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THE EDIT

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Christmas Party Dressing for your Bodyshape

Melissa stands with 3 other women, holding champagne in front of a christmas tree. She is smiling and clinking glasses


Christmas party season is basically the Olympics of getting dressed — fun, sparkly, slightly chaotic, and everyone wants to feel incredible. The trick isn’t just picking a sequin dress and hoping for the best; it’s understanding your proportions. That’s exactly why I created the Hourglass Balancing Method™ — a simple way to dress in harmony with your shape so your outfit feels intentional, flattering, and “you.” When you use this approach for your festive looks, getting ready becomes so much easier and your confidence does the heavy lifting for the rest of the night.


Larger on top


If you carry your volume in your bust or waist aim for pieces that add shape without clinging and create a long visual line.


What usually works well:

  • V-necks or deep scoop necklines

  • Structured shoulder details to add volume to the torso and make your bust or waist look narrower

  • Volume around the hips


Party textures to lean into: chiffon sleeves, velvet draping, ruching around the stomach

Avoid: stiff fabrics around the tummy and high necklines paired with voluminous tops.


Examples of what looks great:



Woman in a purple pleated dress stands against a plain background. She wears sandals and has long dark hair, exuding a relaxed elegance.


Woman in black pantsuit with sheer sleeves holds a silver clutch. Neutral background, confident expression, elegant and poised.

Woman in a black dress with sparkling dots, holding a handbag. Background is a neutral brown, creating a stylish and elegant mood.




Larger Hips/Thighs


If you consider yourself more of a pear, with more weight around your hips and thighs, you need to create the balance by adding volume to your top half.


What usually works well:

  • Puff sleeves or a shoulder pad

  • A line skirts that skim the hips

  • High or draped necklines


Party textures to lean into: velvet draping, embroidery, sequins and tight silhouettes

Avoid: too much texture on the bottom


Examples of what looks great:


Woman in a long-sleeved red dress with a twist design at the waist. She wears gold earrings and a ring, standing against a beige backdrop.
Woman in a beige lace dress stands against a plain background, with a calm expression and loose, wavy hair. No visible text.
Woman in a burgundy dress with a draped neckline stands confidently. She wears gold earrings and bracelet, black heels, on a neutral background.



Conscious of your arms


A lot of us are conscious of our arms and whilst you absolutely do not need to cover them, finding shapes that float or skim the arms can make us feel more comfortable.


What usually works well:

  • Sheer fabrics

  • Full or 3/4 sleeves

  • Asymmetric shapes


Party textures to lean into: Silk and chiffon

Avoid: Cap sleeves or shapes that cut at your widest part


Examples of what looks great:



Woman in a sleek black dress poses confidently against a white background. She holds a clutch and wears black heels with gold accents.
Woman in a sheer, plum blouse with puff sleeves and silver buttons stands against a white background, looking confidently at the camera.
Woman in a sparkly black jumpsuit holds a black clutch. She stands against a plain white background, wearing hoop earrings and open-toe heels.




Lack of Curves


If your frame is straighter and lacking the definition of curves you can create the illusion by adding volume to both the bust and hips.


What usually works well:

  • Puff sleeves

  • A-line skirts

  • Hourglass cut jumpsuits


Party textures to lean into: Sequins, ruffles, asymmetric cuts.

Avoid: Shift dresses or anything super tight throughout - you lose all definition


Examples of what looks great:


Woman in a brown long-sleeve dress holding a matching brown clutch. She's standing against a light gray background, exuding elegance.
Woman in black dress with asymmetrical sleeves and thigh-high slit holds red clutch. Wears red heels. White background, neutral mood.
Woman in black velvet pants and a patterned top with shoulder pads stands confidently against a gray background, exuding elegance.

Petite


Being petite isn’t about size — it’s about proportion. The goal is to keep the eye moving upward, avoid anything that overwhelms your frame, and make sure your outfit feels balanced from head to toe.


What usually works well:

  • Mini or above knee to lengthen your legs

  • Tailored jumpsuits to add definition

  • Cropped jackets that don't cut at your hip line


Party textures to lean into: Satin, structured sequins, sleek tailoring.

Avoid: Too oversized or maxi dresses without a slit


Examples of what looks great:


Woman in a deep purple velvet dress and matching heels stands confidently against a plain white background.

Woman in a red lace dress and red sandals stands against a plain light background, exuding a confident and elegant mood.
Woman in black off-shoulder jumpsuit stands against a plain background. She wears drop earrings and heels, exuding elegance and poise.


Final Thoughts


The best Christmas party outfit is the one that makes you feel like the most dialled-up version of yourself. Understanding your bodyshape is just a smart shortcut — not a set of rules. Mix it with your personality, experiment with textures and colours and choose something you can actually enjoy wearing all night.


We have put together out favourite picks at all price points in this Moonsift here:


Make sure you follow us on Instagram and Youtube as next week Melissa is covering how to keep your outfits chic when you have to take your shoes off!


If you want personalised help picking pieces that flatter your shape (and your vibe), you know where to find us.


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