How To Dress in 5 Minutes

The easiest way to cut your 'getting ready time' in half each morning is to invest in a few dresses which require little effort or accessorising to make you stand out in the crowd.  Here's a selection of our fav picks from this season's best.  There's something for everyone!

Monochrome:

Monochrome is quite stark but can be very striking if styled with colourful accessories to add interest.  The more consistent the print all over the dress, the more wearable and flattering it will be.  The minute the print differs in size or style on one half of the dress it makes it more difficult to wear. 

For top heavy figures, choose a dress with an all over consistent print, plunging neckline and voluminous skirt. 

For bottom heavy figures - opt for a bold print on the top half of the dress or one that's nipped in the waist giving you the opportunity to add a colourful belt and draw the eye away from your hips. 

Big shoulders:

For the ultimate in power dressing, nothing beats a statement shoulder, but definitely not a look for any size or shape. 

Best suited for tall slim physique's or those with curvy hips.  Avoid entirely if broad shouldered or big chested and will only draw attention to the very thing you need to disguise. 

For those looking to define a waist, padded shoulders will immediately create a triangle effect, pointing to a slim waist. 

Pencil/fitted:

To make a sexy, but subtle statement - the cinched pencil dress is ideal.  Best suited to super slim or pear shaped figures. 

For top heavy figures :- choose one with an open neckline and darker colour on the outside of the dress with lighter colour on the inside.  This will make your tummy appear smaller. 

For bottom heavy figures, choose a high neckline and all over consistent colour or print to elongate proportions and draw attention away from hips. 

Animal print:

Animal print is ideal for disguising lumps and bumps as the print is so distracting, you can't tell what lies beneath.  It's quite full-on though so make sure you don't wear anything that competes with the print.  Looks best under tailored jacket teamed with tights or leggings.  Animal print suits most body shapes, depending on the shape of the dress:- 

For bottom heavy figures, opt for a slim fit and belt in the waist or layer under jacket to draw the eye upwards. 

For top heavy figures, the bigger the print the better, and go for the tulip style dresses which flare over your slim hips to help balance proportions and create the illusion of a slimmer waist. 

Ditsy florals:

Floral prints are the perfect way to inject a bit of femininity into your wardrobe, but be careful how you wear it to avoid looking frumpy.  Best layered over jersey tops or under a tailored jacket to modernise this look. 

For top heavy figures, choose a dress with plunging neckline, consistent all over print and fitted on top with voluminous skirt.

For bottom heavy figures, choose a dress with detail or top like ruffles, zips, floaty sleeves etc to help draw the eye upwards.  Contrasting print vs. non print will also help draw attention to your slim chest. 

Checked:

Checks can either look funky or frumpy, so be careful what style and shape you go for. 

For bottom heavy figures, asymmetric mixed directional prints can draw attention to slim waists.  Choose a high neckline to add length and use accessories to break up the print and create a focal point in the look. 

For top heavy figures, choose a low or open neckline.  Avoid anything too body or with rectangular checks.  The red dress with voluminous skirt is ideal for adding volume on the hips and balancing proportions.   

Invest in a wardrobe consultation or personal shopping day with an NHJ Style personal stylist to look the best you possibly can.