Women's Dresses - Clothes & Accessories

Stylist advice: How to choose a dress for your body shape

Women's dresses online: how to select one that suits your shape

Whether you are shopping for women's designer dresses online - or prefer seeking out that fabulous high street buy - if you know which style suits your shape, then you are halfway there already! Read our handy tips below to see how to select the best one for you:

Pear-shaped: Direct attention away from lower half of body and towards your upper body by wearing a dress with an interesting neckline. Plunging V-necks, halternecks and one-shoulder styles are perfect for this. A fashionable bold-shoulder dress (all the rage this season) will balance out your silhouette, while an A-line dress or one which flares out from the waist and skims over your hips and bottom will make your curves seem sleeker.

Hourglass: If you have curves, then show them off! Form-fitting styles and A-line silhouettes will accentuate your assets, but beware of going too short or too tight. Look for designs with nipped-waists and flattering necklines which will emphasise your bust.

Inverted-triangle: It might be tempting to cover your shoulders, but sometimes this can only serve to draw attention to them and make them seem larger. Halterneck, strapless and sleeveless styles can work really well, and an A-line, full circle or peplum skirt can help to create the illusion of a shapelier bottom half, thus balancing out your silhouette.

Tall & slim: Create curves with ruffles, volume at neckline and hip (peplum styles) and nipped-in waists. Showcase your best asset (legs of course!) with a high neckline and short hemline. An empire line or ruched bust will give the illusion of a bigger bust.

Petite: An empire waist dress with a short hemline will give the illusion of longer legs, while a simple, knee-length column dress will elongate the overall silhouette. Ruffles around the neckline or a peplum skirt will add curves.