Short and sweet

THE national mood may be a little muted because of the recession and the country’s (and its citizens’) finances but this is no reason to tone down the Christmas wardrobe. In fact, tossing aside the winter woollies and jazzing up for one night might even offer a fleeting lift from the blues.
The 2010 party dress has hit the shops with sharp tailoring, nods to the 1920s and plenty of one-shoulder wonders. This Christmas, short is sweet and there is a length and style for every shape and wallet. Be it hourglass or pint size, there is a dress out there to make everyone look and feel a million dollars without the matching price tag.
Women conscious of broad shoulders and narrow hips should avoid halter-neck dresses and opt instead for wide straps. A full skirt or one with hip detail will help create balance with the shoulders.
For those with fairly straight body shapes, where the difference in width of the hips, waist and bust isn’t very noticeable, go for a dress with waist detail, such as a wide belt, to enhance waist definition. An off the shoulder or wide-neck top brings attention to the shoulders and makes the waist seem smaller.
For women with wide hips but narrow waists and neat shoulders, ruching at the bust will help balance things out. The shoulder pad trend looks great on this body shape but keep it subtle, don’t go too Dallas. If that isn’t your scene, wide necks with princess sleeves will have the same effect, drawing eyes to slim shoulders. To avoid unwanted attention on your hips, choose A-line skirts, which glide subtly over them.
Apple-shaped women may want to de-emphasise their mid-section and draw attention from the waist where weight is carried. Dresses that are off the shoulder or have wide necklines look good with an A-line skirt. Add a belt and you create an hourglass illusion. If you would prefer something a bit different, try a tailored look with a nipped in waist and perhaps a straight skirt with a flowing flared bottom.
For those who have hourglass figures, sleeveless fitted dresses look brilliant but so does anything with a cinched-in waist. Try V-necks with full skirts, slim-fitting empire lines with pencil skirts or wide-neck tops with A-lines, you can’t go too far wrong.
The most flattering skirt length for all women is at or just above the knees. Skirts that fall at the widest parts of the legs, the upper thighs and the mid calves, are never flattering, unless you have very long thin legs. Short skirts show a lot of skin and therefore make legs look longer but if you feel it looks tacky or you are a little uncomfortable, combine with nude or opaque tights, which are necessary anyway to counteract the Irish cold.