Mini length or midi? Long sleeves or short? Scoop neck or sweetheart? All of these are questions that we ask ourselves when trying to find the perfect dress for that special occasion, whether it’s the Best Dressed Ball or a late-summer wedding. In theory, shopping for a dress is a piece of cake. You walk in the store, set your sights on what you think is the perfect dress, find your size and call it a day. But in reality, finding a dress that best suits you is about picking the perfect piece for your body type. We sat down with the dress expert Michele Percy, buyer at Lukka Boutique and recent Best Dressed honoree, to learn how to dress to impress–the right way.

Long and lean

This midi-length, A-line silhouette does an excellent job of accentuating the features of the girl who is tall and thin. When shopping for a dress that flatters this body type, look for sleeveless dresses, scoop necks and breezy materials like satin to hug (and show off) your figure.

“This classic, chic satin racer tank dress by Frame is perfect for the long and lean body type,” says Percy.

Pear

For a woman with larger hips, finding a dress with a belt, flowing bottom and fun hem are great ways to showcase someone who is small on the top, bigger on the bottom. This slip scarf dress in blush snakeskin by L’Agence is the ultimate style for the pear shape.

“The asymmetrical hem makes this dress a great fit for a pear shape. The belt cinches at the waist, and it is just so flattering for that body type,” says Percy.

Apple

With an apple-shaped body, you want to elongate the torso and draw attention to the legs. Opting for structured pieces is key in adding definition. This dress by Ramy Brook is the perfect little number to draw attention to all the right places.

“Bonus! This dress can be worn front to back,” adds Percy. “The blouson waist is great when it comes to adding definition and elongating the torso.”

Athletic

If you have a “normal” body type where your bust and hips are all the same width, you might refer to your shape as athletic. This dress by Susana Monaco is perfect for any body type, especially the girl with a more athletic build.

“This dress is such a great transitional piece for fall,” says Percy. “The high neckline flatters everyone and does a great job at accentuating the arms and showing off the legs!”

Petite

This dress by Parker Black is great for the girl with a petite frame. The detail on the dress draws attention to her figure and essentially gives an illusion of an elongated, more defined frame.

“This short shift dress is so perfect for the petite girls,” says Percy. “The beading detail and the feathers on the bottom show off the legs and draw attention.”

For more looks from Lukka Boutique, check out its social media pages here and here.