Contrast Colour Block Dresses

Dresses with black lines and contrasting colours at the waist produce a shapely figure and work well for all sizes. Colour block dresses create a shape on a slim body and are flattering on a curvy body too. Petite dresses with panels or vertical lines can also give the appearance of height on a smaller frame. Buying plus-size outfits with dark panels and cut-outs at the side makes the contour of the body appear much slimmer. A splash of colour also has a part to play in the art of illusion and can enhance the silhouette in the most flattering of ways.

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Colour Block dresses and hats to match for race day and weddings

Colour Block Dresses and Hats to Match

Coast colour block dresses and hats to match come together to bring standout race day outfits. Expert milliner Lisa Tan has crafted stunning hats and fascinators complimenting Coast’s special occasion dresses.

We love the Lisa Tan Geo Stripe ruffle shoulder midi dress featuring bold bursts of colour and contrasting geometric shapes. For a classic edge, the colour block midi dress offers a sleek sleeveless fit and flare design in a pink, lime and white combination. Contrasting tones, rainbow hues, cascading hems, bows and ruffles complete the special race day and wedding occasionwear at Coast.

Illusion Colourblock Dresses

Phase Eight Women's Rosalee One Shoulder Maxi
Phase Eight Women's Rosalee One Shoulder Maxi
Phase Eight

was: £159.00

£85.50

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Phase Eight Women's Simara Ombre Pleated Midi Dress
Phase Eight Women's Simara Ombre Pleated Midi Dress
Phase Eight

£149.00

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HotSquash Pleated Polka Dot Midi Dress, Navy
HotSquash Pleated Polka Dot Midi Dress, Navy
John Lewis & Partners

£119.00

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HotSquash Pleated Floral Midi Dress, Black/White
HotSquash Pleated Floral Midi Dress, Black/White
John Lewis & Partners

£119.00

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Hobbs Women's Lila V Neck Midi Dress - Navy Yellow
Hobbs Women's Lila V Neck Midi Dress - Navy Yellow
Hobbs Ltd

was: £179.00

£125.10

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Womens Contrast Pleat Skirt Wrap Midi Dress
Womens Contrast Pleat Skirt Wrap Midi Dress
Wallis UK

was: £95.00

£24.00

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Hobbs Women's Natalie Fit And Flare Dress - Ivory Multi
Hobbs Women's Natalie Fit And Flare Dress - Ivory Multi
Hobbs Ltd

was: £179.00

£129.00

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Hobbs Women's Jaci Dress - Ivory Navy
Hobbs Women's Jaci Dress - Ivory Navy
Hobbs Ltd

was: £159.00

£107.10

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Hobbs Women's Claudia Pleated Fit And Flare Dress - Navy Pink Multi
Hobbs Women's Claudia Pleated Fit And Flare Dress - Navy Pink Multi
Hobbs Ltd

was: £189.00

£116.10

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Phase Eight Women's Simara Ombre Dress
Phase Eight Women's Simara Ombre Dress
Phase Eight

£149.00

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Hobbs Women's Jaci Belted Linen Dress - Navy Multi
Hobbs Women's Jaci Belted Linen Dress - Navy Multi
Hobbs Ltd

was: £129.00

£71.10

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Roman Rainbow Stripe Print Midi Dress in Multi
Roman Rainbow Stripe Print Midi Dress in Multi
Roman Originals

£55.00

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chesca Cosmopolitan Striped Midi Dress, Multi
chesca Cosmopolitan Striped Midi Dress, Multi
John Lewis & Partners

£165.00

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Phase Eight Women's Piper Ombre Midi Dress
Phase Eight Women's Piper Ombre Midi Dress
Phase Eight

was: £149.00

£98.10

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Phase Eight Women's Zita Lace Sleeveless Dress
Phase Eight Women's Zita Lace Sleeveless Dress
Phase Eight

was: £169.00

£91.26

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Roman Floral Border Print Frill Stretch Dress in Royal Blue
Roman Floral Border Print Frill Stretch Dress in Royal Blue
Roman Originals

£55.00

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Closet Gold Wrap Gathered Sleeve Dress
Closet Gold Wrap Gathered Sleeve Dress
Closet London

was: £102.00

£50.99

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InWear Sharla Diagonal Stripe Maxi Dress, Black/Eggshell
InWear Sharla Diagonal Stripe Maxi Dress, Black/Eggshell
John Lewis & Partners

