When it comes to finding the perfect wedding dress, there’s a lot to consider… the price, designer, current bridal trends, the style and season of your wedding, not to mention what you’ll think of it 20 years down the road…! The most important thing is that you feel like the most beautiful bride in the world when you’re walking down the aisle to marry the guy of your dreams. To ensure that you not only feel, but LOOK gorgeous on your wedding day, you need to consider what body shape you have and select a dress that will flatter you. Here’s a quick rundown of what to look for (and what to stay away from) based on body type:
Large Bust: If you have a large chest, you’ll want to go with a dress that has one or more of the following features:
• Scoop neck
• Full coverage V-neck (you don’t want it dropping too low)
• Halter-top neckline
• Off-the-shoulder neckline
• Have your heart set on strapless? Go for sweetheart rather than a straight cut strapless
Avoid
• Bodice fabrics with sheen (organza, satin, silk), as they’ll add volume and call attention to your chest.
• Ruched fabric on the bodice; this has the same affect as fabrics with sheen.
• Straight-cut strapless; these’ll make your chest look like a shelf, not exactly the look you wan ton your wedding day!
Small Bust: Are you a bit smaller on top? Go for one of these style dresses:
• Strapless with ruched bodice (to add volume)
• Halter-top
• Bateau necklines
• One shoulder necklines
• Empire silhouette dresses
Pear-shape: If you’ve got a pear-shaped body, you’ll want to de-emphasize your hips, and turn the focus onto the narrowest part of your midsection or toward your neckline. The following styles will help with that:
• Strapless dresses
• V-neck
• Scoop necklines
• Spaghetti straps
• Off the shoulder dresses
• Full A-line gowns
• Ball gown
• Diagonal draping (does a fantastic job of accentuating your curves!)
• Bateau neckline
• Basque waists
• Empire silhouettes
• Go for a fabric that is a bit sturdier in its construction
Avoid
• Sheath silhouettes
• Trumpet and Mermaid gowns
• Fabric that is clingy or too flowing
Apple-Shaped: For an apple-shaped body, you’ll want to go for a dress that will draw the eye upwards toward the bodice or neckline. Try these:
• Asymmetric neckline
• Deep v-neck – any plunging neckline, really
• Scoop neck
• Strapless empire silhouettes
• A-line silhouettes
• Princess silhouettes
• Empire waists
Avoid
• Ball gowns
• Sheath silhouettes
Hourglass: Similarly to pear-shaped, you’ll want to accentuate the smallest point on your waist. And be sure to show off your curves!! These features will look fantastic on you:
• Off-the-shoulder
• A-line dresses
• Standard or dropped waist – dropped waists elongate your torso
• Mermaid and trumpet silhouettes
• Sweetheart necklines
Avoid
• Sheath silhouettes
• Ball gowns
• Empire silhouettes
• Fabrics that are too clingy or tight
Straight/Rectangle: If you have a square body type (athletic builds fall into this category), you’ll want to choose a style that will lengthen your torso. These styles will definitely flatter you:
• Bateu necklines – they balance narrow shoulders and smaller chests
• Spaghetti straps
• Sheath (column)
• Ball gown
• Mermaid
• Trumpet
• A-lines
• Creative neckline
• Necklines that fall below your collarbone – these add a great touch of femininity
• Drop waist skirt – this elongates your torso nicely
• Empire waist gown
Avoid
• Soft sheath
• Princess gowns
• Basque waists
• Portrait necklines
• Off-the-shoulder dresses
• Halter tops
Full figure: If you’ve got it, flaunt it! Try for a dress that will show off your voluptuous upper body while flattering your waist and hips. These styles will look great on you:
• V-necks
• Scoop necks
• Sweetheart necklines
• A-Line dresses
• Ball gowns
• Dropped-waist A-line gowns
• Flat-front ball-gown
• Empire with a high waist (just under bust-line)
Avoid
• Unconstructed silhouettes
• Clingy silhouettes
• Sheath dresses
• Spaghetti straps
• A-lines that start at the chest
• Pleated fabrics
• And just remember, if it’s too loose, it will add pounds
Tall: You tall ladies will want to find a gown that accentuates your length. Try on dresses that have the following characteristics:
• Plunging V-necks
• Halter tops
• Open necklines and backs – the more open, the better!
• Sheath silhouettes
• Mermaid & trumpet gowns
• Ball gowns
• A-line dresses with a defined waist
• Bias-cut silhouettes
Avoid
• Princess dresses
Petite: Smaller and petite brides should keep their gowns simple; too much embellishments and eye-catching appliques will just look overwhelming and awkward. You’ll also want to try for a style that will create length without interrupting the bodyline. Try these styles to look fabulous:
• Sweetheart necklines
• Halter tops
• Cowl necklines
• Mermaid or trumpet w raised waistline—and heels!!
• Soft-drape Grecian-inspired style
• Sheath silhouettes – this is better on thinner body types
• A-line gowns
• Empire waists
• Princess gowns
• Eye-catching necklines that will draw the attention up—nothing too flashy though!
Avoid
• Ball gowns
• Dropped-waist silhouettes
• High collars and overwhelming necklines
By Courtney
