Sarah Seymour Style: Dressed to the Nines

There's no other clothing item that is as easy to put on and effortlessly pulled-together as the dress. Just one little garb - no top and bottom matching required. No need to worry if a pant hem is long enough to wear with heels or only flats. Nothing else can quite go from day to night with such ease - or capture the hearts of our boyfriends and husbands.

Any woman can be dressed to the nines - and here are nine of the many styles that can flatter - something for every shape and size - and price point.

A-line: a universally flattering cut. This runs close to the upper body - but not too tightly - with a skirt that falls away into an "A" shape that nips in the waist and hides the thighs and hips. (Works for all body types.)


Kate Spade Jillian Dress


H&M A Line Dress - $34.99

Empire: this popular style is cut high at the waist to give a long-legged illusion and hide any extra weight carried in the stomach. Great for pear-shaped (smaller on top, larger on bottom).


H&M Dress - $34.95

Full: tough to wear, but totally adorable, this vintage-inspired cut gives the illusion of curves to those who don't have them. (Ideal for boy-shaped bodies or petites.)


Kate Spade Sandra Dress - $355


J.Crew Cecilia Dress - $89.99

Maxi: this cut falls close to the body, is looser at the hip, and hits just an inch above the floor. Best with sandals or an open-toed wedge. Gives a long, lean look and often helps hide extra weigh in the middle. (Works great on tall, lean shapes - harder to wear for petites.)


Rachel Zoe Maxi Gown - $575


LC Lauren Conrad at Kohl's Maxi - $40.80

Sheath: coming back with a vengeance thanks to "Mad Men" and Michelle Obama alike, this is the perfect office-to-date night cut. Can be found with anything to a crewneck, cowl or v-neck on top. Nips in at the waist and falls away from hips. (Looks amazing on all body types.)


Banana Republic Sheath Dress - $130


H&M Sheath Dress - $34.95

Shift: a nod to the "mod" sixties with its vintage flair, this style usually has a crewneck and falls away from the entire body. Should never be too tight - anything too baggy will be unflattering. A shorter hemline will give the illusion of long legs. (Fits best on boy shapes - hard to pull off with curves or extra weight in the middle).


Kate Spade Cady Shift Dress

J.Crew Urbanite Shift Dress - $118

Shirt: a fun fit for a Saturday afternoon or a business-casual office atmosphere. Also has a vintage-inspired look that will transform you back to the 1950's - minus the bobby socks. Make sure it's the right fit, because nothing looks worse than button holes that gape and show what's underneath. Usually comes with a matching tie-waist, but can be taken up a notch with a metallic belt or satin ribbon around the middle. Cute with flats, heels or wedges. (Great for all body shapes.)


Kate Spade Cassie Shirtdress


Old Navy Chambray Shirtdress - $34.95

Tunic: perfect on the weekends - this light, breezy style can be work as is or taken in at the waist with a belt to add shape. Often found with a shorter hem and long sleeves. Adorable when worn with flats or sandals - but for us petite girls, wedges are fine. (Great on boy shapes, tall or petite figures.)


J.Crew Rumi Dress - $168

Wrap: my favorite of all dresses - perfect for creating curves for those that don't have them, or controlling them for women that want to flaunt it. Appropriate for offices or date nights. There's something sensual yet conservative. Best in jersey knits that don't wrinkle and in all colors and patterns. (Perfect on any body type.)