Wearing tunics and dresses over jeans or pants is my favourite look. I’m all for outfit variety, but when it comes to a uniform, this is mine. I was first inspired by the look when my late mother sported the trend in the ‘70’s. There’s something extremely elegant AND funky about this ensemble combination and I’ve been besotted with it ever since. I started incorporating this look into my wardrobe 10 years ago and I haven’t looked back.

You don’t need to be tall or tiny to wear tunics and dresses over pants with style. It’s a question of getting the components and proportions right. You’ll need to pair slim boot cuts, straight legs, skinnies, leggings or clamdiggers with the right tunic or dress. Here’s how:

• The correct length: The shorter you are, the shorter you’ll need to go on the tunic or dress. You’re looking at a length somewhere between mid-thigh and a few inches above the knee. Go shorter or longer and you’ve lost that long lean line. Regular height and taller gals can shop in petites for this item as it often brings the hemline up to the correct place.
• The correct silhouette: Pear-shaped and apple-shaped gals need structured A-line silhouettes like shift dresses and baby dolls. Hourglasses, inverted triangles and rectangles get away with straighter and more fitted styles like shirt dresses and sheaths.
• Heels or flats: The trend is especially good with some sort of heel if you’re petite or pear-shaped, but it’s not a necessity. Judge the overall look once the ensemble is complete.

Chances are high you’ll need to commit a tunic or dress to wear over jeans or pants. It’s seldom that a dress will work over pants and on its own. It’s either too short to wear as a dress, or too long to wear over pants. Sometimes dress and tunic lengths work out perfectly and you get the biggest bang for your fashion buck by wearing them both ways, but it’s no guarantee.

Pairing tunics and dresses over pants is comfortable. And the right style tunic or dress is particularly forgiving around the tummy and thigh area if those are spots you’re self conscious about. Don’t be afraid to try something new. You can be a modern-classic that pushes the fashion envelope once in a while.

Tunics of varying lengths worn over pants, jeans and clamdiggers.

These are the types of dresses that work well over pants provided they are the correct length. From left to right: Sheath, shift, shirtdress and baby doll.

The Holiday Season is in full swing and that means cocktail parties, office do’s and New Year’s celebrations. The holiday party cheat sheet aims to give you a good starting point for planning your outfit. It covers the four big areas you’ll be thinking about:  your dress, your cover-up, your shoes and your handbag. You’ll also find some pointers back to related blog entries.

Please comment here if you have any feedback or questions and, as always, use Ask Angie if there is a specific question that you would prefer to ask in private.

Dresses aren’t your only option for holiday bashes, but they are the most fashionably festive and feminine choice in this frock-focused season. I’ve been blogging about alternative “non-dress” party looks and will continue to do so over the next week, so stay tuned. Unleash those fabulous outfits and let the merrymaking begin!

Above-the-knee shift, sheath and tunic dresses are extremely popular this season, and if I’m not mistaken this trend will continue into Spring. Wearing the correct type of heel with a raised hemline is imperative if you’re to keep your look hip and chic. It’s best to wear chunkier heels or a shoe with a little more foot coverage when sporting a mini dress or skirt. A skimpy dress paired with a skinny heeled shoe gives the illusion that you’re going to topple over, but a chunky heel somehow balances out the look.

The exception: skinny-heeled, knee-length boots with raised hemlines somehow works. The extra coverage that you get from the boots achieves a striking balance.

The haute couture illustrations are a little over the top, but they do perfectly illustrate the mini dress with chunky shoe look.

The short sequined dress is a strong new party look. “New” is relative because I remember a similar disco look in the 70’s and the use of all-over stretch sequin fabrication in the ‘80’s. It was then that I owned a garish shocking pink stretch sequin boob-tube (or tube top as they are called in America) and skin tight stretch sequin miniskirts and dresses were all the rage. Bring back any memories of your own?

