A, X, H, O, V... My Guide, My Body Shape, My Summer Dress!
Whether your body shape is A, X, H, O, or V, the Burda Style editorial team offers you a new selection of summer dresses, along with a complete guide to help you identify your body type and confidently choose the perfect cut for you!
Knowing your body shape is, above all, about choosing the patterns that will highlight your best features.
A (or Pear-Shaped) Figure, Triangular at the Hips
Play with contrasts: highlight your upper body and add softness to your hips
Create a perfect balance of delicate, harmonious femininity.
Soft shoulders, a slender upper body, and a well-proportioned bust define the top half of this body shape. You can enhance smaller proportions with detailed elements such as gathers, ruffles, or draping, which adds dimension without weighing down your silhouette.
The lower half of this figure is defined by hips that are slightly wider than the shoulders, creating an A-shaped silhouette. Opt for straight or slightly flared skirts to balance and elongate your figure.


Cotton Dress 108 | Burda Style 07/24
With its flared lines and natural lightness, this dress perfectly hugs your figure without being too clingy. The butterfly sleeves, both feminine and full of character, add volume and structure at the shoulders, perfect for visually balancing out fuller hips.
Sewing ideas: shortened to hip or waist length, this dress easily transforms into a top, or you can lengthen it at the bottom to create a maxi-dress version!
Cotton Dress 117 | Burda Style 07/25
Light, feminine, and endlessly adaptable!
The tied straps on the shoulders add texture and beautifully structure the upper body, drawing attention to your shoulders and neckline. It's perfect for balancing a figure with more pronounced hips. The adjustable waist can be positioned higher to lengthen your legs or lower for a more relaxed look, all while avoiding emphasis on the width of the hips.
The H-Shaped (or Rectangle) Body Type: A Natural Balance Between the Shoulders, Waist, and Hips
Balance your look with perfectly tailored cuts!
The goal here is to structure your silhouette gently. Opt for dresses with straight lines, highlighted by gathers or subtly placed details at the bust, waist, or hips to suggest curves without constraining them. Flared or A-line skirts, paired with patterned fabrics, add volume and movement while energizing the overall look.


Viscose Dress 104 | Burda Style 06/25
Sleek silhouette and understated elegance: the straight-cut long dress is your figure ally. Ideal for structuring a shape with subtle curves, it creates a beautiful balance without weighing it down. A fine elastic gently cinches your waist, without overly emphasizing it or breaking the vertical effect. The wide straps and V-neck add a touch of femininity and harmony to the overall look.
Linen Dress 119 | Burda Style 06/24
Straight cut and exceptional pleats! This piece charms with its elegant simplicity and playful touch, featuring a skirt animated with pleats. The straight cut maintains the natural balance between your shoulders, waist, and hips, while the contrasting details subtly draw attention to your bust. You can also accentuate the graphic effect by adding a contrasting trim to the pleated section of the skirt, further energizing your silhouette.
The V-Shape (or Inverted Triangle) Body Type, Characterized by a Broad frame and Structured Shoulders
Reduce the volume on the top and accentuate the bottom
The V-shaped body type is characterized by broad shoulders and a rather generous bust. The goal is to soften your shoulders with simple tops and V-necklines in discreet and fluid fabrics and patterns. Focus on your legs by wearing shorter dresses and emphasizing your hip line, which will shift the center of your silhouette in a flattering way.


Polyester Dress 116 | Burda Style 07/24
Simplicity and exposed legs. Summer is the perfect time to highlight your slim legs! This dress with a clean-cut silhouette, featuring a round neckline and made from fringe fabric, draws attention with originality. A simple choice, yet always effective.
Linen Dress 105 | Burda Style 05/25
The secret? Balancing the volumes with this button-down linen dress. This dress, which flares out with two large pleats, adds volume at the bottom and conceals your bust and shoulders, which are broader than your lower body.
Style tip: Wear it in a loose fit for a relaxed look, or cinch it at the waist to structure the silhouette and soften a broad frame.
The O-Shaped (Round) Body Type
Opt for clean lines, with a touch of femininity!
Curvy? Soften your body shape with dresses that elongate your silhouette and gently skim the waist to avoid cutting your figure. This body type tends to be oval-shaped, with a full bust, rounded tummy, and often slim legs. The idea is to balance and refine the overall look—vertical stripes, for example, can help. Opt for flowy dresses that gracefully conceal curves while staying stylish.


Jersey Dress 112 | Burda Style 07/24
Comfort and beautifully shaped shoulders. For an O-shaped silhouette, loose-fitting styles are ideal. This jersey dress is a true must-have for a relaxed holiday look, featuring a nautical print while still keeping things feminine with highlighted shoulders and rounded hems.
Jersey Dress 124 | Burda Style 05/25
Charming for a dinner out! This dress, resembling a refined T-shirt, is perfect for O-shaped silhouettes. The short sleeves are subtly trimmed, and the waist can be tied to your liking.
Tip: Go for a chic print, like this gold chain pattern on a black background, to ensure an elegant look.
The X-Shaped Body Type, Also Known as the Hourglass
Emphasize your curves and waist
Measurements are roughly the same between your bust and hips, with a relatively slim waist. Fitted and cut-out dresses should be favored to cleverly highlight your curves. If you like form-fitting skirts, play with volume: two-piece dresses, fitted tops, or tied belts emphasize the waist and create a beautiful balance.


Poplin Dress 107 | Burda Style 05/24
Perfect for the holidays, this dress is right on trend and beautifully enhances X-shaped silhouettes.
Its cut-out panels subtly reveal your waist and create an elegant two-part effect that structures your figure. The short sleeves, slightly gathered, help balance proportions with finesse. This is a feminine and flattering piece to embrace without hesitation this summer.
Tweed Dress 103 | Burda Style 04/25
Confident silhouette, confident style! This dress is perfect for those who love to highlight their curves with elegance. Its cut enhances your body's lines thanks to a perfect balance between the bodice and the skirt, while a wide panel beautifully emphasizes the waist. The length, just above the knee, elongates the legs without weighing down the silhouette.
The cherry on top? A sweetheart neckline, delicately feminine!
All these patterns are available in PDF format, which you can easily find on our website burdastyle.com in just one click!
Silhouettes Designed by pikisuperstar / Freepik


