Draped fabric, particularly on dresses has been big news on the catwalks recently with many designers, including Donna Karan New York, J Mendel, Christian Siriano and Vivienne Westwood all using the technique to help create shape.
The best thing about draped fabric is that it works in your favour whatever your shape. If you are slim it can create the illusion of curves but the detail can also disguise problem areas.
In New York draping fabric over the shoulder and down into the dress created more of a bust at Christian Siriano, and Donna Karan used the technique on skirts to create the illusion of curves on the hips.
With the right fabric, such as silk, it can have a rich luxurious feel to it and it also creates a sexy Grecian look when the shoulder has fabric draped over it.
If you want to give yourself more of an hourglass figure go for draping on the hips or bust to enhance curves. If you want to hide a tummy, a layer of fabric draped over another on the tummy can change how it looks.
Draping has quickly made the transition from catwalk to high street. To create the illusion of a bigger boobs try this navy Miss Selfridge number, £50 (below left) with draped layers on the bust area. If it's your hips that need the curves head to Topshop for this Rare dress, £39 (below center).
Finally if it's a tummy you're wanting to hide the draped double layer on this dress by Miss Selfridge £35 (above right) will do just that, and even better the turquoise colour is big news right now!
FemaleFirst - Jessica Watson
Tagged in Christian Siriano