Summer Dresses That Will Flatter Your Figure
Fluid and Flirty
Classy and just sexy enough, this circle-patterned shift is also pricey — but it's so versatile it will see you through all of spring's special occasions. The floaty, body-skimming silhouette is forgiving of midriff bulges, while the elegant pintucks elongate your frame.
Shopping details: Space-dot pintuck dress, $495, Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon; Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus. Earrings, $220, Julie Sandlau. Bangles, $58 for set of seven, Sequin; Henri Bendel.
Fine Print
The appeal of patterns: fool-the-eye flattery that instantly subtracts pounds. Try
dainty dots like those on this waist-concealing empire shift or the sherbet stripes of
this clingy-but-not-tight knit dress.
Shopping details: Polka-dot ruched-bodice dress, $150, Adrianna Papell; Dillard's. Twisted Rope earrings, $179, Jennifer Rose at Supplements New York; Three Lovelies. Woven ballet flats, $94, Talbots. Tuck Stripe dress, $174, and Wavy Cardy, $97, Nic + Zoe. Opera Chain necklace, $148, JJ Singh. Pearla ballet flats, $185, FS/NY French Sole.
Know When to Fold 'Em
Minimize a problematic midsection with this breezy robin's-egg-blue shirtdress. The bold floral motif at the bottom shifts attention away from your tummy, and the sewn-down pleats accommodate a less-than-toned tush.
Shopping details: Cap-sleeve shirtdress, $140, Adrianna Papell; Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom. Turquoise cluster earrings, $45, WA Studios.
Retro Fit
Flaunt pinup girl curves — or fake them — in a crisp cotton stunner that shows off your shape. How it camouflages, whatever your size: The slightly stiff fabric lends support, the wide belt creates the illusion of a nipped-in waist, and the classic black-white combo makes the graphic florals seem sophisticated rather than loud.
Shopping details: Floral sleeveless dress, $119, Josephine Chaus; 888-880-8004. Necklace, $90, Easter Ahn.
Natural Beauty
We gladly guarantee: With its roomy-where-it-counts cut (it glides over wide hips and thighs) and scaled-up botanical print (the allover pattern keeps the eye moving), this
stretch jersey V-neck will become your go-to spring staple. Bonus points for the three-quarter sleeves, which conceal arms in need of coverage.
Shopping details: Chic jersey dress, $98, Boden. Crystal vine earrings, $49, WA Studios. Actress ballet flats, $39, CL by Laundry.
Classy and just sexy enough, this circle-patterned shift is also pricey — but it's so versatile it will see you through all of spring's special occasions. The floaty, body-skimming silhouette is forgiving of midriff bulges, while the elegant pintucks elongate your frame.
Shopping details: Space-dot pintuck dress, $495, Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon; Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus. Earrings, $220, Julie Sandlau. Bangles, $58 for set of seven, Sequin; Henri Bendel.
Fine Print
The appeal of patterns: fool-the-eye flattery that instantly subtracts pounds. Try
dainty dots like those on this waist-concealing empire shift or the sherbet stripes of
this clingy-but-not-tight knit dress.
Shopping details: Polka-dot ruched-bodice dress, $150, Adrianna Papell; Dillard's. Twisted Rope earrings, $179, Jennifer Rose at Supplements New York; Three Lovelies. Woven ballet flats, $94, Talbots. Tuck Stripe dress, $174, and Wavy Cardy, $97, Nic + Zoe. Opera Chain necklace, $148, JJ Singh. Pearla ballet flats, $185, FS/NY French Sole.
Know When to Fold 'Em
Minimize a problematic midsection with this breezy robin's-egg-blue shirtdress. The bold floral motif at the bottom shifts attention away from your tummy, and the sewn-down pleats accommodate a less-than-toned tush.
Shopping details: Cap-sleeve shirtdress, $140, Adrianna Papell; Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom. Turquoise cluster earrings, $45, WA Studios.
Retro Fit
Flaunt pinup girl curves — or fake them — in a crisp cotton stunner that shows off your shape. How it camouflages, whatever your size: The slightly stiff fabric lends support, the wide belt creates the illusion of a nipped-in waist, and the classic black-white combo makes the graphic florals seem sophisticated rather than loud.
Shopping details: Floral sleeveless dress, $119, Josephine Chaus; 888-880-8004. Necklace, $90, Easter Ahn.
Natural Beauty
We gladly guarantee: With its roomy-where-it-counts cut (it glides over wide hips and thighs) and scaled-up botanical print (the allover pattern keeps the eye moving), this
stretch jersey V-neck will become your go-to spring staple. Bonus points for the three-quarter sleeves, which conceal arms in need of coverage.
Shopping details: Chic jersey dress, $98, Boden. Crystal vine earrings, $49, WA Studios. Actress ballet flats, $39, CL by Laundry.
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