With the hot season looming, there's never been a better time to start looking for that perfect summer dress. Whether you're a seasoned dress wearer or thinking about taking the plunge for the first time, we've got all the fashion etiquette you need to carry the look off in style.
Buying dresses for your shape
There are a few sneaky tips you can use when shopping for a dress that will make a big difference to the way you look, feel and act in your new frock. A dress that flatters your figure, that subtly accentuates all your best features (i.e. the bits you're proud of!) and disguises the ones you hate is key to a good buy. In short, it's more about going for shapes, fabrics and designs that flatter your body shape, as opposed to picking something that's simply 'in fashion'.
The following body shape guide can help you find styles and cuts that suit you, use it when shopping online and try it out in shop changing rooms - you'll be surprised what a difference it makes to your overall look.
Full figure: Floaty fabrics and cuts that skim the body and allow for lots of movement will complement your figure in all the right places. Darker colours also tend to be more flattering for fuller figures and if you go for a block colour (such as black, plum or chocolate brown) you can create a more streamlined silhouette - especially if teamed with tights or leggings. Tall and slim: Some dresses with tapered waists can look strange on taller women as they'll end making your waist look a lot higher than it is. Instead go for bandeau dresses (which make a long figure look more in proportion) or floaty dresses that you can nip in at the waist with a thick belt. Avoid vertical prints but go for any other colours/styles or patterns that make the most of your slim figure. Small Busts: Go for printed dresses with ruffles, detailing on the chest area and tiered sections of fabric to help create the illusion of a fuller bust.
Large Busts: Avoid horizontal patterns or stripes that accentuate your bust and go for wide v-neck dresses, slouchy necklines or cross-over/wrap dresses that slim your top half but still make the most of your assets.
Hourglass: With curves in all the right places, you're lucky enough to be able to carry most dresses off, though styles with a nipped in waist, empire line or wrap design will flatter your figure most.
Dress etiquette
There are many different ways to wear a frock and even the most practiced dress-wearer can be boggled by what to wear and when - especially with our ever interchangeable climate! Use the following guide to tailor your dress to a style that suits you. If you're worried about your legs or want to hide the tops of your arms, there are plenty of fashion-savvy ways to do it that don't compromise on the overall look.1) LayeringSome dresses are best worn on their own but others can really benefit from layering. By this, we mean over leggings, teamed with tights, worn with jean shorts or draped over a pair of 3/4 length trousers. How you wear it really depends on you, what you find comfortable, what fits your personal style and what's already lurking in your wardrobe but the main point is that you select clothing that complements the dress and shows it off in the best light.A bandeau dress can look great teamed with a light summer cardigan for example, whilst a short shift or Grecian dress can look really fashionable if worn over black leggings with a pair of sandals. Leggings are a sound fashion investment - especially if you're self-conscious about showing off your legs. They're also extremely versatile and can be worn with dresses, tops and jumpers in winter too.2) Keeping warmA good summer investment is a light cardigan or bolero that you can team with dresses, tops, jeans and anything else in your wardrobe. The shops are flooded with these at the moment though you'll probably have plenty of options already at home. Cropped or waist length cardigans are often best as they won't spoil the look of the dress and should still show off any special detailing on the neckline or bodice. 3) AccessoriesMore than just an after-thought, accessories are a godsend for finishing off a dress, giving it that formal look and revealing a little glimpse of our own personal flair. Have a root through your cupboards at home and see what you can find - a bangle or two looks great with a maxi dress whilst a chunky beaded necklace and earrings are perfect for jazzing up a shift dress for an evening party or wedding. 4) Fake tanAny dress will look 100% better if it's worn on a bronzed body and we don't mean the cooked in the sun for ten hours variety! Faking it is the most fashionable thing you can do this summer and with raised awareness of skin cancer and premature ageing, modern women are now shunning the beach in exchange for a bottle of guaranteed bronzed loveliness. Whether you use fake tan regularly or are a total tanning novice, our fake tan guide can help you get started so you can show off that summer skin with confidence.
Dress trends for 2012
Maxi dressLarge, swishy dresses with lots of material are the hot dress trend for 2010 and we love them even more because they're flattering for most body shapes. Tall, lithe limbed women look good in the fitted variety with a large floaty skirt whilst fuller figured women should go for one of the many empire line cuts that pinch in at the waist to create more of an hourglass figure. We like this one (left) by Mango at John Lewis as it's casual enough for taking the kids to the park, yet teamed with a sleek hair do, bronzer and a few accessories, it becomes the perfect dress for a night on the town with friends. 
TribalThere's a surge of tribal-esque dresses in the shops this season, offering a really fun way to play with colour and jazz up your look. This shorter style from boohoo has a classic halter style, contrasting neckline and gorgeous feminine print - perfect for summer parties, barbecues and days out with the family. Complete the look with sandals or heels and stacks of chunky jewellery.
Kaftan/TunicIf you're nervous about baring all on the beach, a kaftan or tunic style dress is a staple item to pack in your suitcase. Available in a variety of fabrics, designs and colours, they can be quickly thrown over a swimsuit or bikini or worn at night, teamed with trousers or skinny jeans for a classic summer look. If you want to enhance your best assets, go for an embellished neckline or funky print. This plain white crochet one from New Look does the job perfectly.
Shift dressIf you don't already have a shift dress in your wardrobe, now's the time to get one! Ideal for all manner of soirees - from the school disco to Christmas Day, a well-fitting shift will serve you well, and if you buy wisely, will become a staple item in your wardrobe. The most important thing to consider is the fabric. Slim figures can carry off slinky/figure hugging styles whilst broader or fuller figured women look fantastic in crepe/cotton shift dresses with lots of movement in the material. This beautiful silk one from Marks & Spencer is ideal for most figure types as it has a bias cut and length that will suit both small and large frames - just perfect for a summer wedding.
SundressA great style that will see you throughout the summer, sundresses are available in stacks of styles, prints and designs to flatter each and every figure shape. This floral one from New Look will look great with simple sandals, though coupled with a glam hair-do and some killer heels it will work just as well for a wedding, weekend BBQ or any other posh events you might have lined up.
SportyRelaxed, 'just off to the gym' dresses are hugely popular this summer, but if you want a style that's a little more appropriate for beach, barbecue and school gates, this slightly more polished one from Ascension could be just the ticket. Ethically produced in 100% organic cotton, it looks great teamed with brown leather gladiator sandals and will last you several summers too.
With the hot season looming, there's never been a better time to start looking for that perfect summer dress. Whether you're a seasoned dress wearer or thinking about taking the plunge for the first time, we've got all the fashion etiquette you need to carry the look off in style.
Buying dresses for your shape
There are a few sneaky tips you can use when shopping for a dress that will make a big difference to the way you look, feel and act in your new frock. A dress that flatters your figure, that subtly accentuates all your best features (i.e. the bits you're proud of!) and disguises the ones you hate is key to a good buy. In short, it's more about going for shapes, fabrics and designs that flatter your body shape, as opposed to picking something that's simply 'in fashion'.
The following body shape guide can help you find styles and cuts that suit you, use it when shopping online and try it out in shop changing rooms - you'll be surprised what a difference it makes to your overall look.
Full figure: Floaty fabrics and cuts that skim the body and allow for lots of movement will complement your figure in all the right places. Darker colours also tend to be more flattering for fuller figures and if you go for a block colour (such as black, plum or chocolate brown) you can create a more streamlined silhouette - especially if teamed with tights or leggings.
Tall and slim: Some dresses with tapered waists can look strange on taller women as they'll end making your waist look a lot higher than it is. Instead go for bandeau dresses (which make a long figure look more in proportion) or floaty dresses that you can nip in at the waist with a thick belt. Avoid vertical prints but go for any other colours/styles or patterns that make the most of your slim figure.
Small Busts: Go for printed dresses with ruffles, detailing on the chest area and tiered sections of fabric to help create the illusion of a fuller bust.
Large Busts: Avoid horizontal patterns or stripes that accentuate your bust and go for wide v-neck dresses, slouchy necklines or cross-over/wrap dresses that slim your top half but still make the most of your assets.
Hourglass: With curves in all the right places, you're lucky enough to be able to carry most dresses off, though styles with a nipped in waist, empire line or wrap design will flatter your figure most.
Dress etiquette
There are many different ways to wear a frock and even the most practiced dress-wearer can be boggled by what to wear and when - especially with our ever interchangeable climate!
Use the following guide to tailor your dress to a style that suits you. If you're worried about your legs or want to hide the tops of your arms, there are plenty of fashion-savvy ways to do it that don't compromise on the overall look.
1) Layering
Some dresses are best worn on their own but others can really benefit from layering. By this, we mean over leggings, teamed with tights, worn with jean shorts or draped over a pair of 3/4 length trousers. How you wear it really depends on you, what you find comfortable, what fits your personal style and what's already lurking in your wardrobe but the main point is that you select clothing that complements the dress and shows it off in the best light.
A bandeau dress can look great teamed with a light summer cardigan for example, whilst a short shift or Grecian dress can look really fashionable if worn over black leggings with a pair of sandals. Leggings are a sound fashion investment - especially if you're self-conscious about showing off your legs. They're also extremely versatile and can be worn with dresses, tops and jumpers in winter too.
2) Keeping warm
A good summer investment is a light cardigan or bolero that you can team with dresses, tops, jeans and anything else in your wardrobe. The shops are flooded with these at the moment though you'll probably have plenty of options already at home. Cropped or waist length cardigans are often best as they won't spoil the look of the dress and should still show off any special detailing on the neckline or bodice.
3) Accessories
More than just an after-thought, accessories are a godsend for finishing off a dress, giving it that formal look and revealing a little glimpse of our own personal flair. Have a root through your cupboards at home and see what you can find - a bangle or two looks great with a maxi dress whilst a chunky beaded necklace and earrings are perfect for jazzing up a shift dress for an evening party or wedding.
4) Fake tan
Any dress will look 100% better if it's worn on a bronzed body and we don't mean the cooked in the sun for ten hours variety! Faking it is the most fashionable thing you can do this summer and with raised awareness of skin cancer and premature ageing, modern women are now shunning the beach in exchange for a bottle of guaranteed bronzed loveliness. Whether you use fake tan regularly or are a total tanning novice, our fake tan guide can help you get started so you can show off that summer skin with confidence.
Dress trends for 2012
Maxi dressLarge, swishy dresses with lots of material are the hot dress trend for 2010 and we love them even more because they're flattering for most body shapes. Tall, lithe limbed women look good in the fitted variety with a large floaty skirt whilst fuller figured women should go for one of the many empire line cuts that pinch in at the waist to create more of an hourglass figure. We like this one (left) by Mango at John Lewis as it's casual enough for taking the kids to the park, yet teamed with a sleek hair do, bronzer and a few accessories, it becomes the perfect dress for a night on the town with friends.
TribalThere's a surge of tribal-esque dresses in the shops this season, offering a really fun way to play with colour and jazz up your look. This shorter style from boohoo has a classic halter style, contrasting neckline and gorgeous feminine print - perfect for summer parties, barbecues and days out with the family. Complete the look with sandals or heels and stacks of chunky jewellery.
Kaftan/TunicIf you're nervous about baring all on the beach, a kaftan or tunic style dress is a staple item to pack in your suitcase. Available in a variety of fabrics, designs and colours, they can be quickly thrown over a swimsuit or bikini or worn at night, teamed with trousers or skinny jeans for a classic summer look. If you want to enhance your best assets, go for an embellished neckline or funky print. This plain white crochet one from New Look does the job perfectly.
Shift dressIf you don't already have a shift dress in your wardrobe, now's the time to get one! Ideal for all manner of soirees - from the school disco to Christmas Day, a well-fitting shift will serve you well, and if you buy wisely, will become a staple item in your wardrobe. The most important thing to consider is the fabric. Slim figures can carry off slinky/figure hugging styles whilst broader or fuller figured women look fantastic in crepe/cotton shift dresses with lots of movement in the material. This beautiful silk one from Marks & Spencer is ideal for most figure types as it has a bias cut and length that will suit both small and large frames - just perfect for a summer wedding.
SundressA great style that will see you throughout the summer, sundresses are available in stacks of styles, prints and designs to flatter each and every figure shape. This floral one from New Look will look great with simple sandals, though coupled with a glam hair-do and some killer heels it will work just as well for a wedding, weekend BBQ or any other posh events you might have lined up.
SportyRelaxed, 'just off to the gym' dresses are hugely popular this summer, but if you want a style that's a little more appropriate for beach, barbecue and school gates, this slightly more polished one from Ascension could be just the ticket. Ethically produced in 100% organic cotton, it looks great teamed with brown leather gladiator sandals and will last you several summers too.
