Rhiannon Hendricks
Choosing a wedding dress is an important part of planning a wedding. One of the most important steps in choosing a wedding dress is knowing your body type. For those with an hourglass figure, a dress that accentuates the waist is a good choice. Hourglass-shaped bodies can usually find a flattering fit in most gown silhouettes, including mermaid, ballgown, A-line, sheath, and empire. Trumpet dresses are also a good choice for those with an hourglass figure as they hug the body from the chest to the mid-thigh, where the skirt flares out, resembling the shape of a trumpet.
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What You'll Learn
Trumpet, mermaid, and slip dresses
Trumpet wedding dresses, which have been popular for decades, fit snugly around the bust, waist, and hips, and then flare out around the mid-thigh or knee. They are ideal for brides who want a simple wedding dress without embellishments, as the silhouette allows the fabric to shine. Trumpet skirts can be paired with just about any neckline, including halter, illusion, and strapless. Trumpet dresses can also feature lengthy, statement-making trains.
Mermaid wedding dresses are form-fitting and designed to enhance and elongate the body's silhouette. They are fitted from the bust down to the hips, and flare out at or below the knee. Mermaid dresses are said to accentuate the natural curves of the body and emphasise the waist, bust, and hips. They can feature details such as metallic lace, exposed boning, and illusion bodices.
Slip dresses are sleek and sensual, and follow the natural contours of the body. They can be styled plainly or dressed up with a leather jacket, sheer bolero, or cardigan. It can be challenging to find a slip dress that fits an hourglass figure perfectly off the rack, as they may need to be tailored to fit the bust and waist correctly.
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A-line and ballgown styles
For those with an hourglass figure, the key to choosing a wedding dress is to emphasise the waist and complement your curves. A-line wedding dresses are universally flattering, with a fitted bodice that cinch at the waist and flares out to form an "A" shape. This style is particularly well-suited for curvy brides as it creates a slimmer waistline while flattering the bust.
A-line gowns are a timeless choice for hourglass figures as they are both comfortable and stylish. They can also be paired with a fitted blazer for a formal look. Trumpet styles are similar to A-line silhouettes, with a fitted bodice that hugs the body from the chest to the mid-thigh, where the skirt then flares out. Trumpet gowns are a popular choice for brides who want to flaunt their curves.
Ballgowns are another style that can complement an hourglass figure, with their cinched waists and voluminous skirts. Mermaid-style gowns also create a dramatic silhouette that accentuates the waist, bust, and hips. This style adds a touch of "drama" to your wedding look and is a versatile option for various wedding formats.
When choosing a wedding dress for an hourglass figure, it is important to maintain balanced proportions. The top and bottom of the dress should be similar in size to avoid deforming your natural silhouette. Additionally, avoid straight cuts and boxy styles that hide the waist, as well as high necklines that can broaden the torso.
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Fit-and-flare and sheath dresses
The hourglass body shape is coveted by many, as it is considered a balanced and proportioned physique. The key to dressing an hourglass figure is to emphasise the waistline and complement your curves.
Fit-and-flare dresses are a great option for brides with an hourglass figure as they are form-fitting around the bodice and flare out below the hips, accentuating your curves and making your waist look smaller. This style suits a variety of body types and can be customised with embellishments, lace embroidery, or beading.
Sheath dresses are another option for hourglass figures. They have a long, simple skirt that elongates the legs, creating the illusion of added height. This style is recommended for brides who want to emphasise their upper torso and highlight their waist.
When choosing a wedding dress for an hourglass figure, it is important to consider the venue, weather, comfort, and your personal wishes. Additionally, maintaining balanced proportions is crucial to ensure that your figure is not visually deformed by the wrong style.
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Emphasising the waist
If you have an hourglass figure, congratulations! You have a very proportional, feminine silhouette. Your bust and hips are roughly the same size, and you have a well-defined, slim waist. To showcase your figure, choose a dress that hugs your curves and accentuates your waist.
Mermaid silhouette
A mermaid dress is fitted through the bodice, waist, and hips before flaring out dramatically at or below the knee. This style can be very dramatic and glamorous, and it is often chosen by brides who want to make a statement. The fitted bodice and hips of a mermaid dress will hug your curves, while the flare will balance your body's curves.
Trumpet silhouette
A trumpet silhouette is similar to a mermaid style, but with a more gradual flare from the mid-thigh to the hemline. This style can be very flattering for hourglass figures, as it emphasises curves while still allowing for ease of movement.
A-line silhouette
A-line dresses are universally flattering and can complement all body types. They are fitted at the bodice and cinch at the waist, creating a slimmer waistline while flattering the bust. The skirt then flares out to create a soft A-shaped silhouette. This style will add volume to a bride with a straighter figure, balance out the bottom of a bride with a fuller bust, and complement small, narrow hips or a pear shape.
Ballgown silhouette
A ballgown is a classic choice for a bridal look. It is fitted through the bodice with a full skirt, creating the illusion of a smaller waist and fuller hips. This silhouette can help give the bride an hourglass shape.
Empire waist silhouette
Empire waist dresses have a high waistline that sits just below the bust, with a flowing skirt that skims over the hips and falls straight down. This style can elongate the body and create the illusion of a longer, more slender silhouette.
When choosing a wedding dress for an hourglass figure, you can also consider the neckline and sleeves to accentuate your waist further. A V-neck or sweetheart neckline can enhance your bust, while off-shoulder and scoop necklines can also be flattering. Sleeves can also balance out your figure and add elegance to your look.
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Choosing the right fabric and neckline
When it comes to choosing a wedding dress, finding a gown that accentuates your figure is paramount. For brides with an hourglass figure, a fitted style is ideal to highlight your curves. Luxurious fabrics such as silk, satin, or lace are perfect for adding a touch of opulence to your special day. Delicate details such as floral motifs, satin folding, or beadwork can elevate the gown's allure while complementing your natural beauty.
For those with a fuller bust, a sweetheart or V-neckline can create a stunning focal point. Sweetheart necklines are a great way to accentuate your upper body and emphasise your figure. A well-defined torso on your bridal dress will help enhance the hourglass shape, providing support and shaping the upper body. A deep V-neck dress will also draw attention to the torso, highlighting your waist. For brides with stunning collarbones, an off-the-shoulder style will gently draw attention upwards, delicately framing your décolletage for an ethereal look.
For brides with a petite body type, an open back will elongate your shape. A natural or empire waist, delicate details, or a clean, modern gown with minimal embellishment will also celebrate your body type. A slinky A-line gown will help to elongate your shape and play up your curves, while a ballgown might weigh you down. A halter neckline is a great option for a petite bride, as it draws the eye upwards.
If you're looking for a vintage yet contemporary look, a tea-length dress is a great option. With a full skirt that hangs at the natural waist and a hemline that falls just above the ankle, this style is perfect for intimate or daytime affairs. The cinched waist will accentuate your curves, while the raised hemline is a great way to show a bit of leg. For a more laid-back look, a sheath gown is a comfortable choice that flatters brides of every height, giving a petite bride an elongated look and providing a tall bride with body definition.
Fit-and-flare silhouettes are a great option if you want to accentuate your curves without restricting your movement. Trumpet wedding dresses are also a popular silhouette for those with an hourglass frame, providing a toned-down version of the mermaid style without an overly dramatic flare. Mermaid wedding dresses are a glamorous, curve-enhancing, and fabulous choice, with a snug bodice that flares out at the knee, playing up your natural curves.
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Frequently asked questions
A fitted style will highlight your curves. Fit-and-flare, mermaid, and trumpet silhouettes are sure to look stunning.
Fit-and-flare dresses have a fitted bodice that extends at or below the hips before gradually flaring out toward the hem of the skirt.
Mermaid wedding dresses hug your body through the bodice and hips down to the knee, where they flare out to balance the body's curves.
Trumpet dresses have a fitted bodice that hugs the body from the chest to the mid-thigh, where the skirt flares out.
Yes, A-line dresses are universally flattering for hourglass figures. They emphasise your curves while offering a balanced look from top to bottom.
