Photo: Instagram/ songofstyle
Are you planning on getting an arsenal of holiday outfits to ring in the party season? We approve! But before you go splashing out and grabbing everything that catches your fancy, did you know that choosing the right dress involves more than just the length and colour? To look fabulous, you should get pieces that will highlight your best features and balance your body’s proportion, while drawing attention away from problematic areas.
No idea how to do that? No worries, we have all the answers below. Be prepared to look #lit at your parties, and of course, Insta-worthy too.
Inverted Triangle
https://www.herworld.com/style/fashion/trends-and-tips/shop-body-type-christmas-festive-party-dress/
Inverted Triangle
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This dress covers you in just the right places but does not make you look frumpy, thanks to the soft fabric and feminine ruffles. Pair this with black booties and you’d be perfect for a club night!
Asymmetric striped metallic silk-blend dress by Petar Petrov, £1,360 ($2,435), via Net-a-Porter
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We love the bold abstract prints that softens this sophisticated number. And girly balloon sleeves? Sold!
Abstract print long-sleeve silk-satin dress by Roksanda, US$1,974 ($2,708), via Matchesfashion
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This dress has a pretty busy print, so keep the rest of your look minimal. Wear it with pair of plain, black heeled booties to let it stand out.
Printed organic silk long-sleeved dress by H&M Conscious Exclusive, $299
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A bold print like this will make you an instant party hit! Just pair this with knee-high boots and throw on some chunky cuffs and statement earrings to round up the look.
Python printed dress by Zara, $69.90
What it is: Broader shoulders than hips and waist.
Avoid: Off-the-shoulder, exposed shoulder or puffed shoulder dresses as these will draw attention towards your upper body, making it more prominent.
Go for: Sleeved dresses that cover up your shoulders. Balance the proportion out with A-line dresses or empire-waist dresses that have more texture below the waistline. This will create volume at your lower body region, which in turn makes your shoulders appear smaller.
Rectangle
https://www.herworld.com/style/fashion/trends-and-tips/shop-body-type-christmas-festive-party-dress/
Rectangle
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This cute number sports ruffles and floral embroideries that add texture and form to the lower half of your dress. It gives the illusion of a fuller bottom (and hence, a curvier figure). Buy!
3D floral embroidered A-line dress by Marchesa Notte, $1,375, via Farfetch
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This dress is a perfect example of what suits you. With a detachable waist-tie, it emphasizes your waist and flaunts your figure. Doesn’t hurt that it comes with dazzling rows of beads that will automatically draw eyeballs.
Off-the-shoulder embellished chiffon midi dress with tie-waist detail by Temperley London, £895 ($1,606), via Net-a-Porter
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An elegant and understated dress will always get a thumbs up from us. But make sure you get one that covers your shoulders and is fashioned in an A-line shape to accentuate your figure. Bonus? A sexy dip at the neckline for that added allure.
V-neck A-line metallic thread dress by Zara, $89.90
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This cheery piece is so bright and bold, it’ll make you stand out in the party crowd. Play it up by wearing this with a pair of hot pink stilettos.
Multi-coloured printed pleated maxi dress with cinched waist detail by Topshop, $149
What it is: Shoulders, waist and hips are around the same size.
Avoid: Boxy dresses that fall straight down from shoulder to hem — they will highlight your oblong figure and render your waistline non-existent.
Go for: A-line dresses that are fuller at the bottom, or those with a waist-tie or cinched waist. These will create the illusion of curves.
Pear
https://www.herworld.com/style/fashion/trends-and-tips/shop-body-type-christmas-festive-party-dress/
Pear
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Don’t be afraid to go bold with the sequins. But make sure it’s not just limited to the lower part of your dress, which will only draw unwanted attention to your hips. Get a dress with ruffled shoulder details to balance out your figure.
Sequin off-shoulder midi dress with ruffled shoulder details by Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, $2,420, via Farfetch
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A dress with shoulder details is your best friend. This puffed sleeve number comes in an interesting poster print, which will look great when worn with a pair of black brogues.
Poster-printed cotton dress with puffed sleeve details by Marques’Almeida, US$572 ($787), via Matchesfashion
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This girlish piece sports feminine ruffles around the shoulder region and unique mismatched sleeves, which highlights your upper body. Psst, it has a sexy scoop back, in case you’re worried about coming across as too demure. Perfect!
Jacquard satin-blend midi dress by Topshop, $126
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A pussybow dress works great as the detail adds extra volume to the upper portion of your body. Keep this look fresh by dressing this number up with a pair of flat, knee-high boots.
Checkered straight dress with textured shoulder and pussybow by H&M Studio, $179
What it is: Shoulders and waist are narrower than hips.
Avoid: A-line or empire-waist dresses — these will simply add more weight to your lower body.
Go for: Dresses that add fuller details to your upper body, like those with puffed shoulder or textured short sleeves. They will allow your overall figure to appear more proportionate.
Apple
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https://www.herworld.com/style/fashion/trends-and-tips/shop-body-type-christmas-festive-party-dress/
Apple
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Kaftans are not just reserved for the beach. They’re definitely party-ready, especially when they’re made out of plush satin like this piece.
Floral-appliqué silk-satin maxi kaftan by Esme Vie, US$3,560 ($4,897), via Moda Operandi
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The lovely scooped neck of this Mango dress allows you to flaunt your collarbone. Make the most of it by wearing some delicate necklaces.
V-neck cotton flared dress by Mango, $129
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Soft and flowy, this straight maxi dress is as comfortable as it is fashionable. A tip: Remove the waist tie detail — you don’t want to cast attention on your waist.
Striped satin-blend straight maxi dress by Mango, $129
What it is: Shoulders and hips are narrower than waist.
Avoid: Dresses that have a cinched waist as they will accentuate the curves you wish to hide.
Go for: Flowy maxi dresses, preferably with V-necklines. These will show off your décolletage and at the same time help to divert attention away from your waist.
Hourglass
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https://www.herworld.com/style/fashion/trends-and-tips/shop-body-type-christmas-festive-party-dress/
Hourglass
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This bright red mini dress screams sass. It’s so eye-catching you don’t have to do much with it. Just let this number speak for itself by pairing it with a pair of black strappy stilettos.
Asymmetric polka dotted silk-twill mini dress by Alexandre Vauthier, $4,210, via Farfetch
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Since you have the perfect figure, go forth and flaunt it! Try this leopard print maxi slip dress that emphasizes all the right places. Dress it up with a sequin bolero jacket for that extra glam factor.
Leopard printed silk-satin maxi slip dress by Nili Lotan, £755 ($1,353), via Net-a-Porter
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Keep yourself cool and comfortable with this floral printed slip dress if you’re having a BBQ party with your family and friends. We love the gorgeous slit that shows off your legs.
Floral printed satin maxi slip dress by Mango, $129
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This polka-dotted satin number is an interesting mix of girlish and sexy. With a low V-neck detail, dress it up with a statement necklace.
Polka-dotted satin bodycon dress with ruffles by Topshop, $116
What it is: Shoulders and hips are well balanced, waist is of a relatively small shape.
Avoid: Boxy dresses as you’ll be hiding what your mama has blessed you with!
Go for: Body-con dresses or maxi slip-dresses are all perfect, but do remember the adage “less (skin) is more”. If you’re going to show off your legs, don’t go overboard with your neckline, and vice versa.
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