Shift Dresses: The Perfect Style for Every Woman

Shift Dresses: The Perfect Style for Every Woman from Yahoo Finding the perfect dress is a daunting task, but we set out on a mission to find one style that's universally flattering on every woman from size 2 to 20. After scouring endless silhouettes, colors, and fabric, we reached out to Nikki Pennie, celebrity stylist and style council member for David's Bridal, who told us the shift dress is the ideal frock for ladies of all ages, shapes, and sizes. "The shift dress is so timeless and classic," says Pennie, who thinks Jackie Onassis put the style on the map. "If you get the right one it should skim your body and cleverly hide the parts you don't want to emphasize like the waist, hips, or bum. The stiffness doesn't grab your body the way other styles do. Instead it gives that slimming, vertical line that elongates any figure and makes you feel comfortable." Not only is the shift dress universally flattering, Pennie says it's a no-brainer for any occasion. "If you have an office job it's something you can wear to work with flats and then to a dinner with heels and a jacket. And you can just as easily wear it with girlfriends on a weekend." We got Pennie's tips on selecting the best shift dresses and how to style them. Read on to find your perfect match. By Joanna Douglas, Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor

Photo by: Bloomingdale's For the most versatile look, stick to neutral solid colors Pennie's favorite shifts are cream for summer, chic navy, or black, which she feels is the most flattering. "It goes with everything, it's timeless, and it's something you'll have in your wardrobe forever," says Pennie, who also advises against prints. "They can add inches on to your shape." (Anne Klein Shift Dress, $89,

Photo by: Debenhams If you're tall, any hemline will do Pennie does love the midi length, though. "This fall season there's a new longer length we're seeing a lot that hits between the knee and ankle. It's elegant and chic." (Damsel in a Dress Colette Coral Shift Dress, $98.12, debenhams.com) Check out Yahoo for more styles. Add a scarf, some funky jewelry or a blazer for a savvy look.