Christmas is approaching and time is getting short. There are so many things to think about, presents to buy, food to prepare, parties to attend but have you looked in your wardrobe and found that you have nothing to wear?

There are a lot of party dresses out there in every colour and shape and length you can imagine and with only a week to go, how are you going to find time to try them all on?

Here are a few tips to steer you in the right direction. By following a few simple rules you can narrow down the style, colour and length of the dress you are looking for, by eliminating the ones that won’t suit you, thus saving a great deal of time.

Firstly consider your height and the shape of your legs. Never have a hemline that finishes at the widest part of you leg, it will only make your calves look bigger. If you are small in height a very full dress will overpower you and nobody will notice YOU.

Secondly consider your colouring. Black really only suits “deep” , “clear” or “cool” women so if you are “light”, “warm” or “soft” you would be much better in other colours. A pale blue or pink will suit a “light”, gold or warm red will suit a “warm” and a soft burgundy or teal will suit a “soft”.

Thirdly consider your body shape. If you have a lovely curvy hourglass figure choose a soft fabric such as silk or chiffon for your dress. If you have a straight or athletic body, choose a fabric which is a stiffer, such as taffeta or linen mix. If you are a classic triangle, you may find buying a dress a challenge. You may be better with a skirt and jacket in the same fabric so they have the appearance of a dress but you can buy a different size for the top and bottom half of your body. If you have a round body, so you carry your weight around your body, you too may be better in separates. A fitted skirt to show of your neat hips and bottom, teamed with a soft flowing top or jacket.

You should now be fully equiped for a straight forward and stress free shopping expedition. If you stick to the rules you will find that perfect dress in no time at all and when you wear it you will feel like the Belle of the Ball.