A dress with a bodice seam above the natural waistline.
The dress may be straight or A-line - see your basic skirt shape and skirt style recommendations to be sure.
When not overly fitted through the mid torso it is a good style for hiding the early stages of pregnancy or midriff rolls.
Select only styles that hang straight or in an A-line shape.
If you do not have sewing skills or do not use a dressmaker, you may find your best results will come from combining a skirt and a blouse to give the illusion of a dress, especially if your bust and hips are two or more than 2 sizes different in size.
Your best dresses will be in medium-weight knits and medium to soft fluid fabrics.
Look for styles with vertical detailing.
A dress with a medium sized all-over pattern will keep the focus from resting on any one part of your body.
You can use dresses to great advantage as they will almost always make you appear taller and thinner.
Look for non-fussy styles that have vertical design lines and patterns, neck or shoulder interest and in fabrics that are medium in weight, or lined, or drape without clinging.
Correct choice in lingerie will also improve your figure.
Dresses with diagonal detailing e.g., crossover neckline, will emphasize your shoulders and de-emphasize your middle.
Only a century ago, women wore dresses every day; wearing pants was unthinkable. Wartime necessities, advances in feminine opportunities and the advent of a more active and casual lifestyle have made dresses less desirable and practical than pants and skirts. However, the dress represents the epitome of womanhood.
When it comes to fun or romance, nothing beats a dress. So take your time and choose your dresses carefully. If a dress does not make you look and feel wonderful, pass it by until you find the one that does. When looking for that special dress, think of proportion, colour, surface, length and beautiful fabrics.
The best dresses for business have a top half that resembles a shirt or jacket, e.g., shirtmaker, coat dress, and sleeves covering the upper arm. Alternatively, you can add a jacket.
Correct fit and ease are essential for looking and feeling your best. Straight dresses should always be worn with enough ease so that you can sit and bend comfortably. If too tight, they will split as the seams and display every bump and bulge. As one-piece garments, dresses are often not as easy to fit as separates. If you find that you have to constantly alter the fit and style of dresses in ready-to-wear, choose larger garments and have the dress altered to fit. Wrap, Princess line, and Coat dresses are the most flattering and easy to fit of all the dress styles. Alternatively, look for a matching skirt and top to create the look of a dress. A two-piece combination is especially flattering if you have a tummy, as the top piece, when worn out, will cover any tummy bulge.
Be aware that different labels and designers design for different body shapes. Therefore, the only way to find the designers and labels that will suit you is to try on as many as you can. Alternatively, you could search for a great dressmaker.
All the styles recommended for you in this portfolio will suit you; however, a perfect fit is crucial in their success. A good style in a poor fit will never be flattering.
Apart from the little black dress, most dresses will be most complimentary to you when they are in your best non-neutral colours. This is because neutral-coloured garments always need the addition of colour or accessories to bring them and you to life.
The best dresses for business have a top half that resembles a shirt or jacket, e.g., shirtmaker, coat dress and have sleeves that cover the upper arm as a minimum. Alternatively, you add a jacket.