Slimming Party Dresses for Every Shape and Size.

last updated 27 November 2017

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The festive season is here, and we can pretty much guess that your calendar is quickly filling up with parties, gift exchanges, and family gatherings right before your eyes. Wanting to look your absolute best at these types of events is completely natural, and in order to do that, you want to feel as comfortable as possible in your own skin. We find that the most effective plan of attack is to know your body shape and find a dress that does your fabulous figure justice.

Below we have rounded up a variety of figures and the dress styles that flatter them best. From styles that flatter rectangle to pear shapes, hourglass to apple, the dresses ahead are meant to not only make you feel like the best version of yourself possible but to also show off the features you want to flaunt this holiday season.

Scroll down to shop the dresses that flatter every body type.

APPLE

Look for dresses that have an empire or swing waist. Anything that floats away from your body will create the streamlined silhouette you're looking for.

Paper London

Rufus Asymmetric Silk-Blend Satin Dress

The asymmetric hem gives this vibrant piece a modern touch.

Zara

Sequined Dress With Fringe

Sequins and fringing? We're sold.

Self-Portrait

3D Floral Guipure Lace Dress

Opt for soft pinks and cold-shoulder detailing when you crave a more sophisticated look.

RECTANGLE

If your natural shape is straight and athletic, choose a dress that creates the curves you're lacking for you. Draping and ruching will be your best friends in this scenario.

Attico

Suzanne Embellished Midi Dress

This dress will definitely land you a New Year's kiss.

Marks & Spencer

Lace Colour Block Midi Dress

This pretty lace detailing and angled colour will add shape and interest.

& Other Stories

Crossover Velvet Dress

The Zara dress every fashion girl wants right now.

HOURGLASS

If your smallest feature is your waist, it's time to show it off! Wrap dresses or any frock that ties at your mid-section will draw all the attention to your teeny-tiny waist, and distract from the areas you wish to conceal.

Attico

Striped Sequinned Wrap Dress

The ultimate party dress and super flattering to boot.

Kitri

Odile Red Wrap Dress

Style with lashings of gold jewellery.

Ted Baker

Bronzey Heart Print Strapless Dress

Showing off your collarbones is always flattering, and the cinched waist and wide skirt will help too.

INVERTED TRIANGLE

If you are larger on top and smaller on the bottom, you will want to look for silhouettes that have something exciting going on down below. This way, your eye is drawn to the lower half of your body which also happens to be your tiniest feature—a win-win!

River Island

Pink Fringed Swing Dress

Go-go–inspired and party-ready.

Mango

Ruffle Metallic Dress

This silky number won't need much adding to it other than a pair of heels and a slick of lipstick.

Gucci

Plissé Dress

What better way to make your soirée debut than with this showstopping dress?

PEAR

For those of you who carry the majority of your weight down below, opt for a dress with a skirt that hits you at your waist but floats away from your body from there. In other words, a fit-and-flare shape will do just the trick.

Uterqüe

Mini Mesh Effect Dress

Christmas is a great time to make a bold statement.

Nicholas

Maxi Spot Dress

There are so many things to love about this piece, and it'll carry you from now right through to summer and back again.

Sandro

Lace-Panel Jersey Dress

It's the little details that matter, after all.Up next, for those that prefer a monochrome look, our edit of the best little black dresses.This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.Opening Image: The Style Stalker and Style du Monde

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Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over eight years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Kristen Stewart.

She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.