George Boyle
A wedding dress is one of the most important dresses a person will ever wear, and it's crucial to feel confident and comfortable on your big day. While boxy wedding dresses can be a stylish choice, they may not be the most flattering for those with curvier body shapes. There are many ways to alter a boxy wedding dress to make it look more curvaceous, from adding a sash or belt to taking in the seams. This guide will explore various techniques to help you achieve the perfect fit and showcase your unique style.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Body type | Pear-shaped, top-heavy, apple-shaped, hourglass, slender, petite, tall, curvy |
| Dress style | A-line, ball gown, trumpet, sheath, column, fit-and-flare, midi, wrap, shift |
| Details | Ruching, pockets, lace, beading, cap sleeves, straps, belt, slit, ruffle, colour-blocking, beaded cap sleeves, tulle, sequin, illusion sleeves |
| Neckline | Scoop, jewel, V-,slash, sweetheart, turtleneck, mandarin, crew, funnel, halter, illusion, plunging V-neckline |
| Bust | Support, wider straps or sleeves, bra cup, sweetheart or V-neckline |
| Waist | Cinched, sash, belt, nipped-in, empire waist, raised hemline |
| Hips | Flared hemlines, ruffles, ruching, gathering, pleats, box pleat, bubble, panelled, layered, full circle, trumpet |
| Legs | Slit, knee-length, tapered, slender, straight |
| Fabric | Chiffon, taffeta, brocade, corded lace, glitter tulle, crepe, jersey, tulle, sequin lace |
| Colour | Blush, ivory, black |
| Other | Pockets, bra cup, crystal buttons, glitter, illusion details, embellishments, collar, lace trim, relaxed fit, curved detailing, bold patterns, horizontal stripes, cardigan, jacket |
Explore related products
$13.91 $27.99
What You'll Learn
- Opt for an A-line gown to create a slimmer waistline and flatter the bust
- Choose a dress with a cinched waist to accentuate your curves
- Trumpet wedding dresses are a popular choice for those with hourglass frames
- Add a sash or belt to define the waist
- Choose a dress with ruffles, ruching, gathering or pleats to add volume
Opt for an A-line gown to create a slimmer waistline and flatter the bust
A-line gowns are universally flattering and complement all body types. This wedding dress style is an especially good choice for brides who want to create a slimmer waistline and flatter their bust. The A-line dress is characterised by a fitted bodice that flares out from the waistline, creating the shape of an "A". This silhouette cinchs at the smallest part of the waist and flows away from the body, skimming over any areas that may be considered "problem areas".
For brides with a fuller bust, a V-neck or scoop neckline will create a more balanced look. Sweetheart or boat necklines will add dimension for those with a smaller bust. A-line gowns with a defined waist or a belt can also help to highlight the waistline. For brides with a fuller chest and a petite frame, an open back will elongate your shape.
If you are a pear-shaped bride with a fuller bust, an A-line dress with straps can add balance to your frame. A flared A-line skirt will also support a full bust, thanks to its wider straps. A slinky A-line gown will also help to elongate your shape and play up your curves. For a more romantic look, a flowy A-line gown will add movement and volume to your silhouette.
To complete your A-line wedding dress ensemble, opt for a pair of heels or wedges to elongate your legs. Flats or sandals are a good option for a more casual look.
Mauve Floral Dress: Wedding-Appropriate or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$19.99 $36.99
Choose a dress with a cinched waist to accentuate your curves
If you're looking to accentuate your curves with a wedding dress, choosing a dress with a cinched waist is a great option. A cinched waist can help to create a more defined silhouette and make your natural waist look narrower. This is especially effective if you have a curvy figure, as your waist may be the smallest part of your body.
One way to achieve a cinched waist is to opt for a dress with a fitted bodice that extends below the hips before flaring out towards the hem of the skirt. This style, known as a fit-and-flare or trumpet silhouette, is a popular choice for brides who want to accentuate their curves. It provides a beautiful balance of fitted and flared elements, creating a flattering and movable silhouette.
Another way to achieve a cinched waist is to choose a dress with a belt or sash. Adding a belt to a loose-fitting dress can instantly create a more defined waistline and make your curves stand out. If you're looking for a more subtle cinch, consider a dress with a natural or empire waist, which sits just below the bust, creating an elongated skirt that flatters the bust and creates a slimmer waistline.
For a vintage-inspired look, consider a midi gown with a cinched waist. This style, popular in the '40s and '50s, falls between the knee and ankle and offers a laid-back yet charming look. If you're looking for a more modern or red-carpet feel, a ruched chiffon sheath dress can provide a universally flattering silhouette, with a nipped-in waist and slinky fabric that plays up your curves.
Additionally, consider the fabric and structure of the dress. Fabrics like taffeta, brocade, and corded lace can help to give structure to a column-style dress, which has a slim-fitting, straight-cut silhouette. Architectural fabrics can provide stellar support and create a unique and contemporary look. Ultimately, choosing a dress with a cinched waist is a beautiful way to accentuate your curves and create a flattering silhouette on your wedding day.
How to Add a Back Panel to Your Wedding Dress
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$12.99 $22.99
Trumpet wedding dresses are a popular choice for those with hourglass frames
Trumpet wedding dresses are a popular choice for brides who want to accentuate their curves and highlight their hourglass figure. The trumpet style, which flares out at mid-thigh, creates a stunning silhouette that showcases the bride's curves and adds shape. This style is particularly flattering for slender or hourglass frames, as it hugs the body in all the right places and gives a timeless, elegant look.
For brides with an hourglass figure, a fitted style is key to emphasising their curves. Trumpet gowns fit snugly around the waist and hips, providing a beautiful hourglass shape. The flare of the skirt adds movement and a touch of drama, without being as restrictive as a mermaid-style dress. Trumpet dresses are a versatile choice, working for any wedding theme or location, from garden weddings to formal affairs. They can also be personalised with various tailoring options, such as a sweeping V-neck, long sleeves, or statement sleeves for a unique look.
The trumpet style is a toned-down version of the mermaid silhouette, offering more movability and a subtler flare. Brides who want to showcase their curves and feel confident and unique often choose this style. Trumpet gowns can also feature dramatic trains, adding to the overall impact of the dress. A trumpet wedding dress is a classic choice, exuding Old Hollywood glamour and timeless elegance.
To further enhance the hourglass figure, brides can opt for wider straps or sleeves, which provide support and create a soft, feminine look. A sweetheart or V-neckline will beautifully flatter the bust, while a fitted gown will accentuate curves and create a stunning silhouette. For a more casual feel, a sheath gown is a good option, as it contours the body and adds definition, especially for taller brides. However, for a dramatic, dreamy look, a ball gown is ideal, as it emphasises a small waist and creates a romantic silhouette.
Transforming Spaghetti Straps: Adding Sleeves to Your Wedding Dress
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$14.99 $23.99
Add a sash or belt to define the waist
A sheath wedding dress with a straight-cut fit and zero waist seam can contour the entire body, from head to toe. However, for brides with more boxy frames, adding a sash or belt can help define the waist and create a more curvaceous silhouette.
A belt can add structure to an otherwise flowy dress, giving it a more sophisticated or dressy feel. A dark belt, for instance, can help to cinch the waist, creating an hourglass figure. A leather belt can also add a nice contrast to a soft sweater dress.
Long dresses, such as maxi dresses, can benefit from a belt to break up the fabric and create a focal point at the waist. A skinny leather belt is a good option for the summer, while a thicker black belt can be a great choice for the colder months.
For those who want to accentuate their curves, a tea-length wedding dress with a cinched waist is a good option. The raised hemline is also ideal for those who want to show a bit of leg.
In addition to dresses, jackets and cardigans can also be belted to create a more defined waist.
What to Wear to a Wedding: Dress Lengths Explored
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$9.99 $19.99
Choose a dress with ruffles, ruching, gathering or pleats to add volume
If you're looking to make a boxy wedding dress look more curvy, choosing a dress with ruffles, ruching, gathering or pleats can help to add volume and create the illusion of curves.
Ruffles, for example, can be used to create volume and draw attention upwards to the décolletage, which can help to enhance the appearance of curves. A dress with a ruched bodice can also be a good option for creating a curvy look, as ruching is universally flattering and can help to define the waist and accentuate the bust.
If you're looking for a dress with a fuller skirt, consider one with pleats or gathering. These details can add volume to the lower body, creating the illusion of curves and a more hourglass-like silhouette. Pleated skirts, in particular, can be very flattering, as they help to define the waist and add movement and interest to the skirt.
In addition to these details, you can also look for a dress with a curved or relaxed silhouette. A dress with a defined waist and a skirt that flares out gradually can help to create a more curvy look, as it will follow the natural curve of the body and enhance the appearance of an hourglass figure.
Champagne While Dress Shopping: A Wedding Tradition?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The easiest and quickest way to create an hourglass figure is to define the waist. You can do this by adding a sash or belt to your dress. If you want to make more permanent adjustments to your dress, you can sew new curved seams to define the waist.
To create the illusion of curves, consider a round neckline such as a scoop or jewel neckline. Lower, wider necklines like slash, scoop, or sweetheart necklines can also help to visually lengthen the shoulder and bust area.
If you want to add volume to the lower body, consider a flared skirt with details like ruffles, ruching, gathering, or pleats. A trumpet skirt is also a good option for creating volume.
If you're looking to buy a new dress, consider an A-line silhouette, which hugs the waist area and creates a slimmer waistline. Trumpet wedding dresses are also popular for those with hourglass frames.
