Pear, Apple, and Rectangle)! Check out my findings, as well as some styling tips, below.

Hourglass		Knit Dress Show off your curves with a sheath-shaped dress that nips in at the waist. A length that hits at the knee helps to balance out your figure while showing a bit off leg. Ribbing at the yoke adds even more contouring. For styling, add a low-slung belt and some fancy patterned tights. [Note: The pattern shown uses Lion® Cashmere Blend, which is now discontinued. As a substitute, try using Superwash Merino Cashmere in Charcoal Heather.]
Pear		Cable Luxe Maxi (shown on right) Your slender shoulders lend themselves well to ornate patterns at the neckline. An A-line skirt is flattering to wide hips. A length that goes past your knees will elongate and balance your figure. For styling, this dress begs to be paired with equestrian-style boots.
Apple		Speed Stix Mini Dress Apple types usually have long, lean legs, and this minidress helps to show them off! Empire shaping and smooth, sturdy fabric help to disguise a fuller waist. A boatneck neckline shows off your collarbone. For styling, pair this with opaque tights or leggings and cute flats.
Rectangle		Close-Fitting Dress Your slim, athletic figure looks best in body-hugging styles. An asymmetrical neckline adds interest and the illusion of curves. A lace insert at the skirt shows off a bit of leg. For styling, go retro with a pair of slingback heels and a shrug. [Note: The pattern shown uses Glitterspun®, which is now discontinued. As a substitute, try Vanna’s Choice® in Scarlet. Or, to get the sparkly flash shown here, try stranding Microspun® in Cherry Red together with Vanna’s Glamour® in Ruby Red.]

How would you style these sweater dresses? Which dress is your favorite? Comment and let us know!

19 Comments

Grace Jones

15 Sep 2011

Don’t forget this gem: http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/50836AD.html?noImages=
I love the raglan sleeve shaping. I think this one should be re envisioned in one of the current yanrs.
Which reminds me of another great knit tunic/dress: http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L0023AD.html?noImages=

Anonymous

17 Sep 2011

Terrific tips for how to choose the right dress for your figure!

Mountain_butterfly

24 Sep 2011

I would do the Speed Stix Mini Dress in a dusty or heathered solid color (probably a teal or paprika), and pair it with black jewelry with colored stones, black tights, and shoes.

Sarah Wear

08 Oct 2011

It seems that all the patterns discussed here are knit.Â What about some crochet dress patterns?Â I would love to make one for a friend, as I know she’s asked about it.Â But I would want something more than just turning a sweater pattern into a dress, since that could look a little…off.Â Any tips?