written by : Charlotte Broadbent (intro by La)

I met Charlotte at my Jingle & Mingle event @atnumber16 (link) last December. She’s since visited to go through my wardrobe, which was such fun! It is so liberating decluttering ones wardrobe, however having an expert go through it with you is even better! She definitely has an eye for showing you what style of clothing and colours you should/shouldn’t be wearing to make the most of you! Now look forward to the shopping.

I’ve asked her to share 5 date night dresses for the 5 different body shapes.

You’ve set the date, booked the theatre and chosen a restaurant.  Don’t leave your outfit decisions until the last minute.  We all know that red is the colour of love, but why do we still feel like the LBD is the ‘go-to’ outfit for date night?  Black is aggressive, dense and has no positive energy, however if you embrace the power of red which releases adrenalin, heightens your senses and increases your excitement you will make heads turn.  It’s not quite that simple though…selecting the perfect style to flatter your body shape is key.  The fit, the proportion, the hem length and sleeve style all play an important role.  Here I give you my top 5 date night dresses according to body type.

Hourglass: Your body is in proportion, your shoulders are the same width apart as your hips and you have a smaller waist.  Your body craves the perfect fit to show off your curves with a style that doesn’t overwhelm or swamp your incredible figure.

ESSI SILK BELL-SLEEVED CREPE MIDI DRESS | ROKSANDA, £875.  Matches fashion.com

Slim Athletic: Your body is slim with little or no curve, yet still in proportion.  Use the shape of your dress to create a gentle curve and show off your small waist.  A bardot neckline and tulip style skirt will flatter and enhance your beautiful slim silhouette.

ANIMAL PRINT-JACQUARD OFF-THE-SHOULDER MIDI DRESS | EMILIO DE LA MORENA, £1250. Matches fashion.com

Pear: Your body is out of proportion, with your hips wider than your shoulders.  Create more width on the top half of your body with ruffles, ruching, pattern and height on the shoulders.  You will create the appearance of an hourglass shape with this style of dress as long as it is fitted around the waist.

LEA POLKA-DOT SILK-CREPE DRESS | SALONI, £725. Matchesfashion.com

Strawberry:  Your bust is wider than your slimmer hips and is therefore out of proportion.  Soften the neckline and larger bust with a v-neck dress and add some volume around the hip area with ruching to give your shape proportion.  Fabric choice is vital, choose stretch fabric around the bust for comfort and to flatter your curves.  Ensure fabrics do not swamp your sexy shape.

STACIA V-NECK KNOTTED CREPE DRESS | DIANE VON FURSTENBERG, £590.  Matchesfashion.com

Apple: with a large stomach area an apple shape tends to have slim legs and arms. Choose a dress that covers and flatters a larger stomach but that show off your best features such as arms and legs.   You cannot create a waist with this shape so it’s best not to try.

ONE-SHOULDER RUFFLED DRESS | LANVIN, £1,515.  Matchesfashion.com

Always wanted to work with a personal stylist to discover your best shapes and most flattering colours?  Contact Charlotte Broadbent on charlotte@charlotteloves.co.uk Visit charlotteloves.co.uk or click here for her instagram @_charlotteloves_

CHARLOTTE BROADBENT
STYLIST•TV PRESENTER•IMPACT COACH
BLOGGER•LECTURER•FASHION EDITOR