We have received so many inquiries about this, we decided to run it again, in keeping with the spirit of the season.

THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS FOR BUSTY TYPES, READ HERE

Above: Fendi Chiffon Dress

Finding the perfect little black dress for yourself this holiday season should be a snap if you follow these simple guide lines.

 Bear in mind that your LBD should be able to go from daytime to night time as well. A simple cardigan or blazer over any of these dresses should complete the transformation but please make the night cover ups quite sexy. To avoid wardrobe malfunctions, don’t leave home without your Fashion Tape.

Rule #1 Identify your body type. In order to get a little black dress that works for your body and your wardrobe, you have to understand what looks good on you — a deceptively simple task, if you are honest with yourself. There are 5 simple basic body types. Get a tape measure and have a friend measure you but before you do, make sure you have on great foundation underwear. It is the basis of a great fit.

HOURGLASS: Picture Oprah or at the other end of the spectrum,Halle Berry. You are extremely curvy. You are a voluptuous woman, with a bigger chest, an indented waist, and a noticeable curve to your hips.
Medium to large bust. You have naturally curvy hips. The ideal dress for you is a sheath. Also draw attention to the upper part of your body and try to go as classic as you can. It’s very easy for this figure type to go …. you know where.

Solution: You might want to let your accessories do the talking as this figure is actually screaming so play it classic but not boring in this Classy Little Black Dress from Black Halo below.
Once again, wearing a dress with a built in corset will make even Dita Von Teese review her agenda.

PEAR SHAPE/ LARGE HIPS-SMALL BUST: Picture Jennifer Lopez, Goldie Hawn and Beyonce. Your ideal choices are an A-line , empire waist, a strapless dress or one with a bustier. Anything that will emphasize your great upper body and also infer to the fact that you have an amazing waistline such as this Tracy Reese Runway Evening Frock and how about a gorgeous Narciso Rodriguez priced just right.

At $269.00 from $895.00, you’ll have enough left over for Christmas gifts after you buy this Narciso Rodriguez Cotton and Linen Striped Dress.  The Silk Georgette Off Shoulder Dance Dress by Tadashi below shows off your assets, emphasizing the waistline and balancing the entire silhouette.

INVERTED TRIANGLE/LARGE BUST-SLIM HIPS : Jamie Lee Curtis, Pamela Anderson. You have a larger bust and relatively slim hips.The easiest thing to want to do here is cover up your shoulders. They will merely look bigger. Draw attention to the most fabulous part of your body, namely your narrow hips without hiding your shoulders.

Solution: Your shape will be enhanced by a fitted top and straight skirt that is wider at the hip and falls straight (a “pipe” shape), unlike a pencil skirt that tapers at the knee.
A dress with just the right amount of swing works wonders. Make sure the swing begins bfore the widest point of the hips. This gorgeous Tie Front Hunter Green Jersey Dress by Tadashi below, has a modest neckline and draped contouring that is flattering to all figures.This really slims the frame by drawing the eye away from the bust and to the narrowness of the waist and slimness of the hips.

RECTANGULAR/ATHLETIC :Picture Madonna, Cameron Diaz. Generally stay away from belts that hit you at your smallest point since you have none. Try dresses with belts that sit on your hips. A sheath is also perfect for this body type.

 You are pretty much straight, up and down. I don’t mind saying this, its my body type.

The difference between your bust measurement and hip measurement is about 5 ins. You are shaped a little like a boy, with a longer torso that goes right into your hips. This shape — in which the torso and hips are often in a straight line — is usually accompanied by a broader shoulder .

Typically non-existent waistline but great shoulders so the trick is to display those shoulders without looking like a football player.

Solution: Show off your assets. You need to create the illusion of curves by picking a dress with a slightly empire shape. Look for details like a line (piping or stitching) about three inches (7.5 cm) under the bust. This will give you a waistline where there is none and naturally enhance your bust. A drop waist is also ideal for this figure. Show off the strong well built shoulders in this Black Strapless Jersey Dresses by Nicole Miller below. If a strapless dress is not your thing The Black Halo Double Chain Sheath Dress  (above) is pleated from the shoulders and beneath the elasticized waist creates shape, while the deep V-neck is crossed with two draping golden chains.

SMALL SLOPING SHOULDERS? Yes, we understand. All the dresses fit below the waistline and are giant in the shoulder. You still also don’t want to show your arms. What to do?

Solution:A dress with a bateau neck or cap sleeves is fantastic and gives you the illusion of a perfectly symmetrical shape. It extends the shoulders outwards. Try this when looking for coats as well.

If you are on the smaller side, a Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti Runway Beaded Shift Dress will do the trick time and time again and if you are of regular build, try the Black Lace Cap Sleeve Dress by Tadashi below which boasts a very modern cut, shape and fabric.

BIG TUMMY

This is not the season to go in a tent and you don’t have to stuff yourself like a sausage in body control products. How can you enjoy yourself if you can’t breathe. Since your widest point is your waistline, let the camouflage begin in a modern shift below. Another option is this Thakoon Cinch-Front Dress. Ridiculously priced at $479.00 marked down from $1,195.00, you’ll enjoy bragging rights in this dress for years to come.

Rule #2 Identify your fabric. Go easy on the black dress made from matte jersey, make sure it fits, although that fabric is fluid and stretches for comfort (great for exercise pants), settle on a soft wool gabardine with a touch of Lycra that will hold its shape — as well as yours.

For women with a more challenging body type, the best little black dress will be unstructured and of a fabric that does not drape (which means NO Lycra). The shape of this dress should be accented with individualized tailoring details, according to each woman’s body shape.

LACEis this seasons’ sexy fabric du jour. Even Cindy McCain in her primness can pull off this fabric,stay sexy and in control. This gorgeous Black Fur Lace Dress by Tony Bowls below, pulls out all the stops. It has full length black lace sleeves that flare at the cuff. A black fun stole creates a dramatic silhouette.

Another knockout lace piece is this Nanette Lepore Do The Hustle Dress . Classic, demure, sexy, breathtaking - everything you want to be.

THE CUT: If you a little older and not so confident about your decollete, go with something a little higher in the neckline but no turtle necks, please:). That just takes the fun out of sexy. If you must camouflage your neck, click here.

ACCESSORIES : Okay we know this has almost nothing with this post but the whole point of a basic black dress are the killer accessories. The shoes, the clutch purse, nothing cumbersome otherwise you spoil the whole LBD effect, the necklace or the killer earrings.

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