The hour glass figure you’ve always wanted – thank you illusion dressing!

With its genesis stemming from the collections of high-end designers like Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and Herve Leger, the illusion dress has seeped its way onto the red carpet and is now available at GOSH! The illusion dress flatteringly accentuates curves to give women the perfect hourglass shape that is so famously associated with celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Sofia Vergara and Beyonce Knowles. With its waist-nipping side panels and bust-accentuating design, the illusion dress not only makes the waist look smaller but also helps achieve the ideal bust-to-hip ratio. Of particular popularity is the illusion dress from Stella McCartney’s fall 2011 collection, which has been repeatedly worn by Nicole Scherzinger, Kate Winslet, Liv Tyler and Penelope Cruz.

Celebs have not been shy to snatch this look straight from the runway. With how slimming this look is, we don’t blame them! The illusion can either be attributed to the placement of side panels on the dress and/or through the clever use of pattern and print. Check out the below looks shamelessly snatched by leading ladies; Kate Winslet (wears Stella McCartney), Victoria Beckham and Kim Kardashian (wearing Alexander McQueen) and Kristen Stewart and Lily Collins (wearing Herve Leger).

If you’re loving this look, ladies, GOSH has a selection of garments which combine this season’s trends (namely bright colours and colour-blocking) with the amazing perks offered by illusion dressing.  Check out our two illusion dresses (so fabulous that they’ve been featured in the Sunday Telegraph), alongside our colour-blocked illusion dresses. The illusion dress is one which will be in high demand this season simply because it flatters all body shapes and sizes. Also on offer are the slimming Twisted Twig pants by Fairground which give the illusion of thinner legs by way of contrasting black panels.



Top tips on how to wear the hottest trends for Formal Dresses this season

 Colour is a huge trend this formal season so if you’re going to do brights, make sure you do them well! Colour-block your dress to your accessories and don’t be shy about clashing (matchy-matchy fashion is on the out!). If you’re going for a bright blue dress, opt for a hot pink or orange clutch, cuff and earrings. The best colour combinations this season are Blue and Orange, Hot Pink and Red, Purple and Orange and Green and Purple. The proof is splashed all over the red carpet – celebs have not been shy in sporting daring, bright frocks and colour-blocked ensembles.

With Summer rapidly approaching, your formal night and a bright frock will go hand-in-hand. The following looks are on offer at GOSH and will help you make a statement at your formal. Our Darling dress comes in a selection of brights – blue, yellow, tangerine and hot pink – and is a full length gown which will definitely help you stand out.

Below are some alternative looks also available through GOSH which can help you emulate this celebrity-inspired bright trend.

Thigh-high slits on maxi dresses and skirts are big this summer so the key here is balance. If you’ve got a dress with a thigh-high slit, make sure that remains the feature of your outfit and keep your top half simple and covered up (take note – Rosie Huntington-Whitley pictured above). Always remember if you’re baring more below, cover more up top and vice versa! GOSH has taken a page from Maggie Q’s book and brings to you this timeless high-thigh split dress.

Backless dresses and cut outs are super sexy and have been seen on the red carpet with celebrities Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, Miranda Kerr and Rosie Huntington-Whitley showing off their backs in style. Backless and cut-out looks can be rocked at either full length or mini lengths. Make sure you prepare your skin before you bare is all by exfoliating and moisturising your back the night before. Use a shimmer cream to add that extra glow to your back before you head out to ensure you're looking picture perfect!

Happy formal shopping!