Flattering Little Black Dresses for Every Shape

Look for: Strapless, asymmetrical, halter, or racerback cuts. Sleeveless styles, like the sheath here, and spaghetti straps bare and flatter arms. Cap sleeves are best on the thin-limbed, since they hit at the widest part of the upper arm. “Sheer or lace sleeves are also a trendy way to show off arms—and stay warm,” says Lindsay Albanese, a celebrity stylist based in New York City.

Avoid: Long, blousy sleeves, in which the shape of your arms will get lost. If you have broad shoulders, pass up a strapless cut in favor of a halter or an asymmetrical one, since these help break up width.

Dress by Calvin Klein. Enzo Angiolini heels. Sequin earrings. Banana Republic necklace and clutch.

Look for: A short hemline, obviously. Or choose a knee-length dress with a front or side slit. “Ruffles or embellishment at the bottom of the dress also draws the eye toward the legs,” says Albanese.

Avoid: Midcalf-length dresses, particularly if you have short legs or muscular calves, because this cut accentuates the widest part of the leg. It’s also a good idea to steer clear of styles that are short and exposed up top. “A high neckline or long sleeves are a tasteful, modern foil to bare legs,” says Paul Petzy, a New York City–based stylist.

Dress by Milly.

Look for: Rear-view design elements—such as a slit (as with the dress pictured here); a low, draped cut; or a bow (like on the sheath on the next slide)—that bring attention to the back. “Racerback and halter styles also help create an unforgettable exit,” says Albanese.

Avoid: Dresses that dip too far below the middle of your back. “Just a hint of skin is sexy enough,” says Petzy.

Dress by Shipley & Halmos.

Look for: Belts, bows, seaming, or gathers, all of which make the middle the focal point. “Full, 1950s-style silhouettes are back in fashion and do a great job of flaunting a svelte waist while hiding the hips,” says Adam Yankauskas, the creative director of Maggy London. The dress shown here marries timeless romance with an utterly flattering silhouette.

Avoid: Empire cuts, shapeless shifts, and drop-waist dresses, which skim over the midsection entirely.

Dress by Tracy Reese.

Look for: A body-hugging style, like a wrap dress or a sheath, that emphasizes your backside. A flouncy peplum waist (shown here) highlights the rear, too. “Choose a quality fabric, such as a stretch wool, a substantial jersey, or a heavy silk, to lift and support your curves,” recommends Petzy.

Avoid: A too-tight fit. “If the dress is pulling or creasing, go up a size,” says Albanese. A flimsy fabric, like thin rayon or silk, can also reveal too much underneath.

Dress by Rebecca Taylor.

Look for: A flattering neckline—V-neck, scoop, square, or sweetheart—to create a nice framework for your décolletage. “Embellishments at the neckline will also draw attention upward. But if you’re bigger than a D cup, it may be overkill,” says Yankauskas.

Avoid: Crewnecks and boatnecks, which cover you up and can exaggerate large breasts. A plunging neckline isn’t much better, since it easily veers into not-so-appropriate territory.

Dress by Aidan Mattox.

First of all, “skip the passé nude panty hose,” says stylist Paul Petzy, who prefers bare legs or one of these more winter-friendly choices.

• For a classic look: Stick with sheer black stockings.
• To appear slimmer: Choose opaque black tights (with or without a control top) to create an elongating effect.
• For something a little different: Go for texture—herringbone, dots, or lace, as seen in the pair pictured here from Michael Stars ($24, Beyond Cotton, 501-221-1539).
• To stand out: Try tights in plum, teal, or burgundy.

Oh, yeah? Check out these curve-conscious designers.

• Adrianna Papell, sizes 14 to 22, nordstrom.com.
• David Meister, sizes 14 to 24, davidmeister.com.
• Igigi by Yuliya Raquel, sizes 12 to 32, igigi.com.
• Kiyonna, sizes 10 to 32, kiyonna.com.
• Lafayette 148 New York, sizes 14 to 24, lafayette148.com.