A good, versitle black dress is an indespensible addition to any woman’s wardrobe- a well-known fact. However, finding that perfect dress can be a nightmare. Most women have no idea what looks good on their bodies, or how to wear clothes on their bodies for that matter. I’ve compiled the biggest factors in procuring and wearing that little black dress, so that you can look wonderful at any occasion. So, read on and get ready to look fabulous!

First of all, the shape of your body doesn’t actually matter as much as you might think. Contrary to what you may have heard, if you don’t have certain features that look pleasing in a slinky black dress, you can fake it easily. After all, dressing up, wearing makeup, and the way we do our hair are all simple illusions, advertising our features, enhancing what we have little of, or creating what we completely lack. That goes for the clothes you wear. At the same time, the saying, “If you got it, flaunt it.” applies. I don’t have the patience to get all psychologist on you, so if you’re like most every day girlies, you don’t *think* you’ve got anything and therefore you’ve got nothing to flaunt. That’s fine too. Like I said, it’s all an illusion.

The illusion begins in the cut of your dress. Choose a dress that you’re comfortable in. For me, that typically falls in the category of wrap dresses and maxi dresses. Both of these styles look good on everyone, it’s true. You can create an illusion of an hourglass shape, or enhance (wittingly or not) your waist by adding a wide black belt around the small of your waist with both of these styles of dresses. Tried and true, it looks good on everyone.

To create an illusion of length and height, run for the heels. You don’t even have to wear especially high heels, just a shoe that lifts your heels off of the ground enough to lengthen your legs. If you’re taller, this can be accomplished with less heel, but you never have to go above a two inch rise for the same effect. Additionally, choose dresses that have a hem length jut above the knee, and stay away from black stockings. I don’t know what it is about black hosiery on the legs, but they make women look extremely frumpy. If you want to make your legs look good with some sort of sheer covering, go for a patterned and fun hose. Avoid fishnets.

Lastly, the breasts. For the dress, simply get a dress that fits you properly on your bust. The rest can be done with your underwear. Chicken cutlets (not literally) add volume and lift, and they’re easily slipped into your bra. You can opt for padding to enhance your breast size. If you’re large breasted, wear a good bra and don’t be afraid of your cleavage.
Looking good in black dresses is easy. It doesn’t take a lot of effort. With a little preparation, you can look fabulous at any occasion.