Disclosure: This “How to Dress Your Body Type” Fashionista Event Opportunity is hosted by Still Blonde after all these YEARS and Modly Chic. This$185+ Fashion Giveaway and outfit on Motherhood Unadorned is provided by Monroe and Main. All opinions are my own. 

This weekend, John and I attended an evening fundraising event for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I’m actually on the Board of Directors in Washington State, and even had a little speaking role, so I absolutely wanted to look my best. It feels so good to get out of the house and be a real adult with my husband once in a while!

With two young kids, John and I don’t often get to dress up for a date night party, so when I had the opportunity to work with Monroe and Main for their Spring “Dress Your Body Type” Event, I was so excited to pick out something chic and colorful for this important event.

Yay! A new dress for a great cause. Don’t we look happy?!?

Clothing and shoe shopping online can be quite the challenge when you’re unsure of size and fit. I know I’ve certainly been shy of it in the past. But Monroe and Main has great tools to help you confidently choose styles that balance and flatter your own personal beautiful shape and style, no matter your size.

Figuring out how to play up my own specific assets when it comes to style, makes such a huge difference in my confidence. With the help of their “How to Dress Your Body Type” Infographic Series, I determined I’m a “hourglass” and found a few tips to select the perfect dress to highlight my curves. John literally told me it’s one of the best dresses he’s seen me wear (and after 12 years together that’s a lot!)

How did I determine how to Dress My Body Type and how can you too?

I’m so happy to be sharing this valuable fashion resource, because each of us, using 4 simple steps can find our best styles.

I’m also giving away a “How to Dress Your Body Type” package from Monroe and Main, which is so exciting! In fact, 25 blogs have joined together to do 25 giveaways, so please be sure to enter. The package includes your own measuring tape and a $185 Monroe and Main shopping spree for shapewear and an outfit of your choosing. (And if you’re wondering, the site offers clothing from sizes 6 to 24 and small to 3X!)

Step 1: Take Your Measurements

I’ve been many sizes during the past almost 8 years as a mom. Seriously, it’s ranged from size 10 to 20. Things have changed based on pregnancies, birth, my monthly cycle, and even times of year like winter when I’m more depressed and tend to hang on to more weight. Right now I’m in the 10/12 or M/L range depending on clothing style.

Knowing things can vary, Monroe and Main recommends taking your own measurements every 3 months. Their easy to understand infographic about how to do take your measurements was quite helpful. I was actually surprised about how to take the waist measurement. They recommend  wrapping the measuring tape around the narrowest part of your waist, then bringing the ends down to the belly button.

Step 2: Identify Your Shape

There are five basic body types: Hourglass, Rectangle, Triangle, Inverted Triangle and Oval. Like I said, after measuring myself, I determined I’m an Hourglass. But actually back before having kids, I was probably a Triangle. Things have definitely changed with age!

Step 3: Shapewear

The next step is to think about shapewear and how it might make you feel more confident. For me, I have always worn lower body shapewear to smooth by thighs but also because I absolutely hate the feeling of my thighs rubbing together when I wear a dress. Oh, that drives me nuts!

But after having kids, my waist area that had always been my slimmer region became more bumpy. Still the smaller part of my shape but an area that I now want a little more control over. So when I bought my dress for the charity event, I also picked up some full body shapewear, which I had never tried before. They call it a “braless body suit” and it really works great. My only complaint was when I went to use the bathroom, taking it off was a little tricky. But worth the control it gave me. 

Step 4: Find your Prints & Colors

Last step is thinking about prints and colors for your shape. It’s about mixing prints and solid colors to highlight your particular assets. For example, for me (hourglass) the recommendation is to wear a bold color or print to highlight my curves, or if I prefer, I can go monochromatic to downplay them. It’s about you being your best you, and feeling good in your own skin. 

I have personally loved stripes and chevron for quite some time. I’m also drawn to blues, teals, purples, grey and black in my wardrobe. So when I saw the “Cool Water Dress” I just fell in love.

Actually my mom was in town when I did my Monroe and Main online shopping and she and Ellie helped me pick out the dress. We loved the keyhole at the neckline and the way the black waistband highlighted that particular asset of mine.

I also really don’t like my arms, so I tend to look for dresses that have a wider shoulder, and the black accent I could see would be quite flattering. Spaghetti strap or halters are not for me.

I paired the dress with open toed black flats with an ankle strap. They’re stylish but also comfortable. I knew I would be running around at the party in my role as Vice Chairperson of the Board, so I didn’t want to wear heals. 

I do love the look of heals, but let’s face it. Now that I’m over 40, I cannot wear them long without being in a TON of pain. So I’d rather find ways to be stylish and comfortable. I’m very happy with the way it turned out. 

We had so much fun at the Silent Auction, which was actually also a Masquerade Party. I accessorized with these super fun butterfly sparkle sunglasses that did double duty as my mask. 

What a fun night! Check out tips choosing prints and colors for other body types here. Visit Monroe and Main How to Dress Your Body Type on Pinterest.

Good Luck in the Giveaway!

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