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Dress To Thrill

Underwear

Ok, so first things’ first choosing the right underwear is essential to ensure you create the right shape for your chosen outfit. Make sure you pick the correct size especially if you are opting for shapewear – you may think that you’ll look thinner in the smaller size but trust me the right size is much more flattering. Below there are some great options whatever style of dress you choose.

Multi-way Bra: If you are wearing a halter neck, strapless or backless dress you should opt for a multi-way bra as this will help you keep your shape without ghastly bra straps showing. Many of them come with special halter neck options or you could pick a bra with a clear back. Figleaves have a great selection of multi-way bras including a saucy little red Wonderbra which I’ve purchased to go under my LBD – very festive!

Shapewear: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, shapewear is a girl’s best friend – all the stars are wearing big pants and if you have chosen a tight, show stopping dress, suck it all in undergarments are the only way to go! Marks and Spencer were one of the original designers of the magic pant and their collection is still one of the best on the market. Don’t be put off by the price - it’ll be worth it when you see how svelte you look in the photos!

Enhancements:Whether your boobs are too big or too small there are now bras on the market that work wonders no matter what type of chest you are aiming for. Again good old Marks and Spencer do a great range of minimising bras for those of you who are well endowed whilst Knickerbox have loads of items that are great for smaller chests - believe me I know!!

Sexy: If you are looking for some knock out underwear whether to keep to yourself or share with a secret Santa there are loads of sexy sets on the market – check out La Senza who do some lovely pieces at great prices. If you are looking to push the boat out though every girl would love some underwear from Agent Provocateur – be warned however their site is not for the faint hearted!

Dresses

Christmas is the time for dresses, don’t ask me why but everyone seems to don one whether for the Office Party, a night out with the girls or for those of you who are posh – on Christmas day!! There are loads of hot styles on the market this year and this should help you to narrow them down!

Shapes

Pear Shape: Pears are in the majority in the UK and you should aim to draw attention away from your hips and thighs with your outfit. Try a dress with a bustier top to draw attention to your assets! Check out Next who has a great range of dresses this year that are more than fitting for pear shapes this season!

Full Figured: If you have curves all over celebrate them this season and opt for a ball gown or A-line number which will skim your curves and flatter your figure. Wallis has a great selection this year and even has a section of dresses especially for women with curves. If you are worried about wearing a dress with small straps don’t be afraid to accessorise with a cardi, bolero or pashmina.

Apple: Apples are thicker in the middle and as a result high waisted dresses are the best option. Luckily for you, these are hot on the High Street this season. Topshop have a great range of high dresses this year which you can order online. Don’t be afraid of colour or embellishments – Christmas is the time to sparkle!

Styles

LBD: It’s a classic that should never be forgotten – epitomised by super skinny Audery Hepburn it can work for women of all shapes and sizes. This is mainly because wearing one colour will make you look thinner – you see, it’s not rocket science! If you do opt for black remember to accessorise well – make a statement by mixing black and silver or black and gold – but remember never mix your metals! La Redoute have a great selection of LBD at amazing prices online.

Ball gowns: If you have somewhere extra special to go a ball gown may be the only thing fitting enough for the occasion. Whether you are looking for a full length gown or a cocktail dress you want it to look special – check out the selection on offer from Emma Sommerset who can cater for women of all ages. I picked up an amazing dress in electric blue from here and it’s fabulous – yes, I know, I like to stand out!

Vintage: Vintage just never gets old (pardon the pun!) Vintage collections are hot on the high street this season and if you are looking to wow at an event this Christmas, vintage could be the way to go. I am a particular fan of Miss Selfridge and they have excelled themselves recently with their wonderful line of vintage dresses made of opulent materials and great colours. You’ll have to be quick though numbers are limited and they are selling out quick – you have been warned!