How to dress if you're...petite

This week at LittleBlackDress.co.uk we're going back to basics with our body shape special. Take a look at our guide to defining and dressing for your body shape (by the fabulous Wendy Elsmore, celebrity stylist and founder of London College of Style) and keep your eyes on the blog because each day we'll be bringing you more tips and tricks for each shape in the body shape fruit bowl. Today, if you've got pint-sized proportions, read on… YOUR SHAPE Petite ladies are proof that some of the best things really do come in little packages! Smaller in frame and shorter in the legs, petite body shapes need to make sure they don't swamp their figures in huge oversized dresses or wear outfits that make them look smaller than they already are. Look to the gorgeous Eva Longoria who rocks a figure-hugging LBD like no other, or the petite but perfect Natalie Portman for inspiration. Not sure how to work this season's trends for your slight frame? Let Team LBD's guide help you make the most of what you've got and fake those all-important extra inches... TOP TIPS Left to right: HMH Couture Euterpe Dress in Navy, ¬£200; Outsider Jersey Maxi Dress in Peach, ¬£145; Gorgeous Couture Rihanna Maxi Dress in Black, ¬£172. Go for a single-coloured maxi dress to lengthen your figure. Keeping one continuous colour rather than colour blocking or breaking it up will give the illusion of height, and you can even add a sneaky pair of heels underneath to fake those inches a little more! Left to right: Bernshaw Freya Dress, ¬£299; Forever Unique Rome Dress in Black, ¬£80; Lipstick Boutique Sienna Striped Dress in Monochrome, ¬£55. Elongate your frame with vertical lines (not necessarily stripes) to extend the look of your body. Much like the panel dress (great for apple body shapes) lines that run the length of your dress will give the illusion of height as well as a more proportioned figure. Team with simple accessories so the eye can focus on the details of your body-perfecting dress. Left to right: Lipstick Boutique Lexi Dress in Nude, ¬£60; The Style Standard Mila Cocktail Dress- Selected Femme, ¬£75; Lipstick Boutique Poppy Dress in Pink, ¬£60 We're all guilty of throwing on something a little too big when we're feeling insecure about our figures, and little ladies are no different. This is however the worst move petite body shapes can make as it will swamp your small frame and make you appear smaller. Show off your slim figure in a semi fitted or fitted dress and avoid scooped necklines and instead try a halter neck to give the illusion of length. This will make your body look more curvaceous in all the right places too. Shop all dresses for petite body shapes here.