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How to Wear a Shift Dress With a Full Figure Shape

May 11, 2011 / By Kristin Clark

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Khloe Kardashian, with her mother and sister, wears an orange shift dress.

Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Shift dresses are a classic in fashion. Since the days Jackie O made these dresses oh so famous, everyone has been seen wearing this style. Shift dresses usually do not have a lot of waist definition, hang from the shoulders and are not snug against the body, which makes them favorable for hot days as well as for various body shapes. The most important thing when wearing a shift dress is fit. If the fit is wrong, you end up looking bigger than you are and, well, frumpy.

Wear supportive undergarments under your dress, so you have no visible lumps and bumps. Consider: high-waisted control-top panties and a supportive bra.

Try on shift dresses that are not cut too wide, with less volume. A shift dress with no shape will make you appear bigger than you are.

Find a shift dress with some waist definition that will flatter your bombshell curves. You may also add a belt to accentuate your waist, giving you a to-die-for hourglass shape.

Check out shift dresses made of either cotton for day or silk for evening; these are most flattering on any figure.

Look for dresses hemmed at just above your knee; this length is most flattering.

Accessorize your shift dress with simple pieces that won't distract from the simple design, suggests the Women's Dresses website.