Choosing the right dress can prove to be a delicate task. What looks great on a rack may not look so hot on you.
So to choose the right dress, you need to first understand your body type.

According to Umaima Khorakiwala, a fashion designer who specialises in diffusion designer couture, make sure any garment you select enhances your best features.

Umaima shares her tips on how to choose a dress for formal and casual wear.

Body types

Plump: Those who are bigger on the middle and lower body should wear dresses with an A-line (shape that is narrower at the top and gently flaring out to the bottom, following the shape of the letter) bottom.

Avoid empire line (silhouette where the waistline is pulled up just below the bust) dresses, clinching waistlines and anything that is too fitted on the lower body. To take the attention away from these problem areas, choose V- necklines.

Skinny: Wrap around dresses and fit and flare styles suit skinny frames. A boat neck gives you an illusion of wider shoulders. Avoid straight cut styles and clingy knit dresses.

Athletic: Since this body type tends to be linear, one should wear belts as they accentuate the waistline. Shirt dresses also look good on this body type.