Dresses for every body shape

A dress for everyone

With dresses proving a firm fashion favourite this season, Rebecca Elderfield, creative director at Littlewoods Direct, tells us how to choose the perfect style for your shape

Figure flattering dresses: hour glass shape

Flatter a curvy figure with a slinky yet forgiving bandage dress that skims over any imperfections. Purple is the colour of the season and suits most skin tones and hair colours. Team our dress with an embellished bag and statement jewellery for an effortlessly chic look.

Lurex bandage dress (sizes 8-16), £70, Oasis. Cotton shrug (sizes 8-16), £75, Toast  

Hour glass accessories

Embellished clutch, £20, Matthew Williamson at Debenhams. Earrings, £8, Dorothy Perkins. Leather heels, £88, Steve Madden at Freemans

Figure flattering dresses: petite frame

Small women can carry off full-on sequins - choose a tunic cut just above your knee to avoid looking swamped. Wear on its own for evening glamour or over slim-fit trousers for a low-key daytime look. Metallic heels will add a splash of colour and height.

Sequined tunic dress (sizes 8-20), £69, Littlewoods Direct.

Sequined shrug (sizes 8-18), £99, Phase Eight.

Petite accessorises

Jewelled ring, £2; metallic shoes, £8, both Primark. Suede clutch with tassel, £25, Next 

Figure flattering dresses: bigger bust

The ruched bust detail on this elegant dress is especially flattering if you have a fuller bust, as it will support and create a great shape. Adding a long pendant necklace will elongate your body, making you appear taller. Wear with classic cream wedges for a stylish look.

Silk floral print dress (sizes 8-16),

£80, Kew.

Bigger bust accessories

Chain necklace with gem, £12, Freedom at Topshop. Faux leather bag with zip detail, £75, Benetton. Raffia and canvas wedges, £65, Mango

Figure flattering dresses: full figures

Feel feminine and cut a dash in a long, loose-fitting maxi-dress that will camouflage your curves without adding bulk. Fuller figures can be dramatic, sogo for bold and choose a colourful print. Slip on a neutral-coloured shrug to disguise upper arms.

Satin floral maxi-dress (sizes 8-20), £20, Matalan.

Cotton short-sleeved shrug (sizes 8-16), £55, Coast.

Fuller figure accessories

Satin clutch, £30, Lipsy. Charm bracelet, £35, Dune. Suede peep-toe wedges, £60, Faith

Figure flattering dresses: pear shape

Look out for a one-shoulder dress that will produce a flattering silhouette. Here, the focus goes straight to your neckline, accentuating a smaller top half, while the belt defines your waist and the draping fabric skims your tummy and hips. A bag in a contrasting colour adds glamour.

Chiffon one-shoulder print dress (sizes 8-20),

£20, Tesco.

Pear shape accessories

Gold necklace with oversized gem, £18, Evans. Silk roses clutch bag, £79, Boden. Suedette high-heeled strappy sandals, £30, Brantano

Style advice whatever your shape

A-Line dresses are ideal for pear-shapes. This style is narrower at the top and flares gently into a wider skirt, creating a beautifully feminine outline that detracts attention from your bottom half.

Gathered and flared sleeves are great for covering less than perfectly toned arms. Go for fabrics that drape over your shoulders and arms without clinging. 

Create curves with a nipped in waist. Use a wide belt to accentuate a shapely silhouette. If you have a small bust, a dress with a deep V-neckline will boost your bust.  

Tailor your look

The one-shoulder dress is an ongoing trend and a brilliant way to bring attention to your neckline. Opt for a fluid material that skims over your tum to ensure the focus remains on top.

Women with round tummies should choose dresses in slightly heavier fabrics - but avoid jersey and satin, as they highlight lumps and bumps. A structured or tailored style will create an elegant shape and skim your figure.

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