Find the Perfect Dress for Your Shape

Look for a halter dress. "The shape shows off your shoulders, creating the illusion of a more balanced, triangular shape," says Sarah Shirley, a fashion expert for CBS's The Early Show. The width of your hips will seem smaller and in better proportion to your body.

Lauren by Ralph Lauren dress, $159, available in select Macy's stores

"A sheath dress should be your go-to style," Shirley says. The clean, elongated shape helps you look taller and leaner — even more so if you choose one that hits just above or in the middle of your knee (never longer) to play up the narrowest part of your leg.

Nine West dress, $150, ninewest.com

ninewest.com

"Your squarer torso lacks a defined waistline, so you have to fake it with fashion," Shirley notes. A shirred dress does so perfectly. "The gathering effect pulls in the waistline, causing it to appear slimmer than your top and bottom halves."

Anne Klein dress, $160, macys.com

macys.com

Accentuate your middle with a V-neck dress. "It opens up the chest area and draws the eye downward, making the waist appear narrower," Shirley says. Look for built-in darts and panels, which help define your figure and keep you in place throughout the evening.

Rebecca Taylor dress, $315, Principessa, Venice, California; 310-450-6696

"A wrap dress looks great on practically every body type, but especially this one," Shirley explains. The structure of the dress hugs the slimmer areas of the body (your shoulders and waist) and remains looser around the lower half.

Donna Morgan dress, $178, Dillard's stores

Whatever dress you choose, look your absolute best with these extra tips:

Get the Body
Our Little Black Dress Workout pairs a 12-minute sculpting routine with an easy 30-minute cardio routine that blasts 300 calories (that's a glass of champagne and a whole bunch of shrimp cocktail, for those who are keeping score).

Get the Look
Need to go from office to event with no time to spare? Not a problem with these super-quick tricks for getting glam in a flash.

Prevent Party Pig-Out
You've zipped the dress, you're looking fab — but the battle isn't over. Learn how to navigate the buffet table like a pro with our guide to everything from finger foods to the yummiest low-calorie cocktails. Cheers!

Get the workout that can help you lose up to 5 pounds fast

Get party-ready in seconds

How to eat, drink, and still be slim