The voluminous smocks and tunic dresses in the shops right now have the added advantage of hiding a whole host of imperfections, from chunky thighs to bulging tummies.

For the last three seasons the fashion world has had a love affair with the smock dress, whether because of their comfort and versatility, or simply the fact that women can cover the majority of their figure flaws in one fell swoop.

The popularity of the figure-friendly smock shows no sign of waning, and due to the multitude of cuts and designs, it looks much less like maternity wear these days. Spring and Summer 2008 versions are full of painterly florals and metallics, in styles that transcend all age groups.

Certainly the smock dress has been heavily accented on the international runways, turning up at Chloé, Lanvin, Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Yves Saint Laurent and Diane Von Furstenburg, to name but a few. With so many influences on the trend, from beads and bows to ruffles and oversized floral or geometric prints, the humble smock dress will never be the same again.

Initially, the arrival of the smock dress was greeted with some disdain, particularly from women over 40. In the Telegraph’s article of 28 June 2007 “Older Women Should They be Classy or Brassy”, Ema Soames, Editor of Saga magazine complained that the high street “is drowning in so many smocks that you could be forgiven for thinking the country is in the grip of a pregnancy epidemic.”

Indeed, this is one time when women get the chance to fashionably wear a smock dress without buying it from a maternity store. However, if you do get the look wrong, then expect people to give up their seat on the train!

How to Wear a Smock Dress

This season's voluminous dress will always make you look bigger, but the secret is in the cut and what you wear it with. Choose a fluid fabric and wear it at the right length for a classy and not brassy effect. For volume control, team it with some great accessories, and choose a plain color – not prints.

Wearing a Smock Dress at Forty-Something

If you are the right side of 22, you don’t have to worry about pumping up the volume. You can get away with anything: the shortest lengths, the most girlie of floral prints and the puffiest of sleeves.

A fashion tip for older women: in order to look good in a smock, keep the length just above (or on the knee); anything lower is frumpy. Don’t avoid smock dresses simply because you don't have the legs to wear them. The beauty of the smock is that it can be worn over pants, leggings or jeans.

Invest in a light-fluid fabric which will hang well and will not add extra bulk to your shape. Avoid fussy detailing like bows and ruffles and volumnous, puffy sleeves. Go for a darker, single-block colors, which you can accessorize to the hilt with this season’s fashionably chunky necklaces or wide belts. For inspiration, think Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada.

Add a great bag or shoes for your own signature style, but avoid spiky or low-heels. Wedges are best, to give some bulk.

Three Reasons Why Women Have a Soft Spot for Smocks

Comfort

1. Given the choice of loose and concealing or clingy and revealing, the majority of women with a few too many figure flaws will go for the volumnous smock.
2. This is an opportunity for pregnant women the world over to actually feel fashionable and right-on-trend.
3. Comfortable and cool, the smock dress wins hands-down when it comes to an easy-to-wear, throw-it-on dress.

Versatility

• For a more girlie look, wear a smock dress over bare legs, opaques or ribbed-tights. Chunky heels are essential to give it balance, either in the form of wedges or platforms, or this year’s fashion-forward ankle boots.
• Wear it as a tunic over a pair of leggings or narrow-legged jeans or pants.
• For eveningwear, choose a just-above or on-the-knee metallic smock, or one that is embellished with gemstones around the neck or hemline.
• For cooler days, wear it over a sweater or T-shirt.

Body Camouflage

• A smock covers the tummy and skims the hips and so hides a multitude of sins.
• Pear-shaped women can work the look well, as they have a slim torso but a bigger butt, which is hidden beneath the volume.
• Choose a style which is fitted below the bustline if you have a large bust. This means the volume falls from under the bust, rather than the neckline and gives less of an impression of a maternity dress.

Rules For Wearing a Smock Dress

• To reduce the volume, cinch in the waist with a wide belt.
• Balance is the key. Very short styles need voluminous sleeves. Older women should go for a long-length and less bulk around the sleeves.
• Unless you are in your twenties, then avoid girlie prints. Go for a plain color or metallic, which is more flattering.
• Wear it with this season's chunky high heels, to balance out the volume, or cute and feminine ballet flats or this season’s gladiator sandals. High heels are a must if layering with pants or jeans.
• If you want to be really fashion-forward, then team a smock with this year’s up-and-coming ankle-boots.

How to Fall in Love With The Smock Dress

If you are still not convinced that a smock dress is for you, then browse net-a-porter.com, which has a wide range of styles and cuts. Don’t be afraid to experiment, as when you find a flattering cut for your body shape, it is a safe bet that with the comfort, camouflage and versatility of a smock dress, it will fast become one of your favorite outfits.