Since you will likely wear an evening dress to some of the most important events of your life, it’s important to make sure you choose the best dress for your body type. Follow these simple tips for making sure you look your very best for that special occasion.

1. Choose the right size. Too many women choose a dress that’s too small because they refuse to accept that they wear a bigger size than they would like to wear. This is of course a mistake: an ill-fitting dress is unflattering, regardless of how beautiful it is. And no one sees the tag, anyway! You should also avoid buying a dress that’s too large – this will make you look sloppy.

2. If you are heavier around the hips, choose an evening dress that is fitted at the bodice, with a skirt that gently drapes around you. Avoid a tight-fitting skirt. You should also avoid a puffy skirt. This halter evening dress does a great job of hiding large hips and drawing attention to the neck and shoulders.

3. If you have a large bust, choose an evening dress with a supportive top, such as this Turquoise Evening Dress. A strapless dress or a dress with spaghetti straps is probably not the best choice for you.

4. If you would like to camouflage a round belly, an evening dress with an empire waist is a great choice. Try this red satin evening dress for a truly stunning look.