15 Nordstrom dresses that define your waist and flatter your figure — up to 40% off

July 21, 2025

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An hourglass figure is beautiful, there’s no doubt about it. But have you ever tried to dress one? It’s no easy task. As a curvy woman with a heaping helping of hips, I can only wear dresses with a built-in waist; everything else looks wide and boxy. Ironically, someone without a lot of curves would probably look for the same thing. Fortunately, there are a slew of waist-flattering frocks at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, the retailer’s annual, site-wide savings event happening right now. In fact, I found 15 phenomenal contenders in a range of styles and sizes, most of them under $100.

So, how can you identify a dress that’s going to accentuate your middle? It’s not always as simple as a belt or a tie, though it can be. Design features like ruching, draping, vertical seams or even a silhouette that “fits and flares” can help snatch your waist…or just give the illusion of it. Take this flowy Vince Camuto midi (down to $79 from $119), for instance: its stretchy, smocked waist is camouflaged by a mini floral print. Or even this office-ready A-line dress by Eliza J that skims without clinging for just $68.

Once you know what to look for in a dress that flatters your waist, it opens the door to so many cute options, like these Nordstrom Anniversary Sale picks — each up to 40% off — that are perfect summer and fall wardrobe additions.