Monday 4 November 2013

Rock the Dress

It's definitely the season where looking good in "Christmas photos" is at the forefront of our minds, and what better way to talk about it in relation to dressing your temporary figure? Now I'm aware that not everyone is on corticosteroids that temporarily blow you up - and yes it is temporary, you will slim down again - but everyone goes through a phase where your body is being unruly and weight loss isn't happening quick enough. Don't stress out over it, you'll reach your goals in due time.

Everyone has an item (or 3) in their wardrobe that is their go-to outfit - mine were my Skinny Jeans. However, I got so bloated that I had to give them up for a while because they made me look bigger than I actually was. This can happen to anyone, but here's the cure...buy dresses that flatter your figure. "Why dresses?"...I'm glad you asked lovelies. Well, mainly because dresses don't have the tendency to cut you off like jeans do. There's no muffin top, or giving yourself third-degree burns because you have to tie the belt so tight. I'm telling you, dresses will rock your world! If you're worried that dresses won't suit you, they will, you just need to step out and own it. You're probably used to wearing Jeans or Trousers, but a dress is most definitely the answer to take you from feeling frumpy and lumpy to sassy and gorgeous!

To kickstart the party season, try these 3 key styles that'll keep you looking fabulous darling!

The Simple Shift

Shift Dresses suit most body shapes and sizes because their loose fitting design means it won't accentuate problem areas. Because of this, you won't have to shy away from prints or bold colours, be confident and try something different. I tend to find that some Shift Dresses fit better than others, in these instances, I tend to size up so that I feel comfortable. Pair with a Biker Jacket and boots for the day, and a blazer and heels for the evening. If you don't want to wear heels, wear some show-stopping flat shoes or boots - with tights, of course.

Navy Tapestry Shift Dress
Dorothy Perkins - £42

Black and White Shift Collar Dress
Dorothy Perkins - £18

Crepe Tee Shift Dress
Topshop - £45

The Sensational Skater

Skater Dresses are a personal favourite of mine because they pull you in at the waist and flare out to a full skirt. To emphasise a narrow waist, place a skinny belt at the narrowest point, but don't tie it too tight...remember, we're avoiding third-degree burns. You can't go wrong with a Skater dress, you'll feel and look feminine and classy whenever you put this on. Wear with an oversized cardigan, Chelsea or distressed boots for a casual relaxed day look, and glam it up with a cropped blazer (so that the hem of the jacket sits perfectly over the flared skirt) and courts or shoeboots for a night out.
Black Metallic Paisley Jacquard Skater Dress
New Look - £29.99

Ivory Lace top 2in1 Dress
Dorothy Perkins - £22

Grey Boucle Panel Skater Dress
River Island - £32

The Marvellous Midi

The Midi Dress is the perfect solution when you want to throw on something that is simple but elegant. Midi refers to the length of the dress, but I'll be showing bodycon dresses as I can't get enough of them this season - it's a style that looks great on everyone. They come in petite too, so no one should feel excluded when purchasing. For a casual day look, wear with any comfortable flats - I love wearing them with my vans and a biker jacket. By night, team with high heels, a blazer and a statement necklace.

AX Paris Burgundy Snakeskin Midi Dress
New Look - £25

Paisley Textured Midi Dress
Miss Selfridge - £35


Dark Red Necklace Trim Midi Dress
New Look - £22


A word of advice, and no I'm not crazy...Try the dresses on in the shop and glam yourself up beforehand. I'm guilty of going into shops when I feel and sometimes look a mess. Believe me, it can cloud your judgement regarding a particular outfit. By doing this, the outfit will instantly look better on you because you've made an effort. It's not always easy to visualise how well you'll look if your appearance says something different. (I can't be the only one out there that's guilty of this, can I?)

There are plenty of dresses out there that will help transform your mood as well as your image. Sometimes the right outfit is all you need to give your confidence a boost and take your mind off of weight problems and health issues. But keep this in mind, just because you may have piled on a few pounds doesn't mean your any less charming than when you were a little slimmer. Avoid wearing greys and blacks all the time and apologising for your larger frame to people who make comments about it. Work what you have and be the sassy, charming and beautiful person you always have been. Go on, swap your comfort pants for a beautiful dress and dazzle this season! 

Always remember to keep smiling and stay fabulous,
Sam xx