How to Pick a Very Flattering Dress

How to Pick a Very Flattering Dress

Recently, I stopped by Dress Barn and was reminded of how good some of their dresses are. I went there for the first time last summer in the Outer Banks, and I got one of my favorite Calvin Klein dresses. 

This weekend, I was struck by how well Dress Barn does something: they know how to pick a flattering dress. However, there are plenty of unflattering dresses there, too, which got me thinking: do you know how to pick a dress that will look amazing on your figure?

Let's take a look at some of my favorites, which tend to show up at Dress Barn in a great range of sizes, including petites and curve sizes. 

Notice anything? See how they've all got some ruching, some extra fabric gathered over to one side?

That's what I like for you. That's what I like for most women because it calls some attention away from our very practical warm egg-incubator, softer middle parts and draws the eye to the rest of our bodies. What if you tried on every dress with ruching that you saw in a store and picked one to wear?

Now here's another flattering style dress. It's a bit hard to see on this first maxi style because of the pattern, but can you pick it out?

The black, white, and yellow shows it off more easily: a high waist. A waist of a dress should hit you up by the bottom of your ribs, at your true waist. A great dress will hit you there, showing off the natural curve of a woman's body and floating down from there.

Why not scope out just the dresses with a high, defined waist and try those on in your size and the size above and below yours, just to be sure that it fits you correctly?

And last, what about this dress? At first glance, it doesn't do either of the things I've suggested here: it has neither a defined waist nor ruching. Hmm...

However! I include it here because one of the stripes across the dress does hit at the natural waist, and I think the stripes in the fabric could be flattering enough to act as ruching. But, a shift dress can be tricky on the lower belly. I'd need to try this one on myself, but don't ignore something that doesn't exactly fit in with what you're looking for. Plus, the blue was very pretty in person, and lace is still in style for spring. And, it's lace! It's going to be in style for a long time to come. 

As always, if you have any favorite stores you'd like me to window shop for you, keep those emails coming! 

Black Tie Dresses That You'll Actually Want to Wear & Holiday Dresses that Shine

Black Tie Dresses That You'll Actually Want to Wear & Holiday Dresses that Shine

Via

There was a time when I was constantly being invited to black tie, formal events. I never knew what to wear! I've never been a big fan of buying one expensive dress when I could buy several for the same price-or less. Black tie events seemed to require a statement dress, and I didn't have one just waiting in the wings. I've often found acceptable ones at TJMaxx, Marshalls, and even Kohls in the past. 

However, if I were invited to any kind of formal event now, I would leap with joy and buy one of these. So please, send those invites! And, as always, if I ever have a sponsored post, I'll let you know. This isn't one. 

Left, Right similar in plus size here

The beautiful thing about these statement dresses is that they would require little to no other styling: simple shoes, hair, makeup, and accessories. Wouldn't that be the nicest way to travel to an event? Just bring the dress, wash your hair, and you're ready to go. Looking for something brighter or shorter? It's expensive, but man is this a gorgeous dress! I love that (or this in plus size) for an Indian wedding.

Speaking of statement dresses, if you're already anticipating getting invited to (or hosting!) a great holiday party, these dresses could be for you. 

Via

For a holiday dress, I have two simple requirements: I need to be able to dance and eat in it, and I need to be able to wear it for more than one holiday season. That means I tend to look for dresses that are forgiving around the waist in a classic shape and/or fabric. The dress above, for example, is a classic black, and when have sequins ever not been in style? The sleeves temper the shortness so I think I could get away with it for awhile. I love these options, too!

Via

Via

I also have to mention this fun jumpsuit if you want an alternative to a dress. I wore a jumpsuit to my best friend's wedding in January last year, and I felt so comfortable and stylish at the same time. 

And I'm sorry to be talking about holiday parties so early on. I'm not an advocate of speeding the seasons past at all, but I do know that we women like to plan ahead so I thought I'd share these dresses yesterday and today in that spirit. 

