It’s the season for fab eveningwear but which style suits your body shape best? Jaine Blackman sizes up the festive partywear

Alongside all the gifts for your nearest and dearest, top of the shopping list may be a killer dress to see you through Christmas and the New Year.

The sales will be starting in Oxford stores soon – in fact there are already big reductions in some – but don’t be tempted to just grab the first bit of glittery eveningwear which catches your eye.

If you really want to make an impact, you’d do better to consider your size and shape before you reach for the shop rails.

Whether you’re pear-shaped or petite, boyish or busty, here are the five most desirable dresses of the season... one of them has your name written all over it.

THE WRAP DRESS BEST FOR: Those with a larger bust.

WHY? Because, in contrast, a high neckline gives the impression of what is delightfully termed a “uniboob”. Same goes for halter necks, which can push them too far north. A wrap or V-neck dress, on the other hand, separates and showcases your best assets beautifully.

Darker colours are more slimming, so if you want to go for a festive hue, make it burgundy rather than holly red, and be careful with all-over sequins or frills which can add bulk.

WEAR IT WITH: A supportive plunge bra. If you’ve never been properly measured, what are you waiting for? While you’re shopping for your dress, head to the nearest lingerie department and do so immediately. It will change your life... or at least the fit of your party look.

TWO TO TRY: M&Co Velvet Embellished Velour Wrap Dress, £49 (mandco.com) Jenny Packham Designer Dark Red Sequin Embellished Maxi Dress, currently reduced to £157.50 from £225 (debenhams.com)

THE ILLUSION DRESS BEST FOR: Curvy figures.

WHY? Avoiding horizontal stripes is obvious for larger ladies, but an illusion dress goes one step further: carefully placed panels or embellishment giving the impression of a narrower silhouette. Just make sure the fabric is dense enough, jacquard is perfect, so it skims over any bumpy bits, and steer clear of ruffles or sparkle on areas you don’t want to draw attention to, like the hips or bust.

WEAR IT WITH: Super-supportive underpinnings. Spanx or high-waisted control pants will enhance the slimming effect of your frock. Sizeable accessories are good too, chunky earrings and court shoes are proportionally better than dainty chains and skinny-strapped heels.

TWO TO TRY: Neutral Lace Leaf Panel Dress, reduced to £40 from £70 (wallis.co.uk) M&S Collection Drop A Dress Size White Dress, £89, available in store (marksandspencer.com)

THE BARDOT DRESS BEST FOR: Boyish figures.

WHY? Because you’re lucky enough to be able to wear a strapless bra, or even go bra-less, without feeling dangerously unsupported in the chest region, so this sexy off-the-shoulder style fits like a glove. Keep the focus on your pins with a clingy bodycon number, or go girly with something skater- or full-skirted.

A word of warning, though; make sure the neckline doesn’t fall too low. It should hit just below the shoulder, otherwise it can have a depleting effect on your bust. If your Bardot has an empire line or high waist, even better.

WEAR IT WITH: A moulded cup or push-up strapless bra to add curves.

TWO TO TRY: Topshop Lace Hem Sequin Bardot Dress, £250, online exclusive (topshop.com) Fever Fish Bardot Off Shoulder Dress, pictured, currently reduced to £24 from £30 (dorothyperkins.com)

Oxford Mail:

THE PROM DRESS BEST FOR: Pear shapes.

WHY? Because you want to draw attention to your top half and skim over your bottom. A traditional fifties prom style will do just that, as long as you bear in mind a couple of other pointers. First, the skirt shouldn’t be too big, so a million layers of tulle is a no-no, and dark colours on the bottom are preferable. Second, make sure the waist is cinched in at your narrowest point, and look for eye-catching embellishment on the top half.

WEAR IT WITH: A blingy necklace (if the dress hasn’t already got embellishment) to draw the eye upwards.

TWO TO TRY: Lovedrobe Skater Dress, £49 (simplybe.co.uk) Little Mistress Blue Embellished Dress, pictured, £60 (evans.co.uk)

Oxford Mail:

THE DIP HEM DRESS BEST FOR: Tall girls

WHY? So you can show off your enviable pins, but won’t feel so exposed at the back. Plus, it’s more dressy than a straight-up cocktail frock. A dip hem gives you the best of both worlds and it’s easier than trying to find a maxi dress that doesn’t stop somewhere north of your ankles. Still worried about looking too lanky? Try a dress with contrasting colours on the top and bottom halves, so that it breaks up the long silhouette.

WEAR IT WITH: A skinny belt, if the dress is all one colour, or a bold necklace, but not both at the same time.

TWO TO TRY: Lipsy Embellished Dip Hem Dress, £55 (asos.com) Strapless Knot Front High Low Hem Dress, reduced to £22 from £46 (fashionworld.co.uk)

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