One dress, two ways: Shape style director Jacqui Stafford finds the perfect desk-to-dinner dress

Q I want to buy one dress that works for all occasions. What do you recommend?

A You can't go wrong with a black strapless dress. Not only can you dress it up or down, but it flatters every body type from petite to large-chested. It also draws the eye upward, to the most sensual and elegant parts of a woman's body, her shoulders and decolletage. One of the most affordable options is the silk Ann Taylor "Jillian" dress ($188; anntaylor.com), pictured below. It has an Empire waist, so it cinches just below the bustline (the slimmest area on most women) then gently flares out to camouflage a fuller middle or pear shape. Make it casual with a feminine belted cardigan, ballet flats, and a chunky bag, or complement with sparkly heels and eye-catching jewelry for an elegant soiree.

Q I'd love to find a belt that looks as good with formal pants as it does with jeans. Any ideas?

A Our secret: Shop in the men's department. A classic men's belt adds flair to even the most casual pair of jeans, and it works beautifully with a more tailored pant. (Take the pants with you when you go shopping to make sure the belt fits through the belt loops.) Choose a plain leather band in black or chocolate with a midsize buckle. A large buckle looks good only if you're petite, whereas a smaller buckle is better if you're fuller on top (it gives the appearance of a longer torso).

Q My strapless bras all pinch my skin and won't stay up properly. What's the deal?
A It sounds like they're too small. Most women think they need a tighter band to keep a strapless bra in place, but it should be the same size as your regular one. Straps simply anchor the bra; breast support comes from the underwire or under-cup support panels. To be sure you're wearing the right size, have a fit specialist in the lingerie department measure you. (It turns out that 7 out of 10 women are wearing the wrong size bra!) Then turn the bra inside out and look for a stay-there power band that hugs the body. Another common strapless problem: color. If your top is black, pick a black bra; otherwise, the rule of thumb is to match the bra to your skin tone. Try the Lejaby Nuage strapless bra ($72; figleaves.com), which is available in five shades.

1 Milly cardigan ($472; 617-558-1855)
2 Treesje "Goleta" clutch ($150; select Bloomingdale's)
3 Rafe "Belgravia Reese" flat ($365; rafe.com)
DRESS IT UP
4 Carlos Falchi clutch ($350; at Saks Fifth Avenue stores)
5 Charles & Colvard Moissanite circle pendant ($1,740; at J.C. Penneys nationwide)
6 Stuart Weitzman "Cuando" stiletto ($375; stuart weitzman.com)
SPLURGE
$260 Gucci men's leather belt with elongated silver-knot buckle (gucci.com)
STEAL
$45 Landes toggle belt (landes.com)
One Perfect Bra
Maidenform One Fabulous Fit strapless bra ($29.50; maiden form.com)

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