Skinny Girl Dresses – The Ultimate Guide What and Where to Buy

If you’re naturally slim, you may wonder which dress styles will best flatter your frame. The good news is that skinny girls can wear almost any dress shape – but the secret lies in balance. The key is choosing cuts that add proportion where needed, highlight your natural silhouette, and avoid styles that overwhelm your body. In this guide, I’ll break down exactly which dress types work best, how to style them, and the high street, premium and designer brands where you’ll find the best options.

Understanding Dressing for a Slim Frame

Being skinny doesn’t mean you can’t play with shape – in fact, you can get away with bold styles that other body types might find tricky. The aim is to create balance: think about softening angles, enhancing curves, or adding volume through strategic tailoring. For everyday looks, fitted dresses can look chic and elegant, while statement details like ruffles, puff sleeves, and tiered skirts help give the illusion of more curves.

Best Dress Styles for Skinny Girls

1. Wrap Dresses

A timeless style that suits almost every body shape, wrap dresses are especially flattering for slim figures. The adjustable tie pulls in the waist and creates the illusion of curves, while a v-neck elongates the neckline.

2. Bardot and Off-Shoulder Dresses

Off-shoulder dresses broaden the shoulders slightly, balancing out slim frames and adding femininity. Pair with a fuller skirt for volume or keep it sleek with a fitted pencil cut for evening occasions.

3. A-Line and Skater Dresses

A-line cuts are perfect for adding movement and volume to a slimmer frame. The fitted bodice paired with a flared skirt creates a flattering proportion that works beautifully for both day and night looks.

4. Puff Sleeve and Statement Sleeve Dresses

If you want to add interest and presence to your look, choose puff sleeves or bishop sleeves. They instantly give structure to a slender upper body and balance out longer arms.

5. Shirt Dresses

A shirt dress works wonderfully for skinny girls, especially belted versions that cinch the waist. They’re effortless for casual wear and can be styled with chunky boots or sleek loafers.

6. Midi and Maxi Dresses

Contrary to what many believe, long dresses don’t drown slimmer frames if chosen correctly. Stick to streamlined silhouettes or dresses with slits to keep the look flowing.

Fabric Choices That Work Best

Structured fabrics like cotton poplin, linen, and denim create shape, while silks and jerseys drape elegantly. Slim frames often benefit from fabrics with movement or embellishment – sequins, pleats, lace and ruffles can add dimension without overpowering your figure.

High Street, Premium and Designer Recommendations

High Street

Zara – Trend-driven dresses, from puff-sleeved midis to belted shirt dresses.
Mango – Elegant wrap dresses and structured A-line styles.
H&M – Affordable skater dresses and printed midis.

Premium

Reiss – Sleek tailoring and belted shirt dresses that flatter slim silhouettes.
Whistles – Chic midi dresses with contemporary prints and wrap styles.
Ganni – Playful puff sleeves, ruffles and bold prints.

Designer

Self-Portrait – Lace and structure that add elegance and dimension.
Zimmermann – Ethereal designs with puff sleeves and ruffles.
Alexander McQueen – Sculptural, statement tailoring for a bold look.

Styling Tips for Skinny Girls

Belts are your best friend for creating curves. Chunky or layered necklaces balance out slender necklines. Platform sandals, block heels or boots add proportion, while strappy heels keep evening looks elegant.

Where Tellar.co.uk Fits In

Of course, knowing what styles flatter you is only half the battle – you also need to know your size. That’s where Tellar.co.uk comes in.

As the UK’s leading free sizing tool, Tellar instantly matches your exact body measurements to over 1,500 brands. No more guesswork, no more mis-sized online orders, and never wasting time checking size charts again.

Simply measure once – bust, waist, hips – or even input your size from a brand you already own, and the tool does the rest. Try the Tellar Store Size Lookup to see your precise size in brands like COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket and more. Always free, no downloads required.

The Tellar Fashion Hub

The Tellar Fashion Hub is a vast library of free, stylist-written posts covering every fashion query imaginable – from dress styles for different body shapes to jeans trends and sizing guides. Always independent, always free. Explore popular reads:

In summary: Skinny girls can wear nearly any style of dress, but the trick is in balance and proportion. Choose wrap, Bardot, A-line or puff-sleeve dresses to add interest and curves, lean on fabrics with structure or movement, and shop smart with brands that cut well for slimmer frames. And for perfect fit every time, Tellar.co.uk is your go-to tool.