Source: Eonline.com
     The party season is in full swing. As exciting as it is – especially if you’ve been invited to the party of the year or were asked out by the man you’ve had your eye on – the pressure of finding exactly the right dress can change the excitement into stress. Here are some tips on finding a dress that will make you the belle of the ball.

What’s the occasion?
     The first thing to do is to figure out what kind of dress you need. How formal is the occasion? Do you need a long evening gown? Or is a short dress more appropriate? Restrained and classic, or shiny and sparkly? While you don’t have to dress just like everyone else, you do want to feel comfortable. And that means choosing a dress that’s not too far out of line with what everyone else will be wearing. A cocktail dress in a conservative style is almost always appropriate. If in doubt, ask the hostess.
What color makes you look your best?
     Skin tone comes in as many different shades as fabric, and some go together better than others. WeWomen offers these tips on choosing a color:
  • Dark skin: While the “little black dress” is a classic, black and brown can make darker-skinned women fade into the background. You’ll look best in pastels: white, pink, yellow, green, etc. For the holidays, gold and silver may be fantastic choices.
Source – Vogue. Lupita gets it right!
  • Medium skin: The little black dress was made for you. Other neutrals like grays and browns work well, too, as do reds and blues. Go for the classic colors.
Source: Vogue. This color would look fab on Medium skin beauties
  • Fair skin: Stay away from whites, yellows and most pastels. Reds and greens can be perfect for this time of year, especially if you have dark hair. Other than that, bright colors look fabulous on women with fair skin, and a holiday party is the perfect time to be daring.
Source: Vogue. Jennifer looks lovely in this number!
What style best suits your figure?
     When it comes to party dresses for women, there’s a style for every figure. You just need to find one that highlights your best assets and camouflages the areas you’d rather downplay. Mad Moose Mama has some great tips as well as a diagram that helps you identify your body type.
  • If you have a straight figure, go with a dress that creates curves. Nipped waists, peplums, and floaty fabrics all do a great job of adding shape. Shiny fabrics will accentuate the curves you do have. A straight cut with spaghetti straps will draw attention to your bust, and an empire cut is always flattering.
Source: Vogue. Julia Roberts rocks the peplum
  • If you have an apple or pear shape – meaning you’re bigger around the waist or hips – you’ll look best in dresses that accentuate your upper body. Collars, low necklines, and embellishments on the shoulders or bodice will all do the trick. Stay away from short jackets, as they can make you look boxy. Choose soft, flowing fabrics that move with your body instead of hugging every curve. And remember that shiny fabrics accentuate both curves and unwanted bulges.
Source: Vogue. This dress is perfect for pear shaped ladies. It cinches below the bust and then flows out.
  • If you’re lucky enough to have an hourglass figure, you don’t have to worry about camouflage. Your mission is to find a dress that accentuates your figure, although the website BlogHer recommends showing off only one body part at a time – pairing a short skirt with a high neckline, for instance. But don’t hide your cute figure under bulky fabrics or loose fits. Choose clingy fabrics that hug your figure. A belt will accentuate your small waist. Wrap dresses or dresses with nipped waists are always a good choice, but you can wear almost anything.
Source: Vogue. This dress is perfect to display the hour glass figure to perfection!
  • Both large and small-busted women look good in low-cut dresses. Square necklines are especially flattering on women with larger busts. When it comes to straps, wide straps offer more support. Spaghetti straps look delicate and classy on small-busted women. Larger women can also get away with spaghetti straps, especially if you want to minimize your bust.
Source: Vogue. Kate flaunts her figure in this deep V number
     Few things are more exciting than heading out to a party or waiting on your date to arrive when you know you look stunning in a dress that could have been made for you. Arming yourself with a little knowledge before you go shopping will pave the way for a night to remember.
About the author: 
     Sophie West loves keeping up with women’s fashions and trends. She enjoys blogging about beautiful and flattering style for every woman.