Find the hottest party dress for your shape

Great tips for the curvaceous gal

By Maria Barillaro

How do I wear a fancy dress without showing off too much of my arms and legs?
Dresses don't always have to show off more than you'd like to be fancy enough for a cocktail or holiday party. If you don't particularly like to show off your arms, Marion suggests opting for a dress with short or ¾ sleeves to cover up a little more. But if you happen to fall in love with the most perfect sleeveless dress, don't despair. "Sleeveless dresses can be paired with a shawl or bolero for a bit more coverage," Marion says. If you don't really want to show off your legs too much, just opt for a full-length dress. "Longer dresses create the illusion of height and can be slimming."

Which dresses work best for my apple-shaped body?
Empire dresses or A-line dresses work great on apple-shaped women. The key in dressing for any occasion is always balance. If you're fuller on top, then you'll want to balance out your lower body so you appear proportional and slimmer. Marion also suggests straight cuts for a great fit and side slits for an utterly sexy look. After all, it's a party dress.

Which dresses will suit my pear-shaped body best?
"Pear shaped women look best in styles that have an A-line shape," Marion says. The shape will balance out your body and give you the illusion of perfect proportion. "‘Accentuate your assets' is the best advice for any woman shopping for a cocktail dress," Marion says. For example, if you have a smaller upper body and want to show that off, opt for a plunging neckline or a sleeveless dress to call attention to the slimmer part of your body and away from your fuller bottom.

Can low-cut necklines and backless dresses work for my figure?
Lower cut dresses don't necessarily mean you will end up showing too much cleavage. Sometimes, just a little skin showing is all you need to add a sexy feel to your look. Marion suggests a high neckline, but with a keyhole, so you can show off some skin without going overboard. If high necklines don't suit you, you have other options. "Square or boat necks show skin, but not too much cleavage."

Plus-size doesn't necessarily mean you have a full chest either. This issue of proportionality can cause a few dilemmas in the changing room. "Women with firm, smaller breasts may opt to go backless," Marion says. So depending on your chest size, a backless dress can work. But, as Marion suggests, when in doubt, try it on! If you don't feel comfortable in it, don't wear it.

What do I need to know before going shopping for a party dress?
According to Marion there are a few things all shoppers need to look out for when searching for the perfect dress. First, look for comfort and movement. If a dress looks great but you can't breathe in it, leave it at the store. Looking good and feeling good are synonymous with one another. Second, look for the WOW factor. If there is nothing about the dress that makes you say WOW, then it's not for you. Keep looking until you find the one that flatters your shape and makes you look and feel great. And of course, Marion reminds us to always opt for softly draped fabric that isn't clingy. If it is, it will hug your body in all the wrong places and sit awkwardly on your frame.

What advice do plus-size experts have for me?
"Dress from the inside out, starting with the right size and style bra," Marion says. (Get measured by professionals if you need a little help in that area.) Marion suggests opting for control-top undergarments to slim your shape and make you feel better in that sexy party dress. Remember, plus-size dresses are made with your body type in mind, but that doesn't mean they will all suit you. Take your time, be prepared to try on a whole bunch of styles and choose something you can feel confident in.

First published in LOULOU