Thankfully, 70’s and 80’s fashion that repeats itself is normally better the second time around, and this season is no different. Sequined frocks are now A-line and roomy, but still as sparkly as ever. Styles are either sequined from side seam to side seam, or partially sequin-embellished. I personally prefer the latter because a spot of sparkle goes a long way. Sequins from head to knee remind me of fish scales and can look a little cheap if the quality is not up to scratch. On the other hand, I have seen expensive, fully sequin-embellished dresses look magnificent. The sequins are normally a little smaller, a little closer together and not quite as plastic looking.

The right sequin dress paired with the correct accessories can look fab. Wear one of these to any bash and you’re sure to be noticed.

Short fully sequined dresses can be matched with opaque tights, sheer hose or no hose at all. You’ll find that most of the necklines of these dresses are quite high in order to compensate for their shorter length.

Short dresses with partial sequin-embellishment. Jewelry and handbags worn with sequined dresses should be kept plain because a shiny frock is a huge statement all on its own.

Semi-opaque tights are easy to find and most brands will do the trick. A fab pair of plain black opaque tights, on the other hand, are a little harder to find. Few brands seem to have the thickness and the perfectly matte look that I’m after. After much trial and error, I’ve narrowed it down to two options:

• Nordstrom Opaque Control Tops ($10)
• Spanx Tight-end Tights ($24)

I used to enjoy DKNY opaque tights, but this season they seem thinner than before. If you’re leg shy about wearing an above the knee skirt or dress, you’ll want opaque’s that are as substantial as a pair of skinny pants. And you’ll get even better coverage if you go up a size and wear a second pair.

Thick dark black opaque tights happen to be the trendy choice to pair with the new party dresses this season. It’s a theatrical look that’s not for everyone, but I fancy the idea of covering up and staying warm in a short party dress when it’s freezing outside.

Thick, silky, matte opaque’s paired perfectly with party dresses.

The holidays are upon us and this calls for partywear. As much as I’d like to see a greater assortment of swanky skirts and tops in stores (because separates are often better for some body types), the party look this season is once again frock focused. Stores are full of party dress options that are a little more daring and interesting than the average little black dress.

If you’re looking for a new party look that’s “of this fashion moment”, you might be inspired by a few of the shorter dress styles that are in vogue:

• Belted bubbles are a nice mixture of volume and tailoring. It’s certainly a new spin on the shirt dress and a lot more flattering than you’d expect.
• Shift Dresses are loose tunics with just enough shape and drape. This style gets my vote for most fabulous party dress this year. Wear it in a pukka ‘60’s psychedelic pattern and the drama doubles.
• Sequined Sheaths are disco chic and fun. There’s nothing like a bit of sparkle to bring in the New Year.
• Trapeze dresses with or without sleeves are voluminous and shapeless around the tummy area and therefore extra comfy for eating and dancing. I like that the roomy style of this dress leaves a little to the imagination.

I’ve been getting a bit bored with the sleeveless and strapless dress trend recently, so it’s refreshing to see dresses with sleeve detail. It’s especially practical for Winter occasions. While I continue to be a fan of forever fashionable holiday party choices like LBD’s, vintage inspired ensembles and fancy tuxedos, it’s exciting to try a new look and take a risk once in a while.

Belted bubble dress

Shift dress

Shift dress

Sequined sheath

Sleeveless trapeze dress

Trapeze dress

These styles reigned supreme in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s and their retro glory is worth celebrating.

Dresses don’t need to be “dressy”. While frocks are my first choice for formal occasions, there are plenty of casual, comfortable and practical dresses that can be worn to work and play every day.

Day dresses are best…

• in durable, casual fabrications like thick cottons, jersey knits and viscose blends
• in A-line silhouettes because they allow you to stride feely. Straighter styles restrict your movement. 
• when they cover up enough of your upper body that you don’t feel exposed.

