“What is important in a dress is the woman wearing it.” Yves Saint Laurent

Let’s talk about dresses for a minute. Dresses can be so simple. Just throw them on and go. No other single item of clothing allows you to look so chic and put-together so easily. Yet when it comes to a big event, finding the right dress is enough to strike fear in the hearts of many. You want to look your very best and to wow those you haven’t seen in years, leaving them wondering how you do it. Fear not, ladies. Here is how you can find not only the right dress for you, but one that will stop others in their tracks because you look so astonishingly gorgeous…and so very you!

Buying a dress may be one of the most challenging of experiences, right next to buying a swimsuit. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be so complicated. Here are some tips to help you decode the right dress for you:

1/ Buy for your Body Type

When buying a dress, knowing your body type is key. Here are a few pointers:

▶If you’re an hourglass or pear shape, opt for a fit-and-flare style. This is fitted through the bodice, has a defined waistline, and has an a-line skirt that gently skims hips and thighs.

▶If you’re upper body dominant, opt for a fitted dress with waistline definition and a short, straight skirt. A sleeveless or halter-style will minimize upper body while focusing attention on your fab legs.

▶If you’re an apple shape, choose a fitted bodice. A bit of a sleeve such as a cap will offer more coverage around the underarm area, where a bustline can often pull fabric and expose your bra. Look for a great fit through the middle without a defined waist. Ruching, strategic wrapping or other treatment can be great for camouflaging a tummy.

▶If you’re a different size on top than you are on bottom, buying a dress can be tricky. My best suggestion is buy it to fit the largest part of your body, then have the rest altered.

▶Wear appropriate lingerie for your dress. Skip the thong and opt for boy shorts, high-cut briefs or Power Panties to create a smooth, sleek line around tummy, hips and bottom.

Too often women who have an Apple body shape are trying to squeeze themselves into a dress that’s cut for a Pear and it just doesn’t work. Stick with what’s right for you and you’ll look fabulous!

2/ Skip the Black and go Blue…

Or green, or gold…When choosing a color for your dress, don’t just default to the most basic (and over worn) of colors. Choose a color that will best flatter you. Will gold bring out your highlights? Will aqua brighten your eyes? Find a shade that plays you up to the hilt and flaunt it!

3/ It’s All in the Details

Are you a fussy gal? Then you can rock a fussy dress. But if you tend to keep it nice and easy, wearing something too fussy is going to feel uncomfortable. If you’re all about some ruffles, go for it. But if you prefer jeans and a simple tee, opt for clean, straight lines to keep from feeling as if the dress is wearing you. Be sure to choose a dress that feels like you and you’re ensured to.

4/ Make it Your Own

A dress is often a statement, yet what you add to it creates your own personal look. Instead of wearing the expected black pumps and pearls, why not choose strappy metallic sandals and a statement necklace? Wearing accessories that speak to your personality will keep you feeling more like yourself.

5/ The Whole Shebang

When you wear a dress, you don’t just change your clothing. You change the way you present yourself – or at least you should. This means you need special lingerie (shapewear, etc), the right shoes, jewelry, makeup and hair.

Wearing a dress isn’t just putting on another piece of clothing. It’s about an attitude, and creating an entire look that encompasses everything from your hair, makeup, jewelry, handbag, nails, shoes and legwear (should you or shouldn’t you?). When you wear a dress, you embrace your femininity, step into your power and show off your most beautiful self! Because, girl, you’ve still got it!