This year is set to be the year of the dress. There has been a gradual return to a more feminine way of dressing - and not before time we say. Dresses are a great wardrobe staple - a one-stop shop for a look that you can just slip on safe in the knowledge that you've made a great style choice. But, how do you know that the dress you love loves you back? It can be a bit of a minefield as there are a vast selection of dress styles available, but we here at Jacques Vert have a long history of producing flattering and feminine dresses so here is our guide to dressing for your shape.

Most people fall into one of the following body shape categories: Hourglass, Pear, Apple, and Boyish. Take a good look at yourself in the mirror and see which shape you are - or ask a trusted friend! Hourglass figures tend to have a medium to large bust, a well defined waist, and hips a similar size to the bust. Pear shapes are all about the bottom half - we tend to have slim shoulders and torso and larger hips and thighs. Gorgeous Apple ladies are the opposite of pears - large bust and waist and smaller thighs and legs. Last but not least boyish figures are those of us who are straight up and down basically with no defined waistline.

So, now you've worked out what shape you are: how do you know which dress to buy? Well, each figure type has areas they would like to accentuate and conceal, so the key is to find a dress that does this.

The Hourglass lady pretty much has her pick of the bunch. As Gok Wan says, this is the shape which most designers work too so most things tend to suit this shape - lucky you! Why not show off your feminine curves with a tailored shift dress - this will show off your figure in an elegant and classy way. If you prefer to show less hip then opt for a dress with a slight a-line. Maxi dresses also work well for this shape, but make sure to belt them in to show off that gorgeous waistline.

Perfect Pear ladies should choose dresses which draw attention to the top half of the body i.e. the slimmest bit. Empire line dresses are particularly flattering as they show off the neck and decolletage and skim over the bottom half of the body - something like a flowing silk maxi dress would be perfect for you. Also look out for a-line dresses with embellished necklines to draw the eye upwards.

Lucious Apple ladies should also choose dresses which showcase the upper body - use details such as halter necks and strapless styles to give the illusion of smaller shoulders. Again take advantage of some of the more feminine flowing styles which are popular now, and choose one which fits correctly in order to skim over your lower half with style. Look for dresses with a soft-v-neck and a-line skirt as these are the most flattering.

Those of you with a boyish figure need to keep in mind that the best dresses for you are the ones which define your figure. Anything that adds curves is a definite yes. Look for details such as gentle ruching, fitted waists, belts or full printed skirts to create a curvier look.

So, now you know which body shape you are, and which dress will suit, why not browse through our collection of dresses at Jacques-vert.com? You're sure to find a dress to suit you and the occasion - whether it be a starring role as Mother of the Bride, your next dress to wear to a wedding or Ascot, or a fabulous holiday or cruise.

Jacques Vert has been dressing the discerning lady for all events in her calendar for almost 40 years. We offer a range of beautiful dresses for all occasions from weddings through to holiday and cruises and everyday dresses. Our range now includes a selection of feminine maxi dresses. Shop the Jacques Vert Dresses Collection now.