Let me tell you why this garment works!

This season is one where most of us emerge from the warm and comforting layers that have seen us through chilly times, hoping to find the right look for the next few (generally unpredictable) months.

It’s a bit of a shocker if you have been wrapped in swathes of knitwear and are now pondering which flimsy items you should now purchase for your spring summer look.

As you know for me it’s all about choosing the right clothes to suit your shape. And as your personal stylist I can tell you what to select (and I frequently do on my site). But I thought I’d use this rather marvellous space for a little more in depth look at why a great item of clothing can do so much for your shape.

The Empire-line dress

Pictured is one of the dresses I designed for Simply Be – it’s currently a best seller but that’s no surprise to me because this style of dress is one of the most flattering styles on the planet.

It’s called the mock wrap dress in the Simply Be online catalogue (which is currently on sale throughout spring and summer 2008 from their site) but the most important aspect of it, is the empire-line, which raises the waistline upwards and places it under the bust. If you want to know how to dress your body shape then here are two excellent tools to know and keep.

1. What this feature does is effortlessly make your legs look longer. It’s great for petites wanting to look taller and of course for curvy or fuller bodies wanting a more streamlined silhouette. But that’s not all.

2. An empire line works wonderfully to create great definition around the bust and this together with the fabric falling away and over the tummy will minimise any apple shaped bodies or generally rounded stomachs. Phew all this on one garment I hear you say! Well yes actually

And let’s talk about styling. This is a great look for the office because it is a simple and elegant pared down style.

However, if accessorised with cream accessories, it will make a very good special occasion or summer event solution. I’ve used yellow shoes and bangle; you could even place a yellow elasticised belt around the high waistband for a more on trend look.

So there you have it, an empire line in your wardrobe will always make you look taller and more streamlined not to mention stylish.

Related posts:

1. Body shape workshop number 3.
2. Body shape workshop number 2
3. Maxi dresses work for every shape
4. Curvaceous body shape: what to wear?
5. Looking good