A fashion staple of almost every woman’s wardrobe is their collection of long dresses. They’re fantastically versatile and can be appropriate for the office, at formal events or as casual wear. A well-fitted long dress can make you feel effortlessly feminine and give your confidence a real boost. But the sheer amount of long dresses on the market, combined with the occasional limitations of the high street, can make finding the right long dress for you a quite intimidating experience. By following a few simple do’s and don’ts, you can be sure of finding the perfect fit for any occasion.
The first thing to take into consideration is your body shape. If you’re a pear shape then darker colours can be a good way to slim your lower half. Blacks and deep blues and reds are ideal. Go for a lower neck-line that you can accessorise with some jewellery, which draws the eye upwards. If you’re more of an apple shape then look out for long dresses that fit at the bust but float at the waist to balance out your appearance.
Next consideration is the occasion. If you’re looking for a stylish party dress then consider a maxi dress or an evening dress. Again, low necklines and short sleeves or halter-necks give you plenty of opportunity for accessorising. If it’s a fun event like a birthday then you can usually get away with brighter colours and patterns, while for more formal celebrations such as a wedding you might want to stick to more understated designs. If you’re not confident baring your arms and shoulders, a shawl or a light jacket can be a good addition to your outfit that allows you to look really feminine without feeling self-conscious.