Autumn dresses

For those of us who don't have Kate Moss's legs or Jennifer Aniston's tiny midriff, the good news is that the figure-friendly dress has become the fashionista's evergreen item

Whether you have a flat bum or bingo wings, the autumn influx of all things dress-like has the style to compliment your figure. We run you through all the possibilities

by Alyson Walsh

Short legs

Make legs look like they go on forever in a cute mini dress (left) with black opaques and heels. And don't think that maxi dresses are out of the question. We've found this perfectly proportioned frock (right) that gives the illusion of a long and lean physique. Good, eh?

Knitted dress, £80, from French Connection www.frenchconnection.com (left). Retro maxi dress, £35, from Wallis Petites www.wallis-fashion.com (right)
Big bum

There is a reason the figure-hugging shift dress is a fashion classic: a well-tailored style (as pictured left) helps sculpt a shapely bottom and makes the most of curves.

Or why not draw attention away from ample buttocks with clever front detailing and flirty frills around the shoulders (right).

Leopard print shift, £100, from Betty Jackson.Black at Debenhams www.debenhams.com (left). Frill dress with knot belt, £40, from Dorothy Perkins www.dorothyperkins.com (right)
Flat bum

Good news. Volume is, err, big this season and an easy way to add shape to a slim derriere.

Choose a cute puffball or tulip skirt, or opt for Pixie Geldof chic by teaming a full-on pleated prom dress with natty ankle boots.

Checked prom dress, £49.99, from River Island www.riverisland.com (left). Leopard print dress, £45, from Miss Selfridge www.missselfridge.com (right)
Big calves

A fabulous maxi dress (like the one pictured left)offers maximum calf coverage, but don't rule out shorter styles - paired with matching knee boots and opaques to give the illusion of super-slim legs.

If the prospect of squeezing calves into skinny boots fills you with fear, check out Duo boots (www.duoboots.com) for a wide selection of calf-fitting styles

Tiered maxi dress, £45, from Miss Selfridge www.missselfridge.com (left). Denim frill sleeve dress, £40, Miss Selfridge www.missselfridge.com (right)
Small boobs

Embrace this season's folksy trend in a gathered bib-front tunic (pictured left), and pride yourself in the fact that not everyone can wear this voluminous style.

For a more figure-hugging shape, a gentle scoop neck with lace trim detail (right) flatters small boobs and looks elegant.

Blue dress with thistle pattern, £50, from French Connection www.frenchconnection.com (left). Velvet trim tea dress, £40, from Miss Selfridge www.missselfridge.com (right)
Big boobs

Go for La Dolce Vita glamour in a stunning figure-hugging dress (left). Lace is hot news for autumn and a demure way to show a bit of flesh without letting it all hang out.

For day, a v-neck shape (right) flatters a large bosom, and this cute peasant dress is bang-on-trend and bargainous.

Black lace dress, £169, from Reiss www.reiss.co.uk (left). Printed dress, £18, George at Asda www.george.com (right)
Wide hips

Introducing this season's amazing two-in-one dress - not only do the black fitted skirt and contrasting top (left) look tres elegant, this cunning combination disguises a pear-shape too.

Or go for this season's take on the Little Black Dress, (one-shouldered and slightly A-line) to gently skim over large hips (right).

Two-in-one dress, £40, Wallis www.wallis-fashion.com (left). One-shoulder corsage dress, £40, Dorothy Perkins www.dorothyperkins.com (right)
Boyish

Most of us would commit homicide for a body like Kiera Knightly's but if you're looking to add curves to a straight-up-and-down physique, feminine ruffles (left) are a stylish solution.

For the office, this super-sharp puffball dress and nipped-in jacket combo (right) will have you taking the boardroom by storm.

Pink frill dress, £40, from Dorothy Perkins www.dorothyperkins.com (left). Black short sleeved jacket, £45 and tartan dress, £45, from Miss Selfridge www.missselfridge.com (right)
Big tum

Credit cards at the ready...this amazing frock (left) has special powers. The striking print and beautiful neckline flatter any figure and can draw attention away from a wobbly tummy. Hoorah!

Or, if pared-down chic is more your style, this demure Victoriana dress (right) will gently waft over lumps and bumps.

Signature embellished dress, £50, from Next www.next.co.uk (left). Victoriana dress, £40, from Dorothy Perkins (right)
Fleshy upper arms

Rejoice! For this season the fashion gods bring us a multitude of show-stopping frocks, with sleeves. Yes, that's with sleeves. Thus providing ample coverage for our less-than-perfect triceps.

Like this beautiful evening dress from Reiss, which we think you'll agree, is the perfect way to party (right).

Floral dress, £38, from Miss Selfridge www.missselfridge.com (left). Feather effect sleeve dress, £195, from Reiss www.reiss.co.uk (right)
More Autumn style

Steal Alexa's style
We recreate five of the fashionista's eclectic looks at high street prices

Autumn key trends
Time to start planning the obligatory style update - bit like buying a new school uniform but a lot more fun

Chunky jewellery
We have noticed that as handbags are getting smaller, jewellery is getting bigger