Ah the little black dress, every woman’s fail safe wardrobe item, well...except mine. I have just dug out my trusty black cocktail number from the recesses of my wardrobe (no mean feat) only to discover it has a rather large hole in it in a rather unfortunate place deeming it completely un-wearable. This is not good, not good at all. I have a party to attend in a couple of days and was relying on wearing it as I wanted to look my sparkling best due to a very delicious man being in attendance.

There is nothing for it but to buy a new one. The trouble being I’m in a complete fluster of what will suit me these days. What looks best on my body shape? What are fashion no-no’s? Where to shop? The list is endless. I call my stylist friend Tamara in a complete blind panic and thankfully she answers my Crie de Coeur with some of the best dressing advice I’ve had, so good in fact I thought I’d share it with you – here is her guide to buying the ultimate LBD (Little Black Dress) for your body shape:

Bottom heavy

The easiest way to balance a bottom-heavy figure is to choose a little black dress that skims over the lower half of the body. Fuller skirts disguise heavy hips, while showing off the waist. A fitted halter or strapless silhouette - which accents a trim upper body, is very flattering for bottom-heavy figures. My favourite dress for bottom-heavy women is the Rosette-embellished organza dress by Notte by Marchesa, the fabulous 50s styling will certainly cover those hips.

Thick waist

Disguise a thick waist in a little black dress by either, raising, lowering or eliminating the waistline. A shift dress without a defined waist, or an empire waist dress which has a raised waist, are other good choices. I love this Narcisco Rodriguez number – the perfect shift dress!

Full bust

Balance a top-heavy figure in a little black dress by opting for the most flattering necklines for the full bust: the V-neck, square neck, wrap or portrait style are your best options. Look for fabrics that skim but aren't clingy or too stiff. Also, avoid ornate necklines, embellished bodices and blouson styles. I love this ruched jersey gown by Alice Temperley - I just wish I had the bust to fill it!

No curves

If your body lacks natural curves, like mine, add feminine presence with fullness like with this ruffled black dress. You can also pump up the volume with extra details like full sleeves, layers and ruffles. This Oscar De La Renta dress is perfect for my figure – the feather detailing will really add definition to my hips. This is the chosen dress I’ll be wearing to the event!

Flabby arms

Don't worry -  you don't have to look matronly to cover up less-than-toned arms. The trick is to keep the sexy element with embellishment or peekaboo cut-outs on the little black dress. A sheer-sleeve dress is another great way to get some sex appeal and still conceal arms. This Giselle lace dress by Erdem fits that bill perfectly.

Now I’ve got my perfect dress, I have absolutely nothing to worry about before the event. Except, well, my hair, my make-up, what shoes to wear with my new dress, an evening bag, which perfume to wear, jewellery…