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The Karina Fit Guide: Dress Styles by Body Type

At Karina Dresses, we believe every woman deserves to feel confident and comfortable in what she wears — without compromising style. That’s why we’ve designed a line of dresses that truly flatter every body — from petite to tall, curvy to straight, and everything in between.

This guide is your personal roadmap to finding the dress styles that work best for your unique shape — built with real women in mind.

What does being Body-Inclusive really mean?

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-most. We design our dresses with:

  • Inclusive sizing (XXS to 4XL)
  • Flexible fabrics with stretch and recovery
  • Smart silhouettes that drape, shape, and move with you
  • Consistent styles where sizing doesn’t change from collection to collection

We celebrate diversity in body types, lifestyles, and ages — and we’re proud to see our dresses worn by women across all walks of life. Whether you're looking for a dress that softens your curves or one that highlights them, you’ll find your perfect match here.

What Makes Karina Dresses Fit So Well?

Our customers tell us they’ve never worn a dress this comfortable. Here’s why:

  • Stretchy, breathable fabrics – no digging, clinging, or stiffness
  • No zippers or buttons – just slip it on and go
  • Machine washable, wrinkle free – no dry cleaning required
  • Figure-skimming silhouettes – designed to flatter without constriction
  • Thoughtful details – higher waist seams, flared skirts, and built-in structure

“As a plus size woman, I find it hard to find dresses that are both stylish and comfortable, so I was so excited to try on my first purchase from Karina. It fit perfectly, and I love the fabric- it’s going to be perfect for travel. I immediately went back on line and bought two additional dresses!”

— Amy H.

“The thing I love about Karina dresses, is no matter which one I choose, I know that it will always look great! Over the years, I’ve had many, many of them and have always loved the look!”

— Sandra Z.

Why Karina's Approach to Body Inclusive Dresses is Unique

We started with the desire to make the Easy Dress. That one you don't have to think about at all. No matter the occasion or day of the month, it's going to fit well and make you feel beautiful. That one that is ready straight from the wash and is going to last. It's going to be comfortable while having the style to help you feel like you.

With that spirit in mind, there are few things that we do differently to make our vision of the Easy Dress come to life.

  • We keep our sizes consistent, year over year. A size S/M today uses the same dimensions that it used 10 years ago. So once you've found the size that works best for you, you can confidently shop that size over and over again.
  • Each style of dress is the same. No matter what the pattern of a Cece Dress, it will always fit the same way.
  • We tag every dress with body types and you can filter by them everywhere on the site to make shopping easy.

Dresses by Body Type

Finding your fit starts with understanding your shape. Explore which styles work best for your body type.

Apple Shaped Body

Apple Shaped Body Type

Focus on drawing the eye upward and creating shape through the waist. Look for dresses with empire waists or A-line skirts.

By designing dresses that elongate the torso, tailoring the midriff and skimming the bust line, our dresses are the perfect choice if you're apple to the core.

Dresses for Apple Shaped Body
Pear Shaped Body

Pear Shaped Body Type

Balance your silhouette by highlighting your top half. Dresses with open necklines and full skirts work beautifully.

When designing for this shape, we always are looking for balance between the upper and lower half of your body.

Dresses for Pear Shaped Body
Inverted Triangle Shaped Body

Inverted Triangle Shaped Body Type

Look for balance and softness at the hips. A-line and flared skirts are your friend.


If you’re hoping to step into the spotlight, we have dresses that give inverted triangle body types the ideal dose of definition.

Dresses for Inverted Triangle Shaped Body
Rectangle Shaped Body

Rectangle Shaped Body Type

Want something that shows off your angles? You’re in luck.

Our style for this body type create curves with fitted bodices, flared skirts, and strategic rouching.

Dresses for Rectangle Shaped Body
Hourglass Shaped Body

Hourglass Shaped Body Type

It’s time to find something perfect for your hourglass figure.

Embrace your curves. Our wrap or faux wrap styles and structured waistlines emphasize your natural shape.

Dresses for Hourglass Shaped Body

Real Women, Real Fits

“I love this dress so much that I just purchased my third one, all in different prints. Every time I wear one I feel pretty and I get frequent compliments. It is hard for me to find dresses that are the right balance of casual and dressy, and this one hits it just right. It is comfortable and easy to wash, and holds up well.”

— Caitlin G.

“I probably have never had a dress that I get more compliments on. This is such a nice style with a v-neck that's not too deep and a great length. It packs so well too - I often end up taking it when I travel.”

— Rachel F.

“A well made, quality dress, that does not disappoint! I love the style, especially the sleeves, rounded neckline, fitted waist and pockets. Fabric is soft, liquidity and flows perfect for a relaxed fit.”

— Kathleen G.

 Ready to Find Your Fit?

Start with our bestselling styles or explore by your shape. Every Karina Dress is designed to flatter — and to last.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I figure out my body shape?

Use our simple Find Your Fit Guide: measure bust, waist, and hips, then match your proportions.

If your bust and hips are similar with a defined waist, you’re hourglass body shape; if your hips are fuller than your bust, you’re pear body shape; if your midsection is fuller than your hips, you are an apple body shape; if shoulders are broader than hips, you're an inverted triangle body shape; if measurements are similar all around, you are a rectangle body shape.

What if my bust and hips fit different sizes based on the size guide?

Pick the size that fits your bust for wraps/faux-wraps and your hips for straighter skirts; our fabrics stretch and you'll find they move with you.

What size should I order in Karina Dresses?

You can review our size guide here.
We recommend ordering your usual size—our sizing is consistent across styles (XXS–4XL). If you’re between sizes, most customers size down because the fabrics have stretch and recovery. We also have the garment measurements on each product page. If you still aren't sure, reach out to us! We love to help.

Do the dresses have pockets?

Many styles do (and they’re designed not to add bulk). Check the product details—“pockets” will be listed where included.

Or you can check out all the dresses that have pockets here.

How do I highlight my waist without cling?

Look for empire or natural waist seams plus A-line or fit-and-flare skirts; they define shape while skimming the midsection.

What’s your return policy if the fit isn’t right?

We want you to love it but we understand some times it just doesn't work the way you want it to. Eligible unworn items can be returned or exchanged—see our Returns page for the window and instructions.

How inclusive is your size range—and is sizing consistent?

We offer XXS–4XL with consistent grading across styles, so your size in one dress should match the next. If you’re between sizes, most customers size down thanks to stretch fabrics.

Will these work for maternity or postpartum?

Yes—our stretch fabrics and empire waists accommodate baby bump and recovery without digging or zippers. Many customers wear the same size through trimester changes; when between sizes, choose the larger for comfort.

We even have a collection specially curated here for you to check out.

Are the necklines and sleeves bra-friendly?

Yes. All of our styles are designed to cover standard bra straps; wraps/faux-wraps use higher V-necks. Prefer more coverage? Choose elbow or 3/4 sleeves, or add a lightweight camisole.

Do you consider mobility or sensory comfort?

Absolutely. We use soft, non-itchy fabrics, minimal interior seams, and no zippers or buttons for easy on/off. A-line and wrap silhouettes sit comfortably when seated; choose midi/maxi lengths to avoid ride-up if you use a wheelchair or prefer extra coverage.