Tips On How To Choose The Right Shift Dress For You

Many of you will have seen the picture of Sarah Jessica Parker dressed in a Giambattista Valli pale blush shift dress at a gala in Manhatten (see picture courtesy of In Style and Getty Images). I thought this was certainly a more understated look for SJP, but loved it all the same, simply because of its simplicity and style. Shift dresses are the perfect "easy" way to dress, whether it's going out to a party or simply for everyday work as they are just to simple, flattering and downright elegant when dressed up the way SJP has it going on. If you are looking for a simple, but flattering dress here are some guidelines on what to look for.

What To Look For In A Shift Dress

• As the shift dress is very simple in design, it is worth spending more on this type of garment, as any mistakes in the dressmaking will show up immediately. Good quality seams and cut are very important.
• Many shift dresses are sleeveless (think of pictures of 60s icons such as Twiggy who made the dress style famous at that time). Sleeveless styles tend to hang very well and look really stylish. A sleeveless shift dress can be worn over another top, such as a turtleneck in a contrasting colour, and teamed up with high heeled knee boots will look fantastic.
• Think of black or dark red dresses for parties, a simple shift dress with either short sleeves or sleeveless dressed up with diamante or silver jewellery will look stunning for a party. Look for versions in black with lace sleeves for the latest gothic look too.
• With footless or opaque tights and leggings you can get away with amazingly short shift dresses - and remember that wearing black tights is fantastically slimming for legs - see the article on dressing to be slim.

What are your favourite dresses of the moment - let us know if you have seen anything great as we've all got Christmas parties to look fantastic at soon!