This is how you choose the right summer dress for your body shape, according to experts

The weather may not have gotten the message yet, but spring is now in full swing and we’re starting to think about making room for a few new dresses to get us through the warmer months. Whether that’s a versatile number you can quickly throw on and feel good in, or a standout option for a special occasion.

While finding a new midi dress may sound like a simple shopping task, it can often feel overwhelming and like an endless search, with thousands of different styles, lengths, colors and materials to choose from. So if you’re having trouble finding it this spring the dress that will make you look and feel your best, we’ve called in the experts to make your next wardrobe decision a breeze.

And who better than style influencers Claire Hall and Nina Ambrose? The duo have more than 250,000 followers between them on Instagram and are known for their Size by Side series, in which they try on high street outfits and show what they look like at different body sizes (Claire is a UK size 10, while Nina is a UK size ). 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 the difference a few styling tricks can make to your look. a huge impact. So if we trust anyone to recommend tips and tricks for finding the perfect dress for you this spring and summer, it’s these two.

Reflecting on what she’s learned from Claire since they started posting Size by Side videos, Nina tells Yahoo UK: “I used to wear tented dresses – not because I didn’t look nice, but I just didn’t really know what to wear and hid myself without even realizing it.

“Now I understand that a cinched waist flatters me so much, or that a little height on my shoulders with a puff or structured sleeve makes such a big difference in helping me stand taller. It’s amazing what you can do just by knowing your body, trying things out and seeing what works for you.”

Claire adds: “I often feel sad when women, especially in midlife, 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 to try something new, even if you’re skeptical about it. Try it anyway, because you’ll learn what your body looks like in a different style, and you might like it!”

Here are Claire and Nina’s top tips on what to think about when it comes to finding the perfect dress to suit you, as well as their top picks for 2024, whether you’re looking for a new dress for the office or a wedding guest dress.

👗Tip 1: Balance the silhouette and accentuate desired areas

When figuring out which styles, cuts and lengths to choose, Claire says it’s helpful to imagine yourself as an ‘architect’ when planning an outfit.

“Putting together an outfit is all about balance, just like an architect builds a building. They know how to make proportions work together, how to emphasize certain features and conceal others,” the stylist explains. “It’s about how you position the pieces and how you make clothes work for your body. I always say that you are the one wearing the clothes, and the clothes don’t wear you.”

For example, if you have broad shoulders, choose a dress that draws attention to your waist; or if you have thick thighs, choose shorts with a wider leg opening, which is both more comfortable and flattering.

“You can create optical illusions with what you wear,” says Claire.

Nina adds: “Style isn’t about trying to make women look smaller, it’s about how to make them look more defined. And if there are things they want to hide, which is completely normal when your body is going through a lot of changes When you’re halfway through life, there are ways to hide some parts and emphasize others in a way that makes you feel better about yourself.”

👗 Tip 2: Choose the right length

The length of a dress is also important and can make a big difference in the way you look. Too long and it swallows you up, too short and it can deviate your proportions.

Claire says: “For me, I like a midaxi, which is neither a midi nor a maxi. Anything shorter looks frumpy, which we want to avoid.”

“If you’re short, don’t be afraid to wear longer dresses. As long as the silhouette is defined, it won’t crowd you and may even make you look bigger.”

Claire adds, “If you’re top-heavy, you also need some length to balance your frame.”

However, if you 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 some length, so that it fits nicely on your shoulders and draws attention to your shoulder line.

👗 Tip 3: Don’t shy away from color

It can seem intimidating to go for bold, bright colors and patterns, but both Claire and Nina love color. If you don’t know which colors to choose, Claire’s rule of thumb is to use the color wheel.

“The color wheel is very useful for trying to see which colors go together. Colors that are next to each other on the wheel or directly across from each other usually work very well.”

Pay attention to your skin tone, eye color and hair color to find complementary colors. Nina says, “I recently discovered that orange matches my blue eyes so well because they are exactly opposite each other on the color wheel. It really surprised me!”

Claire also wants to encourage larger women not to shy away from color in their wardrobe. “Many women who are larger will revert to black or dark colors, but don’t do that,” she urges. “Wear a color that matches your skin tone and makes your eyes shine. People notice that so much more, and when you wear something that makes you feel good, it comes through.”

👗 Tip 4: Embrace accessories

One of the best ways to take an outfit to the next level is through your accessories. Often it can be the difference between wearing a dress and styling it; the latter is precisely what makes you look really good.

Both Claire and Nina are big fans of accessories. They love large glasses and sunglasses to frame their faces, as well as bags to really complete an outfit.

When it comes to jewelry, Claire’s big rule is: “Choose big earrings or a big necklace, but not both at the same time, as they will only distract from each other.”

As for arm candy? “Being driven crazy!” she says. “Stack on as many as you want. You can really let your personality shine through your jewelry.”

👗 Claire and Nina’s top dresses for every occasion 👗

Knowing how to choose the right dress is one thing, but with so many options, choosing just one can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, we asked Claire and Nina for their top five clothing picks for summer 2024 that will see you through a variety of occasions. Here are their great, affordable and flattering recommendations.