The short sequined dress is a strong new party look. “New” is relative because I remember a similar disco look in the 70’s and the use of all-over stretch sequin fabrication in the ‘80’s. It was then that I owned a garish shocking pink stretch sequin boob-tube (or tube top as they are called in America) and skin tight stretch sequin miniskirts and dresses were all the rage. Bring back any memories of your own?

Thankfully, 70’s and 80’s fashion that repeats itself is normally better the second time around, and this season is no different. Sequined frocks are now A-line and roomy, but still as sparkly as ever. Styles are either sequined from side seam to side seam, or partially sequin-embellished. I personally prefer the latter because a spot of sparkle goes a long way. Sequins from head to knee remind me of fish scales and can look a little cheap if the quality is not up to scratch. On the other hand, I have seen expensive, fully sequin-embellished dresses look magnificent. The sequins are normally a little smaller, a little closer together and not quite as plastic looking.

The right sequin dress paired with the correct accessories can look fab. Wear one of these to any bash and you’re sure to be noticed.

Short fully sequined dresses can be matched with opaque tights, sheer hose or no hose at all. You’ll find that most of the necklines of these dresses are quite high in order to compensate for their shorter length.

Short dresses with partial sequin-embellishment. Jewelry and handbags worn with sequined dresses should be kept plain because a shiny frock is a huge statement all on its own.

Semi-opaque tights are easy to find and most brands will do the trick. A fab pair of plain black opaque tights, on the other hand, are a little harder to find. Few brands seem to have the thickness and the perfectly matte look that I’m after. After much trial and error, I’ve narrowed it down to two options:

• Nordstrom Opaque Control Tops ($10)
• Spanx Tight-end Tights ($24)

I used to enjoy DKNY opaque tights, but this season they seem thinner than before. If you’re leg shy about wearing an above the knee skirt or dress, you’ll want opaque’s that are as substantial as a pair of skinny pants. And you’ll get even better coverage if you go up a size and wear a second pair.

Thick dark black opaque tights happen to be the trendy choice to pair with the new party dresses this season. It’s a theatrical look that’s not for everyone, but I fancy the idea of covering up and staying warm in a short party dress when it’s freezing outside.

Thick, silky, matte opaque’s paired perfectly with party dresses.

The holidays are upon us and this calls for partywear. As much as I’d like to see a greater assortment of swanky skirts and tops in stores (because separates are often better for some body types), the party look this season is once again frock focused. Stores are full of party dress options that are a little more daring and interesting than the average little black dress.

If you’re looking for a new party look that’s “of this fashion moment”, you might be inspired by a few of the shorter dress styles that are in vogue:

• Belted bubbles are a nice mixture of volume and tailoring. It’s certainly a new spin on the shirt dress and a lot more flattering than you’d expect.
• Shift Dresses are loose tunics with just enough shape and drape. This style gets my vote for most fabulous party dress this year. Wear it in a pukka ‘60’s psychedelic pattern and the drama doubles.
• Sequined Sheaths are disco chic and fun. There’s nothing like a bit of sparkle to bring in the New Year.
• Trapeze dresses with or without sleeves are voluminous and shapeless around the tummy area and therefore extra comfy for eating and dancing. I like that the roomy style of this dress leaves a little to the imagination.

I’ve been getting a bit bored with the sleeveless and strapless dress trend recently, so it’s refreshing to see dresses with sleeve detail. It’s especially practical for Winter occasions. While I continue to be a fan of forever fashionable holiday party choices like LBD’s, vintage inspired ensembles and fancy tuxedos, it’s exciting to try a new look and take a risk once in a while.

Belted bubble dress

Shift dress

Shift dress

Sequined sheath

Sleeveless trapeze dress

Trapeze dress

These styles reigned supreme in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s and their retro glory is worth celebrating.

Dresses don’t need to be “dressy”. While frocks are my first choice for formal occasions, there are plenty of casual, comfortable and practical dresses that can be worn to work and play every day.

