It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment that most women dream of their whole lives; it’s a memory that 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 you ever have before, and it will certainly help if your wedding dress flatters your figure. We all have different body types, and different silhouettes look better on some than they do others, that’s why it’s important to know what your body type is and how to dress it.
Body Types
Petite Body Type
If you have a petite frame you want to avoid dresses that are too detailed. Instead opt for simple, fitted dresses devoid of ruffles or full skirts as this will drown your small frame in the fabric. A trumpet style, column dress or one with an empire waistline will create the illusion of height.
Plus Size Body Type
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 dress that creates a slimming effect. Some of the most flattering styles for a fuller figure include asymmetrical pleating, dresses 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 Body Type
If you have large breasts the key to finding the perfect wedding dress for your shape is picking out the right neckline. Firstly you want to choose a modest neckline so as 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, also opt for modesty lace or a lace overlay to draw attention away from your bust area.
Small Bust Body Type
If you have a small bust then pick a gown with a plunging neckline or a jewel neckline (high cut) and stay away from sweetheart necklines.
Pear -Shape Body Type
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 Body Type
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 Body Type
An hourglass figure is one of the most sought-after figures and you want to pick out a dress that accentuates your small waist like a body hugging mermaid. Other shapes that look great on your figure are corset dresses and dresses with an exaggerated dropped waist. In fact, you’re one of the lucky ones as almost every style suits an hourglass shape.
Slim & Straight Body Type
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 Style 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 normal size don’t stress, sizes differ greatly from designer to designer.
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