10. Strapless Dresses

The strapless dress remains a popular trend this year. It’s sleek and sexy appearance has made it top choice for celebrities such as Anna Farris and Emma Stone. The focus is elegance, so jewellery should be kept simple, pearls or pendant necklaces work well. These can also be worn during the day with a fitted jacket or stylish top.

9. Bubble Dresses

Characterised by its ballooning hem, the bubble dress makes a stylish statement and has become a key evening trend over recent seasons. Many women choose to reign in the extra volume at the hemline by combining the bubble dress with a wide belt. These look great with tights and slouchy boots. The bubble dress can also be worn with heels, and makes a great summer alternative to a little black dress.

8. Halter Neck Dresses

Made famous by Marilyn Monroe, this distinctive and stylish garment has been around for a long time, and is still going strong in 2009. These dresses are flattering on most body-shape, making them a popular choice for many women. Halteneck dresses come many different styles, from mini to maxi, formal to casual, and can be worn with a variety of accessories depending on the occasion.

7. Chiffon Dresses

Chiffon is a versatile fabric, which can be produced from silk, cotton, or manmade fibres. It creates beautiful dresses since it moves in a graceful, floating manner, perfect for long flowing garments; it also feels extremely comfortable to wear.  Silk chiffon is the most luxurious and expensive, but cheaper cotton and polyester dresses can also look and feel great.

6. Tunic Dresses

The tunic dress is a hot trend for 2009, a very easy to wear garment that can simply thrown on to create an instant look. Although spotted on celebrities such as Ashley Tisdale, and Jemima Khan, the flattering nature of these dresses means they look great most women. Great for creating a variety of outfits, they can be worn over leggings, or even jeans or trousers. Accessories and shoes can be varied depending on the occasion.

5. Shift Dresses

Popular since the 1960s, and still going strong, the shift dress provides the perfect combination of class and sexiness. The shift dress is flattering on most body shapes and works great for showing off long legs.  This is a versatile garment which can be used to quickly create a look with minimal effort, a couple of pieces of jewellery should suffice.  This summer, printed shift dresses in bold colours and funky patterns are very much on trend.

4. Silk Dresses

The ultimate in style and luxury, the silk dress is as popular as ever this season. The way silk moves and flows makes it look and feel great.  It may be more expensive than many synthetic fabrics, but there really is no substitute for quality. Bold and floral prints on silk are very much in season. Particularly on trend in 2009 are A-line silk dresses.

3. Shirt Dresses

These have become an essential summer item for many women. Similar to an oversized boyfriend shirt, but with the length of a dress, these are perfect for creating a stylish and casual look. Ever popular in light solid colours but this season check, and plaid shirt dresses are very much on trend. The casual look created by these dresses can be supplemented with flats and a big bag.

2. Maxi Dresses

The maxi dress has been a very popular fashion choice for the last few years, and continues to be a top item in 2009. The maxi dress is has been worn by celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Eva Longoria, but a celebrity body is not required to pull off this look – as it is flattering on most body shapes.  Maxi dresses look great worn with chunky jewellery and oversized shades.

1. Mini Dresses

Sexy mini dresses are a hot trend for summer 2009, as recently seen on the likes of Anne Hathaway and Jessica Simpson. Big and bold prints and stripes are in this season, which are great for making a bold and confident statement. A mini dress can be styled with a trendy belt or, for a more casual look, worn under a cropped cardigan.