Day dresses are best…

• in durable, casual fabrications like thick cottons, jersey knits and viscose blends
• in A-line silhouettes because they allow you to stride feely. Straighter styles restrict your movement. 
• when they cover up enough of your upper body that you don’t feel exposed.

The best thing about a dress is that you can slip it on with a pair of shoes and possibly one accessory and you’re done. You don’t need to worry about layering, mixing-and-matching or pulling clothing straight. If you can get your head around the fact that dresses needn’t be saved for special occasions, you’ll enjoy them as another practical daily ensemble (especially when it’s hot). Pretty pear body types look particularly good in A-line frocks and should make the most of our dress season this Summer.

An assortment of A-line day dresses in jersey and cotton from Macy’s and Dillard’s.

The “it” item this season, celebrities can’t stop wearing them and dress departments are full of them. The sack (or shift) dress is a ‘60’s inspired boxy mini that’s looks… well… like a sack. It’s muu-muu quality makes it comfortable, but at the same time enormously shapeless and difficult to pull off with style.

Sack dresses in soft draping fabrics like sateen, chiffon and thick jersey are a little more flattering, but still not ideal. Matching them with leggings, skinnies and straight leg pants gets a look going, but does little for your silhouette.

The only way I’ve felt fab wearing a sack dress is by belting it at the waist over a pair of slim fitting pants. And a wider belt works better than a narrow one. This combination gives you the volume and the shape. Try reining in that sack dress (without the pants if you have great legs). You might prefer this high fashion look if you do.

Left: Satin shift dress is easier to pull off because of the draping fabric.
Right: Sack dress paired with a wide belt for extra  shape.

As an inverted triangle, you are a rare breed (less then 1% of the female population). Your broad, square shoulders, narrow hips, straight waist and slim limbs give you plenty of options when it comes to dresses, but you’ll still need to think about how they affect your body. You’ll want to wear dress silhouettes that soften the line of your shoulders and create curvature from the hips down.

Some guidelines on how to find that perfect dress:

• Choose dresses with straps that hit close to your neck. This will narrow your shoulder line.
• Keep your necklines scooped, sweetheart or V-shaped. This will lengthen your neck and balance out the broadness on top. V-neck halter dresses are the perfect solution.
• Wear full circle skirts that flare out and retain their shape.
• Avoid dresses with cap sleeves and tapered skirts as they will accentuate your broad top and narrow bottom.
• Dresses that are dark on top and light on the bottom will help create a visual balance.
• Strapless and tunic styles are also good options. Tailored sleeveless sheath styles will work if the shoulder measurements are short and close to the neck (allowing you to show your shoulder bone).
• You’re the only body type that can wear dresses with broad horizontal stripes.

That wraps up my blog posts on the best dress shapes for different body types. Feel free to ask questions if you’re still unsure about which dress silhouette is best for you. No more excuses ladies, we can all look fab in the right type of dress!

Yoked tunic dress and halter styles with full skirts narrow the shoulder line (Nordstrom).

Strapless styles and horizontal stripes balance out the silhouette (Macy’s and Nordstrom).

Your shapely bust, small waist and full bottom fill out the right dress perfectly. By defining your waist and keeping your necklines low, you’ll find lots of frocks that flatter your curves.

Some guidelines to follow when shopping for that perfect dress:

• Look for styles in draped fabrics that skim over and accentuate your curves.
• Keep your waist a focal point. You’ll look “blocky” if you don’t define your mid section, so avoid “of the moment” sack dresses and straight sheath styles. 
• Choose dresses with scooped, oval, sweetheart or V-necklines that elongate your frame and flatter your bust line.
• Look for styles with vertical seam details such as princess lines and vertical insets.
• Keep the bodice simple if you’re busty (avoid ruffles and fussy details around the bust area that end up making you look top heavy).
• Knee length dresses are best and wearing heels will enhance your leg line.
• Choose bias cuts, shaped sheaths, shirtwaisters, V-neck halters, wraps and strapless styles.

Hour glass body types should always have dresses in their wardrobe because they look fabulous in frocks. Make the most of Spring’s  dress season!

