Nautical-striped dresses have been on trend for several spring/summer seasons, but stripes occasionally get a bad rap- especially those of the horizontal variety! Colorblock dresses can lend a similar look in a much more intentionally flattering way…that is, if you choose your blocks right! Here I’m wearing an Ann Taylor colorblock sheath dress that is a perfect fit for my body type, petite/curvy. You really can accentuate and take attention away from your best and worst areas with colorblocking, a concept that is much harder to accomplish with stripes. {Below} I have also pictured many other dress styles from Nordstrom that are perfect for other body types. Enjoy, and have fun finding YOUR perfect colorblock dress!

Dress: Ann Taylor // Bag: ZARA // Heels: ZARA // Sunnies: Ray-Ban Accessories: BaubleBar

Hourglass figure: White lines take focus off of hips; center block highlights waistline

Midsection concerns: Middle block snatches waistline (same as belting under bust)

Plus size: White block at top accentuates bust; black camouflages midsection; white lines on sides creates slimming effect

Plus size:Lines create illusion of desired shape; eyes drawn towards the center gold

Tall & thin: Horizontal blocks break up height; draws attention to curves

Short torso/legs: This extraordinary striped number creates a serious waistline; elongates legs