It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment that most women dream of their whole lives; it’s a memory you will cherish for the rest of your life and an opportunity to share your love with your friends, family, and, most importantly, your soul mate. Yes, we’re talking about your wedding day. But with all the things you have to look forward to, there is also a fair amount of stress involved in the big day, and finding the perfect wedding dress is part of that stress. You want to look more beautiful than ever, and it will certainly help if your wedding dress flatters your figure. Below, we will cover the different body types and the ideal wedding dresses to suit them.
Petite
If you have a petite frame, you want to avoid too detailed dresses. Instead, opt for simple, fitted dresses without ruffles or full skirts, which will drown your small structure in the fabric. A trumpet style, column dress, or one with an empire waistline will create the illusion of height.
Plus Size
If you have a plus-size frame, you can choose to do one of two things: accentuate and show off your curves or opt for a slimming dress. Some of the most flattering styles for a fuller figure include asymmetrical pleating, skirts with ruching, and cumberband waistlines. Choose scoop and V necklines to flatter the top part of your body and draw the eye upwards.
Top Heavy
If you have large breasts, the key to finding the perfect wedding dress for your shape is picking the right neckline. Firstly, you want to choose a modest neckline to avoid spillage, and a scoop, off-the-shoulder, or sweetheart neckline will work wonders, but plunging necklines won’t. Avoid skinny straps and choose something that offers more support. Opt for modesty lace or a lace overlay to draw attention away from your bust area.
Small Bust
If you have a small bust, pick a gown with a plunging or a jewel neckline (high cut), and stay away from sweetheart necklines.
Pear Shape
Pear-shaped women look great in an A-line gown (most body types do as it’s a universally flattering style) or play down your curves in a draped Grecian dress. When choosing a dress for a pear shape, you should avoid dresses that highlight your bottom (like mermaid and tiered gowns) and instead try to disguise fuller hips.
Apple Shape
Pick gowns in sturdy fabric like taffeta or satin and styles that will accentuate your upper half and disguise your lower problem areas – the perfect dress for you is an empire waist dress.
Hourglass
An hourglass figure is one of the most sought-after figures, and you want to pick out a dress that accentuates your tiny waist like a body-hugging mermaid. Other great shapes on your figure are corset dresses and dresses with an exaggerated dropped waist. You’re one of the lucky ones, as almost every style suits an hourglass shape.
Slim & Straight
For slim, straight figures, create the illusion of curves by picking out voluminous dresses such as a ball gown, which typically has a fitted bodice and a full skirt or a sheath dress. Dresses with contouring or strategic embroidery will also flatter.
Wedding Dress for Body Types Tips
- Choose the right underwear (shapewear can do wonders).
- Always highlight the parts of your body that you feel are your best
- Never choose a dress just because it’s on-trend; pick it because it suits your shape and size
- Size is but a number; if the perfect wedding dress for you is two sizes larger than your standard size, don’t stress; sizes differ significantly from designer to designer.
Cailyn Cox holds a degree in journalism and has been working with The Trend Spotter as a writer for over ten years. She has worked with some of the most prestigious women’s and men's lifestyle publications. For her, writing is not just a job; it’s a passion, which is why each article she writes is approached with such enthusiasm and dedication. She has extensive knowledge of hairstyles, tattoos, and beauty and has made a career out of creating informative articles that appeal to women and men of all ages.
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