This Season's Must-Have: The Smock Dress

Smock dressed have been back in full force this season and the trend shows no signs of slowing down - which is very good news for the more fashion-forward of us who cannot boast a supermodel body. The vast amount of choices in smock and tunic dresses available in most shops makes it quite easy to find a style that you like and that best suits your age, body shape and taste in fashion. However, there are several things you should keep in mind when shopping for a smock dress and below you'll find a mini-style guide that will help you make the best choice and look fabulous in smock.

First of all, keep in mind that smock dresses are great at hiding body flaws such as a not-so-flat tummy or bigger hips - however, you run the risk of overdoing it and looking... there's no other way to put this... pregnant. This doesn't mean that you should abandon your initial goal of finding a smock dress type that suits you, only that you should consider choosing carefully and wearing the right kind of accessories. This figure-friendly dress can be worn over bare legs, over opaque or ribbed tights or leggings and even over skinny or boot-cut jeans. To cut back on the volume this dress gives you, wear a patent leather or braided wide belt and a pair of chunky heels or wedges for extra balance.

If you're younger than 25, you don't have to worry about prints. Choose wildly colored dresses, dresses with puffy sleeves, frills and bows, but don't forget to even out your look with plain-colored wooden or metallic accessories. If you're more mature, go for a plain or metallic shade that reaches down to your knees - but not below, otherwise you'll look frumpy. Shoes are extremely important. If you're layering the smock over jeans or other type of pants, high heels are a must. If you're wearing it over tights or bare legs, you can go for flats or even gladiator sandals, another fashion must-have for the season.

If you have a more ample bust line, go for a style that is fitted just below the bust to make the bulk of the dress' volume fall under the neckline. Balance is the key word here. If you're tall and slender, go for a short style, but don't forget to even it out with voluminous sleeves. If you're petite, opaque tights and high heels are a must in order to avoid the maternity dress look. For the evening, choose a purple or metallic gray satin smock with gems, rhinestones or any other metallic details around the hem and neckline and you'll definitely not go unnoticed.