KM Image Consulting Blog

Hard to believe, but yes, the holidays are just around the corner. I’m already in party dress shopping mode and I’ve been trawling the shops finding hidden gems for many women. Choosing a slimming, stylish party dress that highlights all of your assets can be a daunting task. It is important you choose the right cocktail dress for your body type. In order to avoid the last minute panic pick, follow a few of my guidelines to help you be the best dressed party girl this holiday season! 

 

Curvy hips (pear-shaped)
- If you are heavier in the hips but have a slimmer upper body, choose a style that will highlight you slim waist, show off your bust line but drape generously around the hips. You want to opt for an A-line skirt style, nothing that clings to your hips and definitely no puffy skirt styles! Look for a piece that highlights your neckline and decollete.

Hourglass -Even though many women envy the uber curvaceous feminine hourglass body type, it can be challenging to find slimming cocktail dresses that balance out all the curves. The main focus should be fit, make sure you are not choosing a dress that is too tight. On the contrary, hourglass women need to choose styles and cuts that skim the body without clinging. Generally speaking, the more flowing, drapey fabrics are more flattering on a voluptuous frame. Opt for a style that skims the bust and waistline, but flows more generously to the knee. Knee-length dresses are most slimming for a curvaceous figure.

Full bust -If you have a full bust, the key is to choose a cocktail dress that has a supportive top or fuller straps. Opt for an elegant cut that highlights your neck, decollete or legs for a sexy, feminine touch, but be sure to avoid strapless or spaghetti strap styles, as they will not give you the support you need. Choose a heavier fabric with a bit of stretch, it will have a wonderfully slimming effect!

Straight – For more boyish figures, though you can wear more clingy fabrics and styles, make sure you choose a cut that draws attention to one of your feminine assets. So either, an interesting cut on your bust line, a tapered waist, or a shorter, sexy hemline to show off your legs! But remember to choose one and make that the highlight.

 Camouflaging a tummy – the absolute best cut to camouflage a little extra weight around the middle is an empire-waisted style.
Choose a dress that will highlight your shoulders and bust line beautifully but that will drape generously around the middle and hips.
Longer styles with flowing fabrics are your best option.

 

 

 

Get the size correct – many women are often simply not getting the size correct. So while choosing the right style for the body type is critical, just as important is getting the right size! When in doubt, choose another style, chances are that particular style is just not fitting your body type properly. The size should not only look perfect, but it should also feel perfect.

Choose colour – don’t be afraid to choose a colour other than black this season. There are so many vibrant jewel tones gems to choose from, opt for something fresh this holiday. If jewel tones are too overpowering for your colour palette, go for a rich navy, caramel or cranberry as a fun and festive alternative to black.