Party Dresses for All Body Types

Tall or short, big or small— any body can look sensuous this holiday season.

By Katherine B. Weissman
O, The Oprah Magazine | From the December 2009 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

TALL

L'Wren Scott, designer

"I've spent my life obsessing about silhouette, shape, and proportion," says fashion designer Scott, who is 40-something and 6'3". She believes in clothes that "transcend the day-night difference"—like this exquisitely fitted leaf-pattern sheath. And a hemline at or below the knee is a Scott signature.

If you're tall...

Be fussy about fit. Sleek is best; lots of fabric over a large area starts looking like a circus tent.

Experiment with prints. They make a long, lean body seem curvier.

Be wary of minis. They can make you look as if your skirt shrunk.

Choose eclectic shoes. Stilettos? Sure, but kitten heels and pointy flats are cool, too.

Go wide. Horizontal details that shorter women avoid—square necks, ankle-strap shoes, crosswise stripes—are fine for you.

More: Even more tips for tall women, including the best brands for you