Celebrate your best features with a figure-flattering dress that will fill you with confidence. Whether you have an hourglass, apple, pear or straight shape, finding the perfect fit is easy with our simple style rules.

Apple figure dress illustration

There are lots of tips and tricks for the apples among you, but the first is to accentuate those smashing legs. Go for a style with a shorter hemline – a mini if you're daring enough – to show off those pins. Short hems draw the eye away from the middle area and elongate the torso. V-neck styles further enhance this effect.

Empire dresses draw a subtle line underneath the bust for a streamlined effect. You'll also look marvellous in a tunic dress, as the structured shape lengthens the body and highlights elegant legs. Flatter the waistline with bold patterned fabrics, asymmetrical necklines and non-cling fabrics.

Style notes: Mixing different patterns and textures will accentuate and slim the upper half, although it's best to avoid horizontal stripes. When evening falls, opt for a dress with a gently flared skirt in a woven, more rigid fabric for a petticoat effect that will turn heads. Hemline embellishments and bold, statement detailing make a wonderful way to draw attention towards the lower part of the body that's appropriate for night-time.

Shop Tunic Dresses

Pear figure dress illustration

Show off your slender arms in a strapless iteration of the classic little black dress or a maxi with a gently flared skirt. A statement collar and patterned or embellished sleeves will also work to highlight your upper half.

Opt for an incredibly flattering fit and flare dress to accentuate the smallest part of your waist. Try the style in a bold block colour, making sure you include a strong neutral shade on the lower body to draw attention upwards.

Style notes: Choose a cut with a Bardot neckline for a slinky off-the-shoulder look. Displaying the shoulders draws the attention upwards, creating a chic silhouette. For evening, go for a cocktail dress with a flowing skirt and a statement necklace to celebrate your best features.

Shop Fit & Flare Dresses

DRESSES FOR STRAIGHT BODY TYPES

Straight figure dress illustration

Long and elegant, your body type makes you ideal for a variety of different shapes, fits and lengths of dress. Complement your lean figure with a perky skater dress to flatter your legs and flare at the waist. Wear on its own in summer, or bundle up with a cardigan, thick tights and calf boots in winter.

When you need a show stopping look for a big party or event, look to the vintage-style flapper dress – it was made for your body shape. Sophisticated and slinky, the knee-length dropped-waist and boxy cut will highlight your slim frame effortlessly. Complete the retro look with a high scalloped hemline and a low-cut back. Make sure you go all out with sparkling lace, beaded adornments, fringing and tassels to really rock the twenties-inspired glamour.

Style notes: Dress-up a simple black or neutral-hued shift dress with some sparkling statement jewellery or flirty peplum for an evening-ready look. Alternatively, draw attention to your neck and chest with an off-the-shoulder neckline. Ruffles are optional, but encouraged.

Shop Shift Dresses

DRESSES TO SUIT HOURGLASS FIGURES

Hourglass figure dress illustration

An hourglass figure will suit many different styles with its curvaceous silhouette, but the figure-hugging lines of the classic pencil skirt are a wonderful choice for making the most of your best features. Keep an eye out for snug, tailored shapes or bodycon cuts to highlight your shapely lower half and balance the bust. A V-shape neckline in a more casual wrap dress is ideal for drawing attention downwards to accentuate the narrowest part of the waist.

Shop Bodycon Dresses

Style notes:Whichever dress you wear, you can show off your curvy middle by accessorising with a belt – it will add even further definition to that enviable waist. Keep your necklaces understated; you can subtly highlight your upper half with a colourful pendant on a V-line chain to match the neck of your dress.

Shop Belts

The dress is the main event, but finishing the look with a pair of killer heels is a sure fire way to make your legs look enviably long. If you're going to be running around all day and want to prioritise comfort, some elegant ballet flats will have the same effect. Just be sure you choose a hue that matches the rest of your outfit!

Shop Heels