How to dress if you're... curvy

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, curvy ladies, read on… YOUR SHAPE Curvy figures tend to be fuller and more voluptuous than the traditional hourglass. Think of Adele, who always looks captivating yet classy with her ample curves or the gorgeous Holly Willoughby aka Cleavage of the Year! If your body resembles these buxom beauties simply follow Team LBD's top tips for accentuating your best bits and smoothing over the bits you're not so thrilled with… TOP TIPS

Left to right: Lipstick Boutique Aleisha Dress in Black, £65; Fount Bodycon Sheer Sleeve Dress, £42; Bourne Elissa Dress in Coral, £240.

If you're worried about your upper arms then go for a dress with lace or sheer sleeves. A longer-length sleeve is perfect for showing off a hint of sexy skin without making you feel self-conscious and the SS13-friendly lace and sheer trend is going nowhere next season.

Left to right: Lipstick Boutique Claudia Dress in Monochrome, £70; Lipstick Boutique Romana Dress in Navy, £70; Lipstick Boutique Arabella Dress, £68. An embellished or detailed neckline is a good choice for curvy body shapes as it will draw the focus upwards and away from your middle, accentuating your chest and womanly outline. Add a pair of killer heels to stretch out your frame and you're golden!

Left to right: Gorgeous Couture Gilly Maxi Dress in Black, £238; Elliot Claire Lori Evening Dress in Black, £225; Gorgeous Couture Amelia Maxi Dress in Black, £232. We all know the body-whittling qualities of a good black dress and at Team LBD we believe you can never have too much of a good thing. Opt for a full-length black evening dress for your next event and you'll elongate your figure as well as skimming over and smoothing out any lumps and bumps. Could this be the perfect dress for curvy women? Shop all dresses for curvy body shapes here.