It’s a wonderful feeling when you arrive at a party brimming with confidence about the way you look. Hair and makeup perfect, shoes just right, designer bag and a stunning party dress. Heads turn and you get admiring glances – great! Finding that ideal dress isn’t always that simple though and you need to know some basic facts about how styles and cuts work with different body shapes. Rissyroos.com offers a range of styles for all shapes and sizes, as well as celebrity dresses so you can look like your favorite star.

First, there are some facts that will always apply.

If you are not the shy type, there are some general rules when dressing for a party. Accentuating the positive and hiding the negative is the name of the game. Take advantage of your plus points; great legs? Show them off by wearing a short outfit. Impressive cleavage? The same applies – wear a low-cut top. Don’t overdo it though as this can easily be taken too far! Both these advantages can be put to good use if there is another part of your body that you wish to draw attention away from, and let’s face it we all have one or more of them.

Body shapes

There are four main female body shapes:

• The Apple or V shape. This takes the form of a triangle pointing down and the woman will have narrow hips, slim legs, proportionate broad shoulders, ample chest and a large abdomen.
• Banana or I shape. This is described as rectangular and the waist is less than nine inches smaller than the bust and hip measurement.
• Pear or A shape. A triangle facing upwards. Hips are proportionately larger than bust and shoulders. Usually accompanied by an ample bottom.
• Hourglass or X shape. Regarded by some as the ideal figure. Small waist with bust and hips about the same size.

These are pretty much generalizations and there are variations on the four above. We are all unique of course but having some idea of your general body shape can be an advantage when looking for clothes of any type.

Height

Another important element that has not yet been mentioned is of course your height. If you are like the ex-model Jerry Hall, at over six feet, with the added advantage of a slim figure, then the choice of fashionable clothes available to you will be far greater. If, however, you are 5′ 2″ with a less than ideal waist measurement you will find your choice is somewhat restricted, with some high street retailers not even stocking dresses in your size. Don’t panic! There are specialist retailers that cater for all sizes and bigger needn’t necessarily mean boring.

If you are short in stature, you should wear a dress length that will elongate the appearance of your frame and emphasize your fantastic legs.

Curvy

If you consider yourself curvy, what styles should you go for? Look for a party dress the material of which will gently follow your curves while accentuating your waistline. Full skirts, belted shirtdresses and sheath dresses will look good. You will find that softer fabrics will drape better around your body, as will knits of medium weight. Search for strapless, low necklines and off the shoulder styles.

Apple shape

If you are this shape you should look for a dress that will hang more loosely around your stomach – this will disguise the fact that it is rather larger than you would like. As previously mentioned, if you have an ample bosom use it to your advantage by enhancing its look with a professionally fitted good quality bra. Don’t be shy of playing the cleavage card as it will take attention away from your midsection.

Banana shape

Women that are quite slender can wear tighter dresses to emphasize their physique. Be careful though as this can make you look a bit boyish. This effect can be minimized by wearing a large impressive belt and a striking brooch or necklace.

Pear shape

If you have this body shape you are lucky in that the choice of suitable styles available to you is greater. This shape looks good in sleeveless, longer flowing dresses, wraps and halter dresses. Those styles highlight the best points of this body shape and attention is drawn away from a larger bottom. The small waist and upper body become more noticeable so look for a party dress with detail or a different fabric in the upper part.

Hourglass

Any woman with this voluptuous film star shape will be spoilt for choice when choosing clothes, however, hourglass doesn’t necessarily mean slim. A larger woman can have an hourglass shape and she has to be careful not to overdo the look. Color is important, as large prints can make larger assets seem a bit overwhelming! Bright colours are okay but it is best to go for pieces of a single colour.

Smaller women with an hourglass figure look great if they draw attention to their tiny waist. Sashes and ruched material around the waist works very well. They should also consider halter neck dresses to show off lovely shoulders. This also has the effect of making a generous bosom appear smaller.

Accessorise

Any type of party dress can be enhanced by the addition of suitable accessories. Delicate fabric scarves, a pashmina and striking jewellery all work well with a dress that has been chosen with care to fit well with the wearer’s body shape.

This basic knowledge about body shape can be invaluable when searching for a suitable party dress. Knowing exactly what you are looking for always makes shopping much easier.

Enjoy the party!