Dress Styles and Dress Shapes Explained

Choosing a dress is as much a personality statement as anything else.  If you're the bold, extroverted type then you will go for something short and revealing.  Where as, if your more shy and introverted then you'll opt for something that covers you up a bit more and doesn't shout "look at me!"

If you're a larger woman then some of the styles won't suit you, such as this seasons hot dress style then body con dress.  Where as if you are smaller then some dress styles will swamp you and make you look like "you shrunk in the wash". 

If you like your legs and you like having them on show then this seasons other hot look is the mini-dress and this style was seen on all the catwalks this spring.  If you don't like your legs and definitely don't want them on display then you can still choose a dress but layer it over some thick tights, leggings or even some jeans.

Everybody's favourite dress style is the LBD (the little black dress).  Made famous by Coco Channel in the 1920s, the LBD has stood the test of time and is available in a myriad of shapes, cuts and styles.  Referred to as the "wardrobes most essential item that no woman should ever be without", that owning at least one LBD is an unwritten fashion rule!

Whether you go for sophistication and simple figure hugging lines or the elegance of ruffles, diamantes and/or tiers, you will get noticed because men love them because of how they flatter the female figure with their revealing designs.  The LBD is probably the only dress style designed for all body shapes as black always has a slimming effect.  If you have great legs then keep the dress length short otherwise combine with some tights for that leg slimming effect.

Prom dresses are similar to cocktail dresses and symbolise a girl becoming a woman on her prom night.  Prom dresses are designed to make a statement and as such are made from metallic materials with pleats, ruffles and plenty of layering.  Just team with some matching heels and clutch and your ready to complete your journey from girl to woman.

Halterneck dresses are the perfect dress for larger breasted women as the single strap around the neck provides both support and dignity but the do expose the shoulders.

Bandeau dresses are currently on-trend and work better with more petite women and those with smaller breasts.

Tunic dresses work on most body styles and are quite versatile as they can be layered over jeans during the day or with just heels for the night.

Asymmetric dresses work well with most body shapes and due to their design reveal only one shoulder.  These are currently on-trend too.

Mini dresses are just normal dresses but with the hem length as short as possible - think mini skirt and top rolled into one.  Very much "the dress" of this summer but only one for those with great legs.

Shift dresses feature the classical smock design and are loose fitting making not the best style for dainty women and suitable for the larger woman.  Again this dress style works well when layered over some leggings.

Body con dresses are the ultimate figure hugging dresses and are really only suitable for women with "no lumps and bumps" as these will definitely be visible in the dress.  If your the perfect 10 or 12 then this is the style best suited to you.

Jumper dresses are simply jumpers that have been lengthened and shaped to fit around your hips.  Another style not really aimed at the smaller woman and is best on larger bodies.  Keep the look up to date with some contrasting opaque tights or wet look leggings.