How to choose the right summer dress for your body shape, according to experts
The weather might not have received the message just yet, but spring is now in full swing, and we’re starting to think about making space for a few new dresses to see us through the warmer months, whether that's a versatile number you can quickly throw on and feel great in, or a standout option for a special occasion.
Nobody's Child Black Gingham Starlight Midi Dress
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Talia Tea Dress
Best summer wedding guest dress
Tania Shirt Dress
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Cotton Rich Jacquard Maxi Kaftan Dress
Best summer holiday dress
Freemans Animal Print Satin Midi Dress
Best date night dress
While finding a new midi dress to purchase may sound like a simple shopping task, it can often feel overwhelming and like a never-ending quest, with thousands of different styles, lengths, colours, and materials to choose from. So, if this spring you're struggling to find the frock that makes you look and feel your best, we've called in the experts to make your next dress decision a breeze.
And who better than style influencers Claire Hall and Nina Ambrose? The duo who together have over 250k followers on Instagram, and are known for their Size by Side series, where they try on high street outfits and show how they look on different body sizes (Claire is a UK size 10, while Nina is a UK size 18).
Claire, a stylist, and Nina, a singer and presenter, are on a mission to show women of all body shapes, sizes, and ages just how much of a difference a few styling tricks can make to your look, using small tweaks to make a big impact. So, if we trust anyone to recommend some tips and tricks on how to find the perfect dress for you this spring and summer, it's these two.
Reflecting on what she’s learned from Claire since they began posting Size by Side videos, Nina tells Yahoo UK: "I used to wear tent-shaped dresses all the time - it wasn’t because I didn’t like the way I looked, but I just didn’t really know what to wear and hid myself without even realising it.
I always tell women please just try something new, even if you feel sceptical about it. Try it anyway because then you’ll learn what your body looks like in a different style, and you just might like it.Claire
"Now I understand how a cinched waist is so much more flattering on me, or a bit of height on my shoulders with a puff or structured sleeve makes such a huge difference, it makes me stand taller. It’s amazing what you can do just by knowing your body, trying things on and seeing what works for you."
Claire adds: "I often feel sad when women, especially in middle age, shy away from fashion because they think nothing works for them. Fashion can be so much fun and a great way to show your personality! I always tell women, please just try something new, even if you feel sceptical about it. Try it anyway because then you’ll learn what your body looks like in a different style, and you just might like it!"
Here are Claire and Nina’s top tips on what you should think about when it comes to finding the perfect dress to suit you, as well as their top picks for 2024, whether you're after a new dress to wear to the office or a wedding guest dress.
👗Tip 1: Balance the silhouette and accentuate desired areas
When trying to figure out what styles, cuts, and lengths to go for, Claire says it's useful to imagine yourself as an ‘architect’ when planning a outfit.
"Putting together an outfit is all about balance, just like an architect constructs a building. They know how to make proportions work together, how to highlight certain features and disguise others," the stylist explains. "It's all about how you position pieces and make clothes work for your body - I always say that you are the one wearing the clothes, the clothes are not wearing you."
Style is not about trying to get women to look smaller, but instead how they can look more defined.Nina
For example, if you have broad shoulders, pick a dress that will bring attention to your waist; or if you have a chunky thigh, pick shorts with a wider leg opening that will be both more comfortable and flattering.
"You can create optical illusions with what you wear," Claire says.
Nina adds: "Style is not about trying to get women to look smaller, but instead how they can look more defined. And if there are things they do want to hide, which is totally normal when your body is going through a lot of changes during mid-life, then there are ways to disguise some bits while highlighting others in a way that makes you feel better about yourself."
👗 Tip 2: Pick the right length
The length of a dress is also important and can make a huge difference in the way you look. Too long and it swallows you up, too short and it might throw your proportions off.
Claire says: "For me, I like a midaxi, which is not a midi but not a maxi either. Anything shorter looks frumpy, which we want to avoid."
"If you’re petite, don’t be afraid of wearing longer dresses. As long as the silhouette is defined, it won’t swamp you and can in fact make you look taller."
Claire adds "If you’re top-heavy, you need a bit of length too to balance your frame."
However, if you do want to show off your legs in a shorter dress, don’t be afraid to do so. Claire recommends choosing a V-neck or a dress with sleeves that give you a bit of height, so that it squares off your shoulders and brings attention to your shoulder line.
👗 Tip 3: Don't shy away from colour
Going with bold, bright colours and patterns can seem intimidating, but both Claire and Nina love colour. If you're stumped about what kind of colours to go for, Claire's rule of thumb is to use the colour wheel.
"The colour wheel is really useful for trying to see what colours might go together. Colours that are next to each other on the wheel or directly opposite one another tend to work really well."
Pay attention to your complexion, eye colour and hair colour to find complimentary colours. Nina says: "Recently, I discovered that orange compliments my blue eyes so well, because they are directly opposite one another on the colour wheel. It really surprised me!"
Wear a colour that compliments your skin tone and will make your eyes shine. People notice that so much more, and when you wear something you feel good in, that comes through.Claire
Claire also wants to encourage larger women to not shy away from colour in their wardrobes. "A lot of women who are bigger will revert to black or dark colours, but don't do that," she urges. "Wear a colour that compliments your skin tone and will make your eyes shine. People notice that so much more, and when you wear something you feel good in, that comes through."
👗 Tip 4: Embrace accessories
One of the best ways to elevate an outfit is through your accessories. Often, it can be the difference between just wearing a dress versus styling it - the latter being the thing that really makes you look good.
Both Claire and Nina are big fans of accessorising. They love large glasses and sunglasses to frame their face, as well as bags to really pull an outfit together.
When it comes to jewellery, Claire's big rule is: "Choose either big earrings or a big necklace, but not both at the same time because they will just distract one another."
As for arm candy? "Go crazy!" she says. "Pile on as much as you like. You can really let your personality shine through your jewellery."
👗 Claire and Nina's top dress picks for every occasion 👗
Knowing how to choose the right dress is one thing, but with so many choices out there, deciding on just one can be overwhelming. But never fear, we asked Claire and Nina for their top five dress picks for summer 2024 that will see you through a range of occasions. Here are their great, affordable, and flattering recommendations.
Claire and Nina say: "Often called a ‘picnic dress’ this style is easy-to-wear with slides, sandals or trainers. The fullness of the dress is offset by the structured waist and it has pockets. - what’s not to love?!?"
Claire and Nina say: "An eye-catching colour and print, this dress has a universally flattering v-neck & empire-line shaping with generous bell sleeves, so no jacket required."
Claire and Nina say: "Simple and sleek - the cap sleeves frame the body and create a classic, no-nonsense silhouette whilst the oversized buttons give length."
Claire and Nina say: "Cool, cotton fabric in this relaxed style and boho print make this an ideal throw-on - wear over a bikini or for day-tripping."
Claire and Nina say: "An elegant style dress with the hot combo of leopard and lace! The angel sleeves and lace trim visually narrow the waist giving a gorgeous hourglass shape."