£149.95

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Hobbs Women's Bailly Fit And Flare Dress - Navy Cblt Ivory
Hobbs Women's Bailly Fit And Flare Dress - Navy Cblt Ivory
Hobbs Ltd

was: £189.00

£103.50

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Roman Originals Petite Pleated Print Midi Dress in Red
Roman Originals Petite Pleated Print Midi Dress in Red
Roman Originals

£65.00

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Closet London Pink Gathered Neck A-Line Dress
Closet London Pink Gathered Neck A-Line Dress
Closet London

was: £114.00

£56.99

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Roman Floral Border Print Frill Stretch Dress in Green
Roman Floral Border Print Frill Stretch Dress in Green
Roman Originals

£55.00

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Roman Fit and Flare Pleated Midi Dress in Black
Roman Fit and Flare Pleated Midi Dress in Black
Roman Originals

£60.00

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Womens Abstract Satin Wrap Midi Dress
Womens Abstract Satin Wrap Midi Dress
Wallis UK

was: £85.00

£47.00

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Closet London Red Collar Full Skirt Dress
Closet London Red Collar Full Skirt Dress
Closet London

was: £132.00

£65.99

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Phase Eight Women's Doty Colourblock Linen-Blend Swing Dress
Phase Eight Women's Doty Colourblock Linen-Blend Swing Dress
Phase Eight

was: £95.00

£67.50

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Phase Eight Women's Adelheid Stripe Fit And Flare Dress
Phase Eight Women's Adelheid Stripe Fit And Flare Dress
Phase Eight

was: £110.00

£67.50

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HotSquash Princess Seam Swing Dress
HotSquash Princess Seam Swing Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£119.00

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HotSquash Frill Detail Bodycon Dress
HotSquash Frill Detail Bodycon Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£115.00

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Roman Contrast Floral Print Fit & Flare Dress in Black & Grey
Roman Contrast Floral Print Fit & Flare Dress in Black & Grey
Roman Originals

£50.00

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HotSquash Princess Seam Swing Dress
HotSquash Princess Seam Swing Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£119.00

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HotSquash Contrast V-Neck Knee Length Dress, Teal
HotSquash Contrast V-Neck Knee Length Dress, Teal
John Lewis & Partners

£125.00

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Ro&Zo Selena One Shoulder Stripe Midi Satin Dress, Black/White
Ro&Zo Selena One Shoulder Stripe Midi Satin Dress, Black/White
John Lewis & Partners

£129.00

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Womens Abstract Print Piping Detail Midi Dress
Womens Abstract Print Piping Detail Midi Dress
Wallis UK

was: £85.00

£25.00

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Closet GOLD Navy Bow Neck Pencil Dress
Closet GOLD Navy Bow Neck Pencil Dress
Closet London

was: £84.00

£41.99

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Womens Petite Red Abstract Satin Halter Neck Midi Dress
Womens Petite Red Abstract Satin Halter Neck Midi Dress
Wallis UK

was: £85.00

£33.00

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Hobbs Women's Twitchill Linen Fit And Flare Dress - Multi
Hobbs Women's Twitchill Linen Fit And Flare Dress - Multi
Hobbs Ltd

was: £139.00

£89.10

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Ro&Zo Daphne Floral Midi Dress, Pink/White
Ro&Zo Daphne Floral Midi Dress, Pink/White
John Lewis & Partners

£129.00

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Phase Eight Women's Nori Tapework Lace Fitted Dress
Phase Eight Women's Nori Tapework Lace Fitted Dress
Phase Eight

was: £199.00

£134.10

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Womens Floral Silk Mix Wrap Midi Dress
Womens Floral Silk Mix Wrap Midi Dress
Wallis UK

was: £85.00

£29.00

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Gina Bacconi Hannah Jacquard Dress, Black/Red
Gina Bacconi Hannah Jacquard Dress, Black/Red
John Lewis & Partners

£260.00

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Phase Eight Women's Nori Tapework Lace Fitted Dress
Phase Eight Women's Nori Tapework Lace Fitted Dress
Phase Eight

was: £199.00

£134.10

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Phase Eight Women's Tandi Contrast Bodice Dress
Phase Eight Women's Tandi Contrast Bodice Dress
Phase Eight

was: £140.00

£98.10

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Phase Eight Women's Faith Contrast Fitted Dress
Phase Eight Women's Faith Contrast Fitted Dress
Phase Eight

was: £160.00

£110.00

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Damsel in a Dress Women's Valarie Colourblock Dress
Damsel in a Dress Women's Valarie Colourblock Dress
Phase Eight

was: £149.00

£89.10

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Hobbs Women's Mariella Dress - Multi
Hobbs Women's Mariella Dress - Multi
Hobbs Ltd

