The Most Sensuous Summer Dresses

FLATTER YOURSELF: An empire waist works wonders on a less-than-flat tummy. Dress, $98, Banana Republic; shoes, $79, Nine West; necklace, $135, Katharine Sise Jewelry.

LOVE TRIANGLE: An A-frame frock flatters pear-shaped figures. Dress, $68, Armani Exchange; sunglasses, $350, Paul Smith Spectacles; scarf, $79, She Complete.

THE NEW JERSEY: Little girl in a simple, gathered jersey dress. Dress, $174, Michael Stars; bikini top, $60, Cosabella Mare; necklace, $195, Katharine Sise Jewelry.

FLUID GODDESS DRESSES: They're heaven sent - they pack easy, wear easy. Dress, $98, DKNY Jeans; sandals, $125, Matt Bernson; gold bangles, $105 each, Alexis Bittar; suede bangles, $75 each, Isaac Manevitz for Ben-Amun.

Deep-waist dresses are seriously hip-slimming. Dress, $68, To The Max; bikini top, $32.50, Gap Body; hat, $72, Hat Attack; skull necklace, $110, bead necklace, $130, Me & Ro.

Dress, $98, Matty M; necklace, $130, Sogoli Design.

SPEAK VOLUME: Every shape looks right in a strapless dress-if it's not too tight. Dress, $98, Banana Republic; necklace, $230, Me & Ro.

REAR WINDOW: The back is back-show it off. Dress, $139, Bebe; scarf, model's own.

Dress, $178, French Connection; sunglasses, $285, Oliver Peoples; necklace, $98, ring, $48, Allison Daniel Designs.

MAXI MINI: Choose full-cut, long-sleeve minis when you don't want to go bikini bare. Dress, $129, Bebe; scarf, $38, Echo; sunglasses, $99, Ray-Ban.

Dress, $412, Graham & Spencer; necklace, $195, Katharine Sise Jewelry; bangles, $5.90 each, H&M.

THIN PINS: Insta-lean legs are yours with a boxy-fit dress. Dress, $175, DKNY; bracelet, $148, Sogoli Design.

BEACH PARTY: So in season - plum-colored, satin beach-party frocks! Dress, $68, The Limited; necklace, $228, Katharine Sise Jewelry.

TROPICAL BREEZE: Ground a floaty floral dress with chunky-heeled white shoes. Dress, $298, Maxstudio.com; shoes, $250, BCBG Max Azria; necklace, $147.50, Wendy Mink Jewelry; wrap, $60, Graham Kindah.

Dress, $59, DKNY Jeans; boots, $210, Frye Boots; scarf, model's own.

Dress, $170, Diesel; parasol, $36.99, Lace Parasols.

ALFRESCO STYLE: Alluringly outdoorsy in breezy chiffon layers. Dress, $395, HUGO; shoes, $280, Stuart Weitzman; necklace, $195, Katharine Sise Jewelry.

Ankle-length for those long, lazy, summer afternoons. Dress, $498, Marc by Marc Jacobs; hat, $300, Patricia Underwood; pendant, $98, Allison Daniel Designs.

GREAT LENGTHS: A long necklace and large tote lend definition to a loose dress. Dress, $198, Calvin Klein; bag, $98, Banana Republic; necklace, $42, The Bead Lady Designs; sunglasses, $285, Oliver Peoples.

Dress, $98, Matty M; shoes, $89, Antonio Melani; hat, $245, Kokin; necklace, $110, Streets Ahead; cuff, $125, R.J. Graziano.