Work dresses for a pear shape??

[June2008]

I am looking to update my work wardrobe and want to include some dresses, however I am pear shaped and find it difficult to get anything to fit. Am 14 on to and 16/18 bottom, with a very small waist (well in comparison to my hips anyway!) Any suggestions as I don't know where to start? xx

Hmm, as a fellow pear I'd suggest going strictly for A-line - avoid anything that goes back in at the knee, as a lot of shift dresses tend to do. Fitted at the top, flarey from the ribs downwards is good. There are lots of skater style dresses around which might work.

Beware of 'wrap' crossover style tops if you're small of boob, I think they can emphasise a small chest and I always have trouble getting them to sit right. Round neck or slash neck generally ok, and you can afford to have something a bit more structured on the shoulders, like a small puff sleeve or padded shoulder. Stretchy knit fabrics are easier to fit.

Try department stores online like John Lewis, Debenhams (I think some even allow you to search by 'A line'). Or put 'A line dress' as a search term in Shopstyle.co.uk

In pear shaped also, for me the most flattering is the fitted at top flared from waist down , they aleus look really nice with tights too,
A lot of the high street stored such as Dorothy Perkins etc have a good range of this style