The best thing about a dress is that you can slip it on with a pair of shoes and possibly one accessory and you’re done. You don’t need to worry about layering, mixing-and-matching or pulling clothing straight. If you can get your head around the fact that dresses needn’t be saved for special occasions, you’ll enjoy them as another practical daily ensemble (especially when it’s hot). Pretty pear body types look particularly good in A-line frocks and should make the most of our dress season this Summer.

An assortment of A-line day dresses in jersey and cotton from Macy’s and Dillard’s.

The “it” item this season, celebrities can’t stop wearing them and dress departments are full of them. The sack (or shift) dress is a ‘60’s inspired boxy mini that’s looks… well… like a sack. It’s muu-muu quality makes it comfortable, but at the same time enormously shapeless and difficult to pull off with style.

Sack dresses in soft draping fabrics like sateen, chiffon and thick jersey are a little more flattering, but still not ideal. Matching them with leggings, skinnies and straight leg pants gets a look going, but does little for your silhouette.

The only way I’ve felt fab wearing a sack dress is by belting it at the waist over a pair of slim fitting pants. And a wider belt works better than a narrow one. This combination gives you the volume and the shape. Try reining in that sack dress (without the pants if you have great legs). You might prefer this high fashion look if you do.

Left: Satin shift dress is easier to pull off because of the draping fabric.
Right: Sack dress paired with a wide belt for extra  shape.

As an inverted triangle, you are a rare breed (less then 1% of the female population). Your broad, square shoulders, narrow hips, straight waist and slim limbs give you plenty of options when it comes to dresses, but you’ll still need to think about how they affect your body. You’ll want to wear dress silhouettes that soften the line of your shoulders and create curvature from the hips down.

Some guidelines on how to find that perfect dress:

• Choose dresses with straps that hit close to your neck. This will narrow your shoulder line.
• Keep your necklines scooped, sweetheart or V-shaped. This will lengthen your neck and balance out the broadness on top. V-neck halter dresses are the perfect solution.
• Wear full circle skirts that flare out and retain their shape.
• Avoid dresses with cap sleeves and tapered skirts as they will accentuate your broad top and narrow bottom.
• Dresses that are dark on top and light on the bottom will help create a visual balance.
• Strapless and tunic styles are also good options. Tailored sleeveless sheath styles will work if the shoulder measurements are short and close to the neck (allowing you to show your shoulder bone).
• You’re the only body type that can wear dresses with broad horizontal stripes.

That wraps up my blog posts on the best dress shapes for different body types. Feel free to ask questions if you’re still unsure about which dress silhouette is best for you. No more excuses ladies, we can all look fab in the right type of dress!

Yoked tunic dress and halter styles with full skirts narrow the shoulder line (Nordstrom).

Strapless styles and horizontal stripes balance out the silhouette (Macy’s and Nordstrom).

Your shapely bust, small waist and full bottom fill out the right dress perfectly. By defining your waist and keeping your necklines low, you’ll find lots of frocks that flatter your curves.

Some guidelines to follow when shopping for that perfect dress:

• Look for styles in draped fabrics that skim over and accentuate your curves.
• Keep your waist a focal point. You’ll look “blocky” if you don’t define your mid section, so avoid “of the moment” sack dresses and straight sheath styles. 
• Choose dresses with scooped, oval, sweetheart or V-necklines that elongate your frame and flatter your bust line.
• Look for styles with vertical seam details such as princess lines and vertical insets.
• Keep the bodice simple if you’re busty (avoid ruffles and fussy details around the bust area that end up making you look top heavy).
• Knee length dresses are best and wearing heels will enhance your leg line.
• Choose bias cuts, shaped sheaths, shirtwaisters, V-neck halters, wraps and strapless styles.

Hour glass body types should always have dresses in their wardrobe because they look fabulous in frocks. Make the most of Spring’s  dress season!

Halter, fitted strappy sheath and A-line knee length dresses appropriate for hourglass body types (Dillards).