How to Choose a Dress
How to choose a dress for a special event
“I’ve got nothing to wear!”
Last time, we looked at what type of event you had been invited to. Wouldn’t it be nice to have something in your wardrobe that would cater for all those ’surprise’ special events that come along when you’re not looking.
Let’s look at how to select a dress that will take you to any special event that pops into your calendar.
1. Choose a colour
Colour is the first thing that we see and the right colour can make you look healthy and ravishing. The wrong colour will make you look pale and ill, and no-one will be listening to a word you say as they’ll be wondering whether they should get you a large brandy or maybe call for an ambulance!
- Winter - black is always a safe choice, but why not try a bold true red or royal purple?
- Spring - black can be a little harsh near your face. Either tone it down with a great lipstick or gold jewellery, or try emerald green or aqua instead.
- Summer - black can drain you. Your look should be ‘oh-so-elegant’ and a fine lavender or rose pink will make you feel so much more ladylike
- Autumn - black may be good if your hair and/or eyes are dark, but what about trying gold or russet red instead?
2. Choose a length
A simple rule is: the more sophisticated the event, the longer your dress should be. If you feel overwhelmed in a long frock, then a cocktail dress will be just as elegant at an upmarket event. (We covered the details in a previous newsletter so I won’t bore you with the same stuff again.)
3. Choose a style
You need to flatter your body shape and scale, and also remember to take your personality into account. I don’t know about you, but I can’t really see Cher wearing a Mrs. Thatcher bow tie and pearls, nor can I see Kate Moss wearing a Shirley Bassey ‘Big Spender’ number! What would you feel comfortable in?
Let’s look at some of the main body shape concerns that most ladies regale me with:
- Do you have heavy hips or legs?
A halter neck dress draws attention away from the bits you don’t want to be seen. Don’t be tempted to add a necklace - one or the other is all you need to make the statement. - Want to hide your wide hips?
Try a sleeveless cocktail dress with a slim top and a flared skirt. Or go for an empire line dress (the line or seam is under the bustline) to bring the attention up and away from your hip area. - Want to disguise an obvious tummy?
An empire line dress (the line or seam is under the bustline) in a softly flowing fabric will float beautifully over your wider area, especially if you manage a full-length version. - Want to frame your face?
Choose a dress with a stand-up collar. A halter neck is perfect for this, especially if you also have the confidence to wear a plunge neckline. Either way, put your hair up or pull it back from your face, and make sure your make-up is perfection itself! - Want to show off your slim shape?
A sheath dress is absolutely the best shape for you. Think of the late Princess of Wales. The wedding dress was designed for a curvy body shape so it overwhelmed her and made her look like a meringue in motion; the sheath dresses Diana adopted later complemented her straight body shape and made her look elegant. - Want to de-emphasize your fuller bosom?
A wrap-over shape is so flattering but opt for a block colour. It will also add shape to your waist area. - Not crazy about your upper arms?
Choose a long dress with a matching jacket or bolero. Much less fussy than a wrap and it won’t keep falling off while you’re trying to balance your drink and your handbag, AND shake the hand of that gorgeous chap you’ve had your eye on all night! - Tempted to show off your cleavage?
Try a bustier or corset dress which will also give you shape at the waist, even if you’re built like a table-tennis table! (It is absolutely not true that all women with a fuller bosom have curvy body shapes!) A flirty tulip hem will also balance out those with fuller figures. - Perhaps you’d like to experiment just a little?
If you’ve always wanted to show off a little more skin but don’t want to look like something that fell out of a sleazy beachfront disco, try an off-the-shoulder dress. If you balance this with a great piece of jewellery - necklace and/or earrings, you will still look elegant. Warning: not a good look if you have broad shoulders!
And if finding a dress is proving difficult?
Dressy separates are absolutely fine. Choose one special piece in a fabulous fabric and mix with something more substantial, a velvet skirt with an organza top, or a beaded jacket with silk trousers.
Remember, it’s YOU that’s the interesting thing about you - not your clothes. But use your clothes to attract to you the people that you want to talk to and spend time with.
What you wear tells people how to treat you.
How do you want to be treated?
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