6 WAYS TO WEAR this year’s LBD — that’s LONG Black Dress
1 Slimming STYLE While head-totoe black is certainly flattering, sometimes it can come off as dreary. To avoid this, choose an openback design that shows off a glimpse of skin, but still skims over any lumps and bumps. Open-back dress, £49.50, debenhams. com; Shoes, £65, office.co.uk; Clutch, £29.50, marksand spencer.com Subtle GLAM For a subtle yet sexy party look, bring out your shoulders.
The statement cut of this dress emphasises the arms and shoulders, while the calf- skimming hemline draws the eye to the most flattering part of your leg. Satin dress, £169, hobbs. co.uk; Sandals, £159, and clutch, £105, lkbennett.com Sheer CHIC A long black dress and little black dress rolled into one! This glamorous gown shows off legs and arms while cleverly concealing pale winter skin.
The floaty sleeves will hide any hint of a bingo wing, too. Mini-maxi, £98, next.co.uk; Sandals, £117, and bag, £117, lkbennett.com Elegant VELVET MosT women of a certain age prefer to cover their upper arms, and the long sleeves on this velvet dress have a slimming effect.
Made from the fabric of the season, it’ll keep you warm when the party’s over, too. Bruce Oldfield dress, £124.50, johnlewis. com; Heels, £84, dune london.com Necklace, £44.99, gb. pilgrim.net Show off CURVES so flattering. The glitzy belt pulls you in at the narrowest part of your waist, disguising bigger hips, while the matching gold cuffs draw attention away from your upper arms. Maxi dress, £120, phase-eight.com; Sandals, £65, office.co.uk Dare to BARE The thigh-high split in this dress gives the illusion you’re revealing more skin than you actually are — and it’s a good excuse to step out in some glittery shoes. Split dress, £49, coast-stores. com; Flats, £96, boden.co.uk; Clutch, £105, lkbennett. com; Necklace, £24.50, marksand spencer.com