was: £149.00

£107.10

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Colour Block V-Neck Midi Dress Blue Women Boden, Navy and Bright Blue
Colour Block V-Neck Midi Dress Blue Women Boden, Navy and Bright Blue
Boden UK

was: £98.00

£68.60

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V-Neck Satin Midi Dress Multi Women Boden, Multi Stripe
V-Neck Satin Midi Dress Multi Women Boden, Multi Stripe
Boden UK

was: £150.00

£105.00

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Lisa Tan Colour Block Midi Dress
Lisa Tan Colour Block Midi Dress
Coast UK & IE

was: £119.00

£48.00

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Gina Bacconi Doreen Chiffon One Shoulder Dress
Gina Bacconi Doreen Chiffon One Shoulder Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£350.00

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Angel Sleeve Colour Block Pleated Dress - Navy
Angel Sleeve Colour Block Pleated Dress - Navy
Coast UK & IE

was: £119.00

£48.00

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Colour Block Puff Sleeve Dress
Colour Block Puff Sleeve Dress
Debenhams UK

was: £139.00

£39.00

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Lisa Tan Geo Stripe Ruffle Shoulder Midi Dress
Lisa Tan Geo Stripe Ruffle Shoulder Midi Dress
Coast UK & IE

was: £159.00

£95.00

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Phase Eight Women's Lottie Stripe Maxi Dress
Phase Eight Women's Lottie Stripe Maxi Dress
Phase Eight

was: £140.00

£89.10

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Colourblock Wrap Midi Dress - Mono
Colourblock Wrap Midi Dress - Mono
Coast UK & IE

was: £129.00

£65.00

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Contrast Panel Midi Dress
Contrast Panel Midi Dress
Debenhams UK

was: £148.75

£119.00

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Phase Eight Women's Mali Textured Stitch Colourblock Dress
Phase Eight Women's Mali Textured Stitch Colourblock Dress
Phase Eight

was: £95.00

£59.00

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Contrast Panel Midi Dress
Contrast Panel Midi Dress
Debenhams UK

was: £148.75

£119.00

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Box Pleat Midi Dress with Contrast Skirt
Box Pleat Midi Dress with Contrast Skirt
Debenhams UK

was: £148.75

£119.00

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Box Pleat Midi Dress with Contrast Skirt
Box Pleat Midi Dress with Contrast Skirt
Debenhams UK

was: £148.75

£119.00

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Box Pleat Midi Dress with Contrast Skirt
Box Pleat Midi Dress with Contrast Skirt
Debenhams UK

was: £148.75

£119.00

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HotSquash Contrast Pleat Midi Dress
HotSquash Contrast Pleat Midi Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£119.00

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Hobbs Women's Katya Dress - Black Blue
Hobbs Women's Katya Dress - Black Blue
Hobbs Ltd

was: £159.00

£56.70

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Phase Eight Women's Joy One Shoulder Midi Dress
Phase Eight Women's Joy One Shoulder Midi Dress
Phase Eight

was: £149.00

£98.10

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Petite Colour Block Halterneck Midi Dress
Petite Colour Block Halterneck Midi Dress
Debenhams UK

was: £65.00

£19.00

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Gina Bacconi Janada Chiffon Maxi Dress
Gina Bacconi Janada Chiffon Maxi Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£370.00

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Gina Bacconi Janeen Chiffon Dress
Gina Bacconi Janeen Chiffon Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£330.00

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HotSquash 50s Silky Trimmed Button Wiggle Dress
HotSquash 50s Silky Trimmed Button Wiggle Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£125.00

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Phase Eight Women's Geri Striped Shirt Midi Dress
Phase Eight Women's Geri Striped Shirt Midi Dress
Phase Eight

was: £119.00

£58.50

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Colourblock Hats Shoes and Bags

Theresa Satin Asymmetric Diamante Strap Stiletto Court Shoes - Pink
Theresa Satin Asymmetric Diamante Strap Stiletto Court Shoes - Pink
Coast UK & IE

was: £65.00

£32.00

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Lisa Tan Ombre Feather And Bow Detail Wide Brim Hat - Pink
Lisa Tan Ombre Feather And Bow Detail Wide Brim Hat - Pink
Coast UK & IE

was: £139.00

£83.00

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Lisa Tan Rainbow Bow And Mesh Wide Brim Hat
Lisa Tan Rainbow Bow And Mesh Wide Brim Hat
Coast UK & IE

was: £169.00

£118.00

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Lauren Ralph Lauren Hartley Straw Bucket Bag, Natural/Black
Lauren Ralph Lauren Hartley Straw Bucket Bag, Natural/Black
John Lewis & Partners

