Which Style Of Dress Suits You?
GLAMOUR.com solves a host of body worries, from Christmas pot-bellies to flabby arms, with suggestions from the high street's most flattering party dresses.
By Philippa Morgan
Never underestimate the power of the right dress for your shape; it'll amplify the lady lumps you love and disguise the ones you don't.
GLAMOUR.com solves a host of body worries, from Christmas pot-bellies to flabby arms, with suggestions from the high street's most flattering party dresses.
Never underestimate the power of the right dress for your shape; it'll amplify the lady lumps you love and disguise the ones you don't.
GLAMOUR.com solves a host of body worries, from Christmas pot-bellies to flabby arms, with suggestions from the high street's most flattering party dresses.
By Philippa Morgan
Problem: “I think my bum looks big”.
Wear: If you don't fancy showing off your bootilicous booty á la Beyoncé, opt for party dresses that are fitted around the upper body and flow outwards from the waist-band so the material skims over your bottom. The focus will be on your waist rather than your tush.
Try: The Stardust Dress, £65 at <a href=http://www.topshop.com target=_new>www.topshop.com</a>
Problem: “I have big boobs”.
Wear: Opt for a party dress that has a good, definitive neck-line and cropped sleeves to balance out your upper body. DO go for fitted skin-tight styles to show off your waist in contrast to your breasts.
Try: The Spirit Catcher Dress, £200 at <a href=http://www.frenchconnection.co.uk target=_new>www.frenchconnection.co.uk</a>
Problem: “I have a flat chest”.
Wear: It's all about your underwear, so invest in a structured, padded bra that gives you a subtle boost OR invest in a corseted dress that generate womanly curves. This All Saints dress is ideal as the neckline creates the illusion of a cleavage.
Try: Deadwood Altair Dress, £95 at <a href=http://www.allsaints.co.uk target=_new>www.allsaints.co.uk</a>
Problem: “I've got a flat bottom”.
Wear: Boost your booty with a voluminous hemline, Tu-Tu skirt or a puff-ball style dress. This one from Warehouse has an in-built wire so it keeps it's shape.
Try: Jacquard Animal Print Dress, £75 at <a href=http://www.warehouse.co.uk target=_new>www.warehouse.co.uk</a>
Problem: “I feel frumpy”.
Wear: Clever pannelling is key to looking trim because it removes the focus from the outline of your body and cuts a slimmer silhouette. Just make sure the embellishments highlights your best areas.
Try: Sequin and Studded Panel Dress, £65 at <a href=http://www.newlook.co.uk target=_new>www.newlook.co.uk</a>
Problem: “I think my arms look flabby”.
Wear: It's a style myth that sheer baggy blouses solve this problem. Instead, opt for fitted sleeves that feature a slimming stripe to elongate your arms.
Try: Patterned Dress, £320 by Jaeger London at <a href=http://www.my-wardrobe.com target=_new>www.my-wardrobe.com</a>
Problem: “I hate my thighs”.
Wear: Maxi dresses needn't look too dressy, make like Nicole Richie and team with flat pumps and ample bohemian jewellery for a flattering look that skims over your thighs.
Try: Beaded Maxi Dress, £55 at <a href=http://www.wallis.co.uk target=_new>www.wallis.co.uk</a>
Problem: “I'm really tall but want to look cute”.
Wear: If you're super tall then high waist bands will balance out your look. Invest in a cute two-tone prom dress and avoid block colour dresses.
Try: Metallic & Black Prom Dress, £505 by Camilla & Marc at <a href=http://www.net-a-porter.com target=_new>www.net-a-porter.com</a>
Problem: “I'm really short and want to get noticed”.
Wear: Mini dresses, high hemlines and tight dresses are ideal. Avoid horizontal stripes and floaty styles that'll make you look short, think long lean shapes.
Try: Sweetheart Dress, £235 by Single at <a href=http://www.net-a-porter.com target=_new>www.net-a-porter.com</a>
Problem: “I'm pear-shaped”.
Wear: The pear figure is the most common body shape in the UK and is best balanced out with slash necklines and dresses that go in at the waist. Trapeze shaped skirts and waist belts are also worthwhile investments.
Try: Lace Back Dress, £45 at <a href=http://www.missselfridge.co.uk target=_new>www.missselfridge.co.uk</a>
Problem: “I'm apple-shaped”.
Wear: Asymmetric dresses cut across top-heavy torsos and allow for fun experimentation with bold colours. Alternatively, go for box-shaped necklines and avoid turtle necks or else you'll look as though you're being strangled by fabric.
Try: , £45 at <a href=http://www.missselfridge.co.uk target=_new>www.missselfridge.co.uk</a>
Problem: “I have a Christmas pot-belly”.
Wear: A slouchy patterned dress and team with a smile - no-one will notice your little bump of indulgence!
Try: Houndstooth Dress, £16 by Florence+Fred at Tesco stores nationwide.
Problem: “I've got a short neck”.
Wear: Plunging necklines and V-neck dresses will draw attention to your decolletage which help elongate this area. Long pendants or long cocktail earrings also do the trick.
Try: V-Neck Body-Con Dress, £55 at <a href=http://www.topshop.com target=_new>www.topshop.com</a>
Problem: “I'm long in the body and my legs look short”.
Wear: If you're lucky enough to have a long torso then you can pull off high-waisted dresses with ease. The trick to making your legs appear longer is simple - keep your hemlines above your knee, avoid shoe-boots that cut up the illusion of length and if in doubt wear high denier black tights for a slimming affect.
Try: Metallic Bow Prom Dress, £35 at <a href=http://www.awear.com target=_new>www.awear.com</a>
Problem: “I don't like my skinny legs”.
Wear: If you want a more conservative look, or if you feel like your legs look gangly in mini dresses, invest in a cute three-quarter length LBD and team with chunky platforms.
Try: Embellished Beaded Dress, £60 at <a href=http://www.warehouse.co.uk target=_new>www.warehouse.co.uk</a>
