Basic shapes for Sample
The shape of a dress as well as it\'s internal design features can dramatically alter the wearers apparent shape, height and weight.There are 5 basic dress shapes: Straight, Shaped, Inverted Triangle, Hourglass and \'A\' Line.
As a basic rule, women who are curvy look best and are most comfortable in dresses with shape.
How much shape depends on their weight and personality.
Women with straight, athletic bodies can wear straight dress shapes as well as those that are subtly shaped.
Keep your dresses simple to flatter your frame.
Avoid dresses with full skirts and too much embellishment.
A jacketed dress will be a great alternative to a suit for you.
Dresses with diagonal detailing e.g., crossover neckline, will emphasize your shoulders and de-emphasize your middle.
To give your figure the illusion of more curves choose dress styles such as belted, wrap and waisted but only in straight and semi fitted styles.
Use a contrasting colour or embellishment over your bustline to add enhancing definition.
Avoid dresses made of stiff fabrics.
Basic shapes
Only a century ago, women wore dresses every day; wearing pants was unthinkable. Wartime necessities, advances in feminine opportunities and the advent of a more active and casual lifestyle have made dresses less desirable and practical than pants and skirts. However, the dress represents the epitome of womanhood.
When it comes to fun or romance, nothing beats a dress. So take your time and choose your dresses carefully. If a dress does not make you look and feel wonderful, pass it by until you find the one that does. When looking for that special dress, think of proportion, colour, surface, length and beautiful fabrics.
The best dresses for business have a top half that resembles a shirt or jacket, e.g., a shirtmaker, coatdress, and sleeves covering the upper arm. Alternatively, you can add a jacket.
Correct fit and ease are essential for looking and feeling your best. Straight dresses should always be worn with enough ease so that you can sit and bend comfortably. If too tight, they will split as the seams and display every bump and bulge. As one-piece garments, dresses are often not as easy to fit as separates. If you find that you have to constantly alter the fit and style of dresses in ready-to-wear, choose larger garments and have the dress altered to fit. Wrap, Princess line, and Coat dresses are the most flattering and easy to fit of all the dress styles. Alternatively, look for a matching skirt and top to create the look of a dress. A two-piece combination is especially flattering if you have a tummy, as the top piece, when worn out, will cover any tummy bulge.
Be aware that different labels and designers design for different body shapes. Therefore, the only way to find the designers and labels that will suit you is to try on as many as you can. Alternatively, you could search for a great dressmaker.
All the styles recommended for you in this portfolio will suit you; however, a perfect fit is crucial to their success. A good style in a poor fit will never be flattering.
Apart from the little black dress, most dresses will be most complimentary to you when they are in your best non-neutral colours. This is because neutral-coloured garments always need the addition of colour or accessories to bring them and you to life.
The best dresses for business have a top half that resembles a shirt or jacket, e.g., a shirtmaker, coatdress and sleeves that cover the upper arm as a minimum. Alternatively, you add a jacket.