Flattering dresses aren’t the easiest to find, especially without trying them on first. Everyone’s body shape and size is different (and each and every one is beautiful), so what looks great on one person might not look the same on someone else. And that’s totally OK. The best thing about shopping is getting to know what works for you and what you feel your most confident in.
Designers like Zimmermann, Hervé Léger and Alaïa are renowned for creating silhouettes that celebrate the female form through exaggerated tailoring, structural fabrics and strategic accents, and, of course, the high street has followed their lead.
There are other solutions (read: floaty dresses) that you can reach for when you want something totally non-restrictive, and the best shapewear is a godsend for creating a smooth appearance beneath bodycon dresses (though it’s not an everyday item and nor should it be). Flattering dresses are that ideal in-between, however, and accentuate all the right places while still leaving you with lots of room.
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While we could preach that cut-out dresses and form-fitting minis are what you should be buying RN (they are in, after all), we’re not going to, because – for the most part – a pretty midi with a waist is a far better wardrobe addition. So which ones are we drawn to?
Nobody’s Child’s starlight midi dress is a firm favourite not only for its lightweight crinkle fabric, which we love for summer, but for its pulled-in waist and puff sleeves. Elsewhere, frocks with smocking details are a safe bet. They nearly always fall under the flattering dress category plus they tap into the cottagecore trend that everyone’s still sporting. We’ve added this picnic-ready one from ASOS DESIGN Curve, and this linen iteration from Marks & Spencer to cart already.