Which dress style for my figure

[NannyMcfanny]

Hi
I've decided to start wearing dresses as I think it covers my belly and big hips.
I am 5'1" size 10 and have an hourglass figure, a short torso but I have skinny legs.
What dresses should I be wearing?
It will be worn with tights and mid calf DM boots.
Help I'm useless at knowing the names of different style dresses.
Suggestions welcome. Thanks :)

[FruitBasedDrinkForALady]

I'm only an inch taller than you but would love some ideas too! I am wearing skirts, in particular a lovely mid thigh wrap skirt which is great with tights and boots. I have a couple of body con dresses too, if they have decent elastin in them, they are good for "hold" and patterns (lace etc) on the sides help accentuate my waist.

[ameliameerkat]

I'm a 5'4" size 10. I went through a phase of wearing 'tea dresses' which suited me fine, but I've gone off anything particularly patterned/fancy frills etc now. Quite like skater dresses with deep scoop necks. I have a tartan patterned one that I get compliments on when I wear it. Otherwise I'm kind of stuck for inspiration at the moment too!

[perfectlybroken]

I'm a similar height and shape and suit tea dresses and wrap dresses. Petite ranges are good for dresses as if the waist falls in the wrong place I find they just make my tummy look big.

[NannyMcfanny]

Thanks for replying, I have been wearing a tea dress my sister lent me and it looks quite nice, I've ordered skater dresses off eBay so I haven't wasted loads if they don't look good. (I don't get time to go in shops with a toddler).
I think a long cable cardi in oatmeal will go with most things.

[PiratePanda]

I'm considerably taller than you but short waisted, so what I wear might be relevant.

You should keep all trim around your breasts, waist and tummy to an absolute minimum. This means that not all wrap dresses will work due to the double up of fabric. You'll need to try stuff on.

Heavy good quality stretch fabrics will work, but not lightweight or cheap; and tailoring is your friend.

Try deep scoop necks and deep Vs to show off your cleavage, which should be an asset. Boat necks and halter necks also work, but if you have chunky arms you'll need sleeves.

Waistlines of dresses and jackets should be on your natural waistline and unemphasised - no belts or only a skinny belt in a matching colour.

Remember that skater skirts emphasise hips, tummies and thighs if they are too short. You have good legs so may get away with it, but avoid if you don't want attention drawn to your bottom half.

[FruitBasedDrinkForALady]

This thread has been hovering in my brain for the last few days! Hope your new purchases are lovely. I find tea dresses and skater dresses don't work for me as they seem to catch on my hip bones and flare out too much from there, making me look bigger.

I'm considering these -
Grey knitted casual

good shape but maybe more formal than you want?

skater style

tunic dress

maybe a bit too shapeless?

shirt dress