Holiday party time is coming fast. As it approaches women everywhere are panicking and asking the same question “How do I choose my most flattering dress this holiday season?” The answer, “choose dress styles with embellishments or volume on the areas you wish to draw attention to or make larger. The rest of the dress should skim the body without adding additional bulk or additional details. Here are four ways to use this information to flatter your figure!

Look slimmer around the middle with a simple, smooth and elongated silhouette that does not emphasize the waistline. Draw attention to other areas of the body or face with details such as beading, ruffles, shirring or seams well above or well below your midsection. V-necks, wrap and off shoulder necklines draw the eye outward at the shoulder making you look slimmer in the middle.

Feel too thin? Add curves to your figure by adding volume to areas you want to look curvier. On the top this can be done with details like puff sleeves, shirring, or ruffles. Avoid necklines that draw attention to your thinnest areas. Dresses with a full gathered skirt will show off a slim waistline and add volume to the hips making them look fuller.

Balance the bottom by adding width to the top. Wide v-necks, plunging necklines, bateau necklines, off shoulder designs and puff sleeves all draw the eye outward at the shoulder. Add volume on top with shirring, gathers and ruffles. Skirts look best when they skim over the hips, not cling.

If shoulders are wide or bust is full keep it simple at the top. Sleeveless styles with narrow V-necks, scoop necks, wrap and asymmetrical necklines work well. Keep this area smooth by avoiding embellishments. Add curve to the bottom half with flared and A-line styles. If the waist is slim, a full gathered skirt will balance the body and accentuate an hourglass shape.

Luckily this season, there is an option for everyone. By analysing your shape and focusing on your assets you can find the perfect dress and flatter your figure this party season.