From lady to lady...
Last week I did a guest post at La Vie J’aime all about how to get the perfect little black dress for your specific body type. I thought I’d do a similar post today, but focus on another wardrobe essential: the little white dress. As the warm weather is slowly rolling over the country, LWDs have been popping up on the fashion radar. Here are a few tips on how to pick out that form flattering piece for your closet:
Curvy Gals:
Items in this set:
Wrap-over cotton dress, $380
Floral print dress, 150 GBP
YVES SAINT LAURENT Court Shoes, 695 EUR
Women’s new arrivals – bags – Claudette tote – J.Crew, $175
For those ladies who have either hourglass shaped bodies or perhaps carry a bit of curvy extras, finding well structured pieces will highlight your shapely figure while keeping any problem spots nipped and tucked. I always suggest straight cuts or wrap dress for your particular body too – this will emphasize your curves and by cinching at the smallest part of your body, create an hourglass shape. Don’t be afraid of a bit of a V-neck, but be kind to your girls and provide support by wearing thicker straps or sleeves.
Slim Women:
Items in this set:
Taya Eyelet Dress, $45
Elizabeth and James Mason, $350
Abas Full Frame Clutch, $180
Frank Usher Detailed Bead & Crystal Bib Necklace, 29 GBP
It’s all about bringing out your curvaceous side by wearing fitted pieces (not tight, fitted!). Pencil bottoms will show off your lovely hips, and halter tops or deep cut necks will make you appear even curvier. Finding fuller bottoms or ruffled tops also add some volume.
Perhaps a pear:
Little White Dress – Pear shaped ladies by Bachman’s Sparrow featuring Diane von Furstenberg dresses
Items in this set:
Jaelled cotton halterneck dress, $365
Womens AE Beaded Ruffle Dress – Chalk, $40
Satin pompom raffia sandals, $585
Sharif Hibiscus Collage Patent Belted Shopper at HSN.com, $200
For you girls, balancing out your bottom half with your top may seem frustrating. But, by choosing strapless, halter, or detailed tops, you open up your shoulders and draw attention upwards. Look for slight a-line bottoms that will detract from your hips.
Heart shaped:
Items in this set:
Shadow Print Smocked Dress, $615
Stella McCartney Organic cotton dress, $490
ECHINACEA, 150 GBP
Louis Vuitton Tivoli GM Shoulder bags and totes, $1,360
These are women who are larger on top than on bottom. Opposite from pear shaped ladies, adding a bit of volume to your bottom half is key. Look for pleated, full skirts, and an empire waist will hit you right below the girls to show off your tiny waist.
A much more light, laid back, yet chic alternative to the LBD. Enjoy!
Andrea bittner
5 months ago
One group that often gets ignored is those of us that carry all of our weight around the middle. While many are kind and call us “curvy,” we are the opposite of an hourglass and cinching at the waist usually ends up tightening at the largest part of our body. Any suggestions?
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admin Reply:
March 16th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
You know, I would probably say you are more of a pear than “middle-weighted,” lol! You really have very little tummy. But beyond that, what I would say is this: the cinching should occur right below your breasts – the smallest part of your body – rather than around your belly. Then the fullness of the dress bottom should cover over problem spots. Also, look for a well structured dress; it should have seaming that will help smooth out areas, almost like a corset. A wrap dress is also a nice choice because they generally have some fullness to hide problem spots, but look for one that once again ties below the bosom like the third dress in the curvy section. I hope this helps!
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Sophiasa
5 months ago
Great advice! I love that wrap dress. I’m a slim hourglass and I’ve never worn a wrap dress. Definitely on my wishlist. Thanks!=)
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admin Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
I need to start investing in more myself – as soon as I can find a thrifted Diane von Furstenburg I’ll be happy!
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