Figure-Flattering Dressing
Though particularly valuable during the impending wedding/summer-entertaining season, having one or two of these asset-enhancing, confidence-boosting, and overall hardworking dresses on hand is a seasonless investment.
Ruffles
The beauty of a strategically placed ruffle is that it lends volume without weighing down the silhouette in its entirety—this is especially beneficial around the shoulders to take attention away from not-so-taut upper arms or the chest area (for obvious reasons).
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LISA MARIE FERNANDEZ
Arden Ruffled One-Shoulder
Chambray Maxi Dress Net-a-Porter, $795 -
ERDEM
LUZIA DAISY-BROCADE
RUFFLED DRESS Selfridges, $2,515 -
CO X GOOP
Long Butterfly Dress goop, $995
Printed
The movement of the pretty, fluid fabric creates curves where you don’t have them, while the print acts as a sort of fashion camouflage, effectively masking imperfections. A note to partygoers: Busy patterns hide spills and stains like nobody’s business.
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TORY BURCH Jade Embroidered
Cotton Oxford Midi Dress Net-a-Porter, $550 -
DODO BAR OR Printed Silk
Crepe de Chine Mini Dress Net-a-Porter, $840 -
MSGM Printed twill gown Net-a-Porter, $1,125
Classic Midi
There’s a reason why the somewhat retro, ultra femme snug-top-full-skirt shape has been a closet linchpin for decades: It effortlessly carves out a waist, accentuates the neck, and, with the right accessories, conforms to most dress codes.
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EMILIA WICKSTEAD JULIET FLORAL
AND STRIPED-PRINT DRESS Matches Fashion, $780 -
Ulla Johnson
Juliette Dress goop, $575 -
LEMAIRE Sleeveless
Cotton-Poplin Dress Lemaire, 500 €
Fitted Shirtdresses
A nipped waist, crisp silhouette, and heel-accommodating hemline are the insta-outfit qualities that make a shirtdress stand the test of time…and the bleariest Monday mornings.
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MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION
Capsleeve Dress goop, $895 -
TOME Navy
Cotton Sleeveless Shirtdress Avenue 32, $895 -
ZARA
STUDIO KNOT DRESS Zara, $99.90