With the right dress, you'll look fantastic whatever the occasion. These six key dress types will prove indispensable additions to your wardrobe that you'll turn to again and again.

When the mercury rises it's time to break out that flirty summer dress and there are lots of great looks to choose from.

Choose pretty, ditzy florals for a romantic look or experiment with skater dresses or sports-inspired styles. Sleeveless dresses are popular but you can also try puff sleeves, cap sleeves or cold shoulder styles. Add flat sandals for daytime and up the glamour stakes with heels after sunset.

Nothing is quite as versatile as the shirt dress. The classic androgynous cut suits everyone and you can choose colours or prints that reflect your personal tastes.

If you can't bear to leave your trousers in the wardrobe, wear a shirt dress either open or belted over leggings or skinny jeans. You can also team your shirt dress with ballet pumps and a smart blazer to create an elegant office-to-restaurant outfit.

A maxi dress is a must for any self-respecting fashionista. Choose from figure-skimming jersey, loose cotton or slinky silk and make the floor-length dress your own with statement necklaces or jewelled flats.

Bold colours or striking patterns add a dash of individuality and you can choose from a wide range of necklines or sleeve lengths for day or evening. Wear with a simple cardigan for shopping in the city or add a beret or wide-brimmed hat for a retro 70s look.

Every girl needs a gorgeous party dress that is guaranteed to stand out from the crowd. Sequinned bodycon styles, romantic lace bandage dresses and sexy strapless, backless or cut-out designs are popular.

Try neoprene skater dresses in bold colours like fuchsia, emerald or sapphire, or go for full-on glamour with silky, jewel-embellished dresses and towering heels.

A chic knee-length dress is perfect for any formal occasion. Classic colours like grey, navy or beige look elegant and sophisticated but you might also consider small overall prints or smart monochrome or colour-block combinations.

A jersey wrap dress or a simple shift is perfect for dinner dates or board meetings but be sure to pick good fabrics that won't cling or crease. Add mid-heel court shoes and a designer handbag for a go-anywhere formal look.

Sexy, alluring and a true wardrobe essential, the little black dress is something that no woman should be without.

Channel retro 60s glamour in silk, lace or chiffon cocktail dresses or move forward a few decades with 90s-style slip dresses. Modern fabrics like neoprene and PU are ideal if you want an up-to-the-minute look and, of course, every LBD deserves your most glamorous heels and a slick of red lipstick.