Dress Based on Body Shape

With the wedding season upon us, many of us may have to go dress shopping in the coming weeks. This time, however, I'm not talking about fashionable day dresses, maxi dresses or trendy satin frocks, but

rather about buying a more "classical" dress for a rather more formal wedding. Of course, nothing prevents you from wearing whatever clothes you feel most comfortable in, however, there are circumstances in which we can't exactly dress as if we were going to party all night in a fashionable uptown club and need a more discreet but equally flattering and stylish dress to make us look fabulous.

So, why not go for a classic little black dress? Or any other "real" dress for that matter, one that we can dress up or down by playing with various accessories, and which is not made from stretchy fabrics such as Lycra or spandex. Go for a medium-weight structured dress made from wool, cashmere, silk or even linen, and you'll be surprised at how well it will withstand the test of time, being the perfect canvas on which to build a glamorous "wedding guest" look. And finally, don't chose a dress that's too long or a mini dress, as they go in and out of fashion all the time, while a dress with a hemline that hovers just above or below the knee is timelessly elegant.

It's essential to select your classic party dress based on your body shape. Focus on the proportion between hips, waist and shoulders. If your shoulders are wider than your hips (this look can be associated with a more ample bust as well), chose a dress with a draped top and a pencil skirt-type lower half, that will compensate for your heavier upper half and enhance your hips and legs. Avoid plunging necklines, as they will place too much emphasis on your already heavier torso. If your body has a rectangular shape and there is small difference between your waist and your hips, you need a dress which creates the illusion of a more feminine silhouette. Chose an empire dress with a scoop or V-neckline that emphasizes the lower part of your ribcage and "raises" your waist.

If your hips are wider than your shoulders and you have a slim torso, the most flattering dress will be one which enhances the bust line. Go for a dress with a fitted top and a straight or even slightly cloche bottom half which skims your hips and thus minimizes and straightens out the natural roundness in a pear-shaped body. Finally, if your body is hourglass-shaped and you have a well defined waist with proportional upper and lower halves, a V neck cut suits you best. Choose a dress with a fitted top, a high waist and which flares gently wider toward the bottom, skimming your hips. Take time selecting the appropriate dress and don't be afraid to pay a little bit more for a good-quality model, since a classic-cut dress will hold for years, as long as you accessorize it smartly. Have fun! Next>>