A couple of weeks ago I was invited down to M&S HQ to take part in some filming for their new body shape advice hub. Five bloggers were invited to discuss their specific body shapes and the dress styles that work best them, with the aim of giving some advice to other women out there looking for dresses this Summer.

I don’t have all that much love for the body shape system. I think that following a set of rules based around what your body resembles (especially when it”s something as random as a strawberry or cello) means you miss out on ‘wildcard’ items of clothing that might look fabulous. I’m a big believer that if you love something, you should try it on, even if rules dictate it’s not going to suit you.

But despite that, I know people like to be given guidance, and I do believe there are some simple bits of advice around body shape that can help people who struggle to shop. Though I have the confidence to bend the rules, I know a lot of women with less time and less interest in trends perhaps perhaps don’t, so I was more than happy to get involved.

When it comes to my body shape, I would love to say I’m the highly-coveted hourglass, but the truth is I’m actually a pear. Despite having fairly large boobs, my hips are the widest part by a good few inches. I put weight on around my hips, bum and lower stomach more than elsewhere. You can see me discussing exactly what that means in the video:

It’s not difficult to balance a pear-shaped body. With the right nipped-in waist and full skirt, you can make the most of a good waist and slimmer top half. Because I have a larger bust, I also have to be careful about necklines; a fairly deep v-neck is always the best for me. Here I am in the Cotton Rich Spotted Hem Prom Dress (£75), the dress I chose for myself.

Barbara from M&S also encouraged me to try the Secret Support Circle Print Front Twist dress (£59). This has a built-in slip in their secret support shapewear fabric, which hugs the body for a super-tight, streamlined fit and works brilliantly on a fuller figure. I like the dress and the secret support in it is excellent, but I don’t think it looks as good as the prom style. It’s a bit too long on me and the neckline too high. Also, I was disappointed that the pattern doesn’t match up down the centre seam – I think perhaps if I was buying it I’d go through all the ones in my size for the best match!

The other bloggers who took part were Muireann from Bangsandabun.com, Amanda from TheWomensRoomBlog.com, Kate from WitWitWoo.com and Harriet from WhereIsHarriet.net, all of whom were brilliant. You can read more about our day here.

ps. The dress I’m wearing in the video is the Faye dress in black from La Dress (£125).

Disclosure: M&S allowed me to keep my favourite dress of the two. However I wasn’t paid to write this post and all thoughts are my own.