Also, if you're looking for a bridesmaid dress that won't get shoved in the back of your closet, this is brilliant. 

Dress Week: Favorite Frock Friday

Dress Week: Favorite Frock Friday

What a fun week! I hope you've liked playing along as we faux shopped our way through dresses! I find dresses to be the easiest, most chic thing to wear all summer long, and I've loved "playing dress up" with you all! Today is all about my favorite dresses out there regardless of print, style, or price point. These are dresses that make me stop and say "Ohhh..."

Structure + Sleevless

Boden, Boden, why are you so perfect? I can't think of a day that I wouldn't want to wear this dress to work! I'd wear it with shiny black pumps to work and bright, happy heels for play. 

Effortless Kaftan

I can't talk about incredible dresses without mentioning Free People. Let's wear this.

Dress Week: Thrifty Thursday

Dress Week: Thrifty Thursday

My personal styling clients have a wide range of budgets: some have in mind that they need to buy a whole new wardrobe but end up loving what they already had after a few hours with me. Others need to purchase new clothing after a pregnancy or a job transition, and I work with them to find pieces that fit their lifestyle and budget.

Similarly, on this blog I try to link to clothing that's not outrageously priced, although that's certainly dependent on each individual's budget. Today I'm looking to stores that pride themselves on being very affordable and finding dresses that you'll want to wear over and over again. I love this kind of virtual shopping for my clients-and for you!

So here's my advice. First, consider H&M this summer for affordable dresses like this emerald stunner below. For daytime, add a skinny belt (leopard? bright green?) and a cropped blazer. For date night, try a necklace that compliments the neckline or keep your hair up and add long, swingy earrings.

Speaking of date night? Hello this sexy dress!

Dress Week: Way Out Wednesday

Dress Week: Way Out Wednesday

Today let's celebrate the easy, breezy, hippie feel of boho chic. As you know, I've taken a turn boho in my weekend style this summer, and I'm not looking back. Anything this comfortable has got to be good for the soul.

Urban Outfitters has so many gorgeous dresses this season, and this angelic dress is one of them. Wear this with nearly-naked sandals or toughen it up with cowboy boots or a jean jacket (on super sale!).

 

I think the key to boho style is picking things that feel like you're wearing pjs. This dress certainly qualifies and is gorgeous. Layer on a loose, flowy cardigan and a skinny belt to dress it up a bit or wear it just as simply as is.

Dress Week: Totally Stripey Tuesday

Dress Week: Totally Stripey Tuesday

Not everyone loves horizontal stripes-or so I'm told. Over at StartCloseIn headquarters, I could probably go for weeks (months?) wearing nothing but stripes and not have to repeat outfits. When I bring something new home my husband often says "Oh, look, it's striped!"  So today's post is in honor of all of the gorgeous striped dresses out there. Let's take a look! (And happy July!)

This dress looks like something you could just live in all summer long, doesn't it? I like the big, Mod sunglasses. This dress doesn't need a lot to make it special.

I love the short sleeves on this dress. I'd suggest you wear it to work with

Dress Week: Mad Men-Inspired Monday

Dress Week: Mad Men-Inspired Monday

Welcome to Dress Week! In the spirit of all things summer (grilled corn on the cob, sun tea, fireflies, street fairs, and warm weather to name a few!), I've decided to devote a whole week to dresses. I find a simple dress to be the easiest, most foolproof thing to wear all summer long. If you work in a cold office like I do, consider some warmer fabrics in summery colors. If you are often in warm air, I've got simple dresses that can stand on their own or be funked up. I'll give you tips on how to do just that all week long!

Peter Pan wool on sale at Boden USA

Full skirts and whimsical patterns. Yes, please! Let's pick favorites, ok? You can blame Love Always Hannah for introducing me (and now you) to eShakti. The other night at her house, she showed me this gorgeous full, striped skirt she'd gotten there, and I knew I had to share this goldmine with you.