£279.00

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Dune Regent Leather Quilted Shoulder Bag, Multi
Dune Regent Leather Quilted Shoulder Bag, Multi
John Lewis & Partners

£170.00

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Longchamp Robert Indiana Handbag, Red
Longchamp Robert Indiana Handbag, Red
John Lewis & Partners

£205.00

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Radley Finsbury Park Patchwork Medium Grab Bag, Chalk
Radley Finsbury Park Patchwork Medium Grab Bag, Chalk
John Lewis & Partners

£149.00

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Sam Edelman Tarra Slingback Court Shoes
Sam Edelman Tarra Slingback Court Shoes
John Lewis & Partners

£150.00

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Radley 24/7 Small Flapover Cross Body Bag
Radley 24/7 Small Flapover Cross Body Bag
John Lewis & Partners

£129.00

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Tonia Satin Diamante Slingback Pointed High Heel Court Shoes - Red
Tonia Satin Diamante Slingback Pointed High Heel Court Shoes - Red
Coast UK & IE

was: £69.00

£41.40

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Radley Albion Road Small Zip Around Grab Bag, Walnut
Radley Albion Road Small Zip Around Grab Bag, Walnut
John Lewis & Partners

£219.00

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Radley Valentine's Day Edition Liverpool Street 2.0 Mini Grab Bag, Black/Multi
Radley Valentine's Day Edition Liverpool Street 2.0 Mini Grab Bag, Black/Multi
John Lewis & Partners

£199.00

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Sam Edelman Tarra2 Slingback Shoes
Sam Edelman Tarra2 Slingback Shoes
John Lewis & Partners

£150.00

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Radley Finsbury Park Patchwork Small Crossbody Bag, Chalk
Radley Finsbury Park Patchwork Small Crossbody Bag, Chalk
John Lewis & Partners

£99.00

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kate spade new york Lily Frog Rattan Leather Blend Cross Body Bag, Candy Grass/Multi
kate spade new york Lily Frog Rattan Leather Blend Cross Body Bag, Candy Grass/Multi
John Lewis & Partners

£550.00

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Chie Mihara Gapaxi Leather Sandals, Green/Multi
Chie Mihara Gapaxi Leather Sandals, Green/Multi
John Lewis & Partners

£315.00

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SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Rampling Satin Colour Block Court Shoes, Candy/Mouette
SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Rampling Satin Colour Block Court Shoes, Candy/Mouette
John Lewis & Partners

£299.00

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Moda in Pelle Darlene Court Shoes
Moda in Pelle Darlene Court Shoes
John Lewis & Partners

£109.00

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New styles include black and white contrast dresses, multicoloured stripes, bodycon pencil dresses and print colour block dresses. Online brands and high street stores such as Karen Millen, Boden, Phase Eight, Asos, Damsel in a Dress, Coast, L.K. Bennett, Chesca, Ted Baker and Gina Bacconi boast a vibrant collection of colourblock designs.

Slimming Figure-Shaping Dresses

Visual trickery dressing is not just for the red carpet and celebrities. The new fashion frenzy can be seen in the new season dress collection at department stores such as John Lewis and House of Fraser. So add your own drama to your wardrobe with a Bodycon slim-fit bandage dress to showcase your curves. Here you will find figure-hugging dresses combined with a modern block pattern perfect for effortless day & evening dressing.

Panelled Bodycon Dresses

The secret behind creating an instantly slimmer silhouette is a clever design. New colour block dresses are embracing the shaper-dress trend that accentuates the figure. Savvy celebs know how to dress to impress, and panelled bodycon are real show stoppers. Reiss dresses are both figure-flattering and on-trend, especially their latest bandage styles.

Catwalk-inspired geometric prints are a winner, too and work well with colour block pieces. Update your wardrobe and take your pick from the latest graphic stripes, cube and chevron prints and team with bold splashes of colour.

Colour Block Tops and Jackets

Jackets, cardigans, blouses and tops can play their part too in the world of illusion. Styles include colour blocking, darts and gather for shaping, seam detail that nips in at the waist and monochrome prints. Wear over black trousers or a pencil slim skirt for an elegant, tailored 1940s look. Smart two-piece outfits look good for work or play.

Author Debra Binns
Curated by Debra Binns

Debra Binns is the co-founder of MotherOfTheBrideOutfits.org.uk. Debra has been creating and sharing relevant content about women's occasionwear since 2009, bringing together fabulous fashion from the high street and online stores for that special occasion.

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