Party dresses for every body shape.
I’ve been inspired to write this blog this week by a style workshop I am hosting next week. I’ve got people coming with all kinds of body shapes and I promised them I would suggest Christmas party outfits as there are now only SEVEN weeks to go until the Big Day. This means the party season is about to fully kick-off and it’s time to get your outfit sorted!!
Body shape is definitely a consideration when choosing the perfect party dress at the most glam time of the year. Christmas party dressing is a time to feel “EXTRA” but still like yourself. An LBD is always a failsafe classy option but can also be unmemorable too. I’ve tried to choose options here with a bit of quirk, a bit of “EXTRA” because it’s fun to ramp it up at least a bit during the annual party season.
APPLE SHAPEI’ve decided to kick off with this shape because it can be a tricky shape to dress. This shape has the most fabulous legs but it’s quite hard to find a party dress that works that isn’t long. Avoid wide sleeves for this kind of shape because you can end up looking all boobs - it will have a widening effect in that area and look a bit out of proportion. V necks, skirt splits or shorter skits are all fantastic. Empire line is your best friend.
STUDIO 8 at John Lewis: This is quite a formal option but the chevron detail on the bust area will flatter the most buxom apple shape, the cut-up sleeves are at a good proportion and the waist band sits empire line so this dress ticks a lot of boxes. Also, if you are a curvier apple then the beaded detail will hang beautifully.
Another option for an apple shape is this dress by Needle & Thread at Selfridges. If you don’t know this brand then do get acquainted! They do absolutely stunning tulle and sequin party dresses that are absolute show stoppers. At £450 this dress is toppy but cost-per-wear would still be good if you think it’s an LBD so classic and you could get a few parties out of this beauty.
It’s sleeveless but the straps are thick so would hold a big bust and not look too flimsy. The skirt would flow over a bigger tummy and be very flattering.
LBD for an APPLE shape - Needle & Thread at Selfridges.
2. The second body shape is PEAR SHAPE.
This shape is defined by being proportionately smaller on top than you are on the bottom half. Often with a small bust and wider hips. It’s good to draw attention to the top half of the body and choose a skirt that skims over the curves at the bottom.
I chose this dress for my pear shaped client last week but to be honest, this would also work well on an hour glass or a column shape too. The waist belt adds definition and the skirt skims over curves. Warehouse are killing it on dresses this season.
Party dress for a pear shape. Warehouse metallic pleated midi dress.
Next up for a pear shape is this stunning tulle number from Needle & Thread but this time at ASOS. This is the LBD option that isn’t forgettable with it’s plunge neckline and lace design. The more busty amongst us couldn’t pull this off but a flatter chested pear would look amazing. A mix of charcoal grey and black this is very feminine but could be edged up with chunky boots if that’s your vibe. Otherwise keep it classy and stick with silver heels.
Pear shape LBD. Needle & Thread at ASOS.
3. Next is the HOURGLASS shape.
The in and out shape of this body is defined by a very defined waistline that needs to be showed off. V necks work well on this shape and hourglass shapes can do a fitted pencil skirt or a flared skirt style on the bottom half as well.
I mentioned you don’t want to be unmemorable in a ‘standard’ LBD but ‘EXTRA’ at Christmas. Julia Restoin Roitfeld the French art director, model and daughter of the ex-French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld (what a mouthful), has designed a range of LBD’s for The Outnet. `Definitely not standard, her whole range is beautiful and French cool. I fell in love with this one below because it’s covered in tulle (clearly I’m a big fan) and a Minnie Mouse ear inspired bow at the top! This detail really appeals to me, it makes me smile, it’s cute and sexy and I’d feel a million dollars in this dress.
LBD for an hourglass at The Outnet
50’s shape dresses are also really good for hour glass shapes. Anything with waist definition and always fitted rather than anything loose and shapeless or in a tunic style. I found this (tulle again) dress by Lace & Beads which is basically a much much cheaper version of Needle & Thread.
Hour glass shape - Lace & Beads tulle polka dot dress
4. Next is the COLUMN shape which is the most athletic, straight up and down shape. Categorised by a small bust, shoulders the same size as hips and little to no waist definition, this is the shape of most catwalk models. A good way to dress this shape is to add ruffles and detail that add curves but they can also wear straight styles of dresses that match the straight lines of the body. To be honest though, they can more or less wear anything and still look great!
A great dress for a column shape - the broken pattern creates the illusion of curves - great for flatter chested columns too. This is RXIO.
Next up for the column shape is this gorgeous black satin slip dress - this is the LBD for a column as it’s straight lines will hang well on the straight body shape but the neck tie detail adds interest and stops it being too plain and at the moment, slip dresses are everywhere. Would look great with a blazer over the top.
Column shape - satin panelled maxi dress by Julia Restoin Roitfeld at The Outnet
5. The final body shape in INVERTED TRIANGLE.
This shape is defined by wider shoulders than hips, little or no waist definition and straight body lines on the bottom half. Often ladies with this kind of shape will have a bigger bust. Also known as The Goblet shape, they can appear top heavy which can be balanced out with a wider skirt or ruffles on the bottom half.
Because this kind of shape usually has fantastic legs, I’ve gone for this tuxedo LBD. Again by Julia Restoin Roitfeld at The Outnet, the satin long lapels will be flattering on a wider shoulder, the waist definition will be flattering and the legs get shown off.
Inverted Triangle shape - tuxedo dress by Julia Restoin Roitfeld at The Outnet.
Finally for a inverted triangle shape I have chosen this empire line dress by Rixo. Empire line’s always look fantastic on this body shape and Rixo tend to do this cut in quite a lot of their dresses.
Inverted triangle body shape - Rixo rose polka dot midi dress
I’m really looking forward to the party season and if I had to choose one of these gorgeous dresses for myself I think it would have to be this rose polka dot by Rixo. It’s a party dress that you could then wear to other events and dress down too.
Lisa Gillbe is a personal stylist based in London. If you want to book any styling services get in touch to arrange a no obligation phone call to find out prices and how it will work for you.