Halter, fitted strappy sheath and A-line knee length dresses appropriate for hourglass body types (Dillards).

Not at all. By adding the appropriate layer on top,  you can wear those little dresses and still feel warm. Here are some useful “cover-up” options: 

• Shrugs need to be cropped and snug.
• Cardigans are best cropped at the waist. Longer styles can look frumpy.
• Bolero jackets can be fitted or trapeze (A-line) in silhouette depending on the style of the dress. A-line dress styles look best with short fitted bolero jackets; while straighter sheath dress styles can be matched with either. 
• Denim jackets are a casual and urban choice (especially when the wash is dark). Proportions are most flattering when the jacket is short and fitted.

Thanks to my trusty cardigans and denim jacket, I’m out of my jeans and into a dress. The extra layer also works wonders if you tend to feel exposed showing so much skin. A flirty femimine frock is always fab.

Shrug (Ann Taylor), cropped cardigan (Banana Republic) and cropped bolero (Nordstrom).

As an adorable apple, your average to full bust, wide waist and slim legs look best in knee length dresses with straighter lines that elongate and skim over the curves of your upper body. For the most flattering effect, choose dress silhouettes that reinforce your hourglass shape, accentuate your shapely bust and highlight your lower legs.

• Empire lines with straight seams (not gathered) that emphasize the narrowest part of your torso. This will deflect the eye upward and away from your  natural waist.
• Sheath dresses with a bit of stretch for extra comfort. Keep the neckline low ( V or scooped) to lengthen the neck and look for sleeve details for variation.
• Shirtwaister dresses with pencil skirts, front ties and front-buttoning details that give you shape and structure.
• Printed wrap dresses that define your waist while the busyness of the print camouflages the tummy area.
• Draped dresses that deemphasize the midsection through design details like knots, pleats, ruffles and ruching.

Look for:

• Asymmetrical and handkerchief hemlines that deflect the eye away from the widest part of your body.
• Vertical seam details and diagonal lines that help elongate that unbroken line.

Avoid:

• Lengths that are mid-calf or longer. You’ll expose the best part of your body with a skirt that’s at the knee.
• Thin jersey knits that cling across the tummy area.

You won’t go wrong if you keep your dresses structured, stretchy, skimming and short. Sport them during the day and at night to bring out your most feminine side for Spring.

A printed wrap, a bias cut with vertical seaming (created through the ruffle detail) and diagonal lines, an empire cut with a straight seam and a draped dress with ruched waistband and front pleat detail (Nordstrom and Macy’s).

As a racy rectangle, your strong shoulders, narrow hips and slim limbs give you lots of choice when it comes to dresses. While you know that you look superb in jeans, it’s time to break out of that comfort zone and embrace the right dresses for Spring and Summer. You’ll look good in dresses with any skirt styling detail. Be it pencil, A-line, tapered, broomstick-pleated, sarong, bias, asymmetrical, low-waisted or paneled, wear them in plain, printed, flowing or stiff fabrications without a second thought. It’s the top half of the dress that you’ll need to think about.

Rectangular body types can either be well endowed or not. If you are:

• Busty – you’ll want to create a longer looking middle by defining your waist and keeping your necklines low (which lengthens the neck). Look for dresses with V-necks, scooped necks, sweetheart necks or strapless styles.
• Boyish – you’ll want to create curves by accentuating your waist and keeping your necklines high. Look for slash necks, cru-necks, keyhole necklines and high halter tops with neck ruching. Dresses with shirt collars will also work because they won’t reveal too much of your décolleté.

Like the hour-glass, racy rectangles were made for the perfect 60’s sheath dress. You’ll just need to adapt the neckline according to your bust size. The boyish framed rectangle is about the only body type that can sport this seasons’ straight shapeless trapeze mini dress with style. Though my preference would still be to dress this body type in structured waistlines and knee length skirts.

Dresses for busty rectangles from Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Dresses for boyish rectangles from Macy’s and Nordstrom.