1. Center people's attention on your upper body

Get them looking there by sticking to open necklines. These make your shoulders look wider because they create horizontal lines which help the eye move back and forth (thus fighting the pear shape) instead of up and down.

You can use textures, details and other trimmings-- but only on the upper part of your dress, and only sparingly. Two words of caution: the trimmings and other dainty details might look lost on you, making you look bigger, so be careful what you add. And two, remember that the simpler your dress, the more refined, expensive, and elegant it looks.

Select top types like A-Lines that are moderatly fitted at the waist, or Empire cuts that are fitted over your bust and that flare out down your middle and hips.

2. Make your shoulders seem wider

Yeah, you got it: wear shoulder pads if at all possible. However, if you are short, don't make them too big.

3. Suggest your narrow waist

The A-line works well here. You wear it close to the waist, but flaring outwards at the hips.

4. In general

Avoid horizontal lines on your dress (especially in the hip & skirt area!). That means no piping, trim, edging, or anything else below the bustline (although on some dresses this may be extended down through the waist). This kind of stuff on the lower part of your dress will only make you look wider down there at the expense of your shoulders. Remember to keep it wide and moderately busy above and simple below!