Franklin Dean
Choosing a wedding dress is a daunting task, especially if you're unsure of what styles will flatter your body type. Apple-shaped brides typically have a full chest, broader shoulders, a narrower lower body, and slim legs. The key to finding the perfect dress is to embrace your curves and create a balanced silhouette. To achieve this, consider dresses with a defined waistline, such as an empire waist, to accentuate your natural curves and elongate your legs. Necklines that draw attention to your upper body, like low necklines, scoop, plunging, sweetheart, or bold V-neck cuts, can also create a flattering and well-proportioned look. Don't be afraid to seek assistance from bridal stylists who can help you identify the perfect gown that celebrates your unique figure.
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What You'll Learn
Necklines: V-neck, scoop, plunging, sweetheart, off-the-shoulder, or low
If you have an apple-shaped body, you typically have a full chest, narrow hips, and a fuller midsection. You may have broader shoulders, a larger bust, and slim legs. When choosing a wedding dress, you'll want to create a balanced frame by broadening the hips and drawing attention to your upper chest and great legs.
V-neck
A V-neck is formed by two diagonal lines from the shoulders that meet on the chest to create a V shape. The depth of the V can vary, from subtle to plunging. A moderate V-neck goes down to the top of the cleavage area but doesn't plunge past that point. Plunging V-necklines have a deep V shape that goes below the chest line and are considered more evening-appropriate. V-necks flatter most people and elongate the neck.
Scoop
A scoop neckline is a rounded neckline that dips further than a jewel or crew neck. It often resembles a horseshoe or a sharper U-shape. Scoop necklines can be combined with halter tops, which feature straps that tie behind the neck or wrap around and connect at the nape of the neck.
Plunging
A plunging neckline is a deep V-shape that elongates the torso. An extreme example of this is Jennifer Lopez's green Versace dress, which has a neckline that extends down past the navel.
Sweetheart
A sweetheart neckline has a curved bottom edge that is concave down and usually doubly scalloped, resembling the top half of a heart. The strapless version of the sweetheart neckline is common in wedding dresses. Sweetheart styles elongate petite frames and highlight curves without overwhelming the frame.
Off-the-shoulder
An off-the-shoulder neckline has straps that sit higher on the shoulder than a portrait neckline. A portrait neckline is similar to a boat neck but positioned lower, showcase the shoulders and collarbones.
Low
A low neckline will narrow your broad shoulders and larger bust, helping to balance your hips and draw attention to your legs. A tulip dress with a low neckline is a great option for an apple-shaped body.
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Veil: fingertip length or longer
If you're an apple-shaped bride, you typically have a full chest, narrow hips, and a fuller midsection. You may have broader shoulders, a larger bust, or slim legs. When choosing your wedding dress, you should focus on the parts of your body that you want to feature. To achieve a balanced silhouette, you can opt for