Personalizing your LBD

So you hear all the time that a little black dress is a staple item for every woman in her closet. Finding the perfect fit is half the battle. You can't just grab any black dress and call it "the one," thought has to go into it. Just because that dress looks terrific on someone you saw wearing it, does not mean that it will be the one for you. Ask yourself: Will it look good on me? Is my shape being flattered? What is my body shape? Does this dress hit me in all the right places? Understanding your body type is important not only on your quest of your LBD, but in wearing other garments as well. Here are great examples of how to personalize your little black dress according to your body shape.

Pear Shape. Full skirts disguise heavy hips and show off your tiny waist. A fitted halter or strapless silhouette is very flattering, as it shows off your small top half.

Leg Conscious. If you don't want to show off your legs, but still want to look sexy, try to find a longer skirt that hits midcalf or longer. Be careful not to go too long, especially if you are short.

Wide Shoulders. You don't need to hide your shoulders, show them off with an asymmetrical neckline, which will balance out your body. Avoid puffy sleeves, they will make your shoulders appear wider.

Full Bust. V-neck, square neck, sweetheart, and wrap dresses are perfect for you. Look for fabrics that skim, but aren't too clingy or too stiff. Avoid over embellishment tops.

Small Bust. To add more volume, look for embellishment or fullness on the bust.

Hourglass Figure. Mid to large breasts, small waist (about 10in in difference), and curvy hips. Wear dresses with V neck tops with panels or darts and an A-line skirt.

Apple Shape. Larger shoulder than hips. Concentrate on accentuating your waist line with a fitted or pencil skirt.

Straight/Athletic. Very small difference between bust and hips (4-5in). Accentuate hips with an empire waist dress, belts, and some stitched lines 3 inches under your bust.

Happy shopping!! And Happy Fashion Forward Friday!! Have a great weekend :)