Bodycon Dresses

 Who doesn't love bodycon dresses? Short for “body conscious” (think super tight bandage style dresses), body-con is a huge trend for Spring/Summer '13.  Chic, stylish and ultra-on-trend they'll show off your figure and make you feel like a million bucks.  While over-sized tops and flouncy blouses are on a fashion high, these longer counterparts are reining themselves in, revealing a body conscious silhouette that is equally about cute and casual as it is about sweet and sultry appeal.  There are so many varieties of this simple dress from the mini style, to the long sleeve, and the midi length.  If you never thought of the unique, flattering qualities of bodycons, you have come to the right place because I will show you that there really is a style for every body type!

The thought of tight, figure-hugging clothing probably inspires fear in the majority of women, but it shouldn’t! Most body-con pieces are actually pretty flattering, due to the fact that they suck you in, smoothing out your shape.  As with everything you wear, it's about finding the right fit, cut and style to suit your shape, and then adding elements to make it uniquely you.

• Choose what to showcase. Sure, a tight bandage dress is a great option for a night at the club, but it’s not for every day! For normal wear, it’s best to decide what assets to flaunt and cover up the rest!  That way, you flaunt your legs and butt, but keep the cleavage under wraps for a classy look.
• Pick your pairings wisely. What you wear with your body-con is almost as important as the body-con item itself! For city chic looks, pair body-con dresses with boyfriend blazers or jean jackets. If you’re doing the body-con thing in the daytime choose conservative shoes–think ballet flats or booties. It’s all about striking a balance between showing off your hot bod and keeping it classy.

The good news is it does not take a lot of investment to get your hands on a bodycon dress. There are fantastic, cheap bodycon dresses available in stores that don't come with the Herve Leger price tag. Why go after high priced bodycons when you can get good quality bodycon dresses at a fraction of the price? Plus, here’s a little secret.  Not all bodycon dresses draw attention to your problem areas. In fact, if you need a little encouragement, you can slim up your figure with the help of shapewear.  Either way, any garment worn with confidence makes you look like a million dollars.  So strut tall when wearing your bodycon dress and whip out those high heels so you're dressed to impress!

Style Inspiration

You can wear bodycon dresses for almost every occasion, including formal events.  This is a great, sophisticated interpretation of the body-con trend, without the typical bandage details. This dress brings you across from dinner dates to cocktail events.  Add a clutch and classic black pump to bring out some extra elegance.

If you're going for a casual look that's the perfect weekend ensemble team your bodycon dress with a cardigan and skinny belt or a denim jacket.

The hottest style for bodycon dresses this season is the midi length. This dress is one which ends somewhere mid-calf, below your knees.  The midi dress is the perfect day-to-night style. Wear it with your hi-tops for a dressed-down day time look and then change into heels for the evening.  I love playful printed midi dresses, which give this style a cool edge.   One thing to consider about these dresses is your shoes. While heels elongate the leg and are probably the best choice for a midi style, gladiators and strappy sandals work equally well.

Bodycon minis are ultra chic and stretch to hold you in.  Plus ones with contrasting panels on the sides or mid section create an optical illusion for a narrower waist. Try wearing yours with a metallic shoe and a statement necklace to maximize your look.

If you’re worried that you will look like everyone else by wearing a crew neck or V-neck dress,  don’t be afraid to shake things up a little by choosing a flattering asymmetrical cut that flaunts great shoulders. Pair it with a simple, classic clutch to exude sophistication.