Troubled about selecting a summer or cocktail dress? Can this fantasy dress suit your curves? It is always good to have a second opinion to boost your outer image. Hence we provide you with key ideas to help you select a cocktail dress that can enhance your body shape, move the attention away from your weak spots, and draw attention to your attractive spots. Knowing your body shape is fundamental, which are you? pear, hour glass, straight, round, inverted triangle shape?

1. Pear shape

Pear shape is a slender and often with extended chest, small bust, with hips and thighs proportionally larger than the torso and waist.

Dress tip:

Put on a line skirt or an empire waistline to de-emphasize the lower half of your body. Add padded shoulders to balance the top and bottom. Select a two-toned dress with the lighter or brighter colour above the waist and the darker tone below the waist.

2. Hour Glass shape

Features include a small bone structure and waistline with bust and hips proportionally larger than the waist.

Dress tip:

De-emphasize your figure, shed off the curves with a looser, smoother fit. One single basic colour works best by providing a sense of connection from head to toe (for example a red dress). Draw attention away from your bust and hips by accessorizing with jewellery on the neckline. You can also wear flashier earrings, to draw attention to the face and away from the body. Wear long sleeves to cover the largest part of the arm. If your lower arms are well-formed, you can wear 3/4 (three quarter) sleeves.

3. Straight shape

Features include a straight boy-shaped figure, with few visible curves from the shoulders through the hips.

Dressing tips:

Wrap tops help to enhance the waist, which might get lost in a dress. Consider wearing a coordinated skirt and top instead of a cocktail dress. You might also consider wearing a cocktail suit with a peplum jacket. If you want to wear a dress, include a jewelled or sequined belt, or tie a festive ribbon to cinch the waist, and avoid tube dresses.

4. Round shape

Features include a larger-than-average appearance, but the lower legs might be slim.

Dressing tips:

Do not wear shapeless, loose, ill-fitting clothes. Pick soft materials that cover rather than materials that fit tightly or hang. Emphasize the bust with a v-neck or draw attention to the face and neckline with jewellery. If your lower legs are attractive, wear interesting shoes.

Those who have larger bust line should steer clear of high necklines and cover the cleavage to de-emphasize a large bust. A modest neckline is the most flattering for the large-busted woman.

Try a strapless dress. This style also focuses attention on your shoulders and face and away from your bust. Accessorize with earrings rather than necklaces.

5. Inverted Triangle

Features include broad shoulders with a narrow waistline and hips.

Dressing tips:

Wear a dress with a flair skirt. Try an uneven hemline. If you wear a cocktail pants suit, your body type can wear wide legs or pants that flare at the bottom. You can also draw attention away from your top by wearing interesting shoes.

Tricks for Everyone

• Dark colours are slimming, no matter what your body shape.
• Use jewellery and interesting necklines to emphasize the upper body and draw attention away from the lower body.
• Choose a good material. The most popular choices are silk, satin & chiffon.
• For a sexy look, choose a dress that has a tight fit at the bust or bodice. To hide wide hips go for a dress that is strapless, a fitted waist and knee length skirt.
• It is also important to consider different fashion trends that are the toast of the season while choosing a cocktail party dress. The following are some trendy cocktail party dresses that you can choose from for your next outing:

1.    One Shoulder Dress
A perfect dress for someone who has toned arms and collar bones, preferable in summer.

2.    Wrap Dress
A perfect dress for everyone, opt for pearl, black, gray, pastel shades and bright colours. Beautify with high heels and chandelier earrings.

3.    Sheath Dress
This is a dress that shows every curve in the body and it is a strict choice for those women who have the perfect figure. This dress goes with high heels, if you are going to walk around, try another one.

4.    Little Black Dress (LBD)
Whatever the cut of the dress or the fabric, an LBD is here to stay and it can lift your mood and make you feel sexy and gorgeous.

Now that you've been tipped, what are you waiting for?  You better start your shopping as soon as possible before the retail clearance.

Remember: When you've got the best dress, you feel more confident, comfortable, free and relaxed. Your inner beauty shines through. You don't waste time wondering how you look, instead you enjoy the occasion and make more friends.

Links:

• Essortment
• Millionlooks
• Targetwoman
• Ehow
• Ezinearticles
• Buzzle
• iloveindia

 Updated: 20 December 2011

by Zanele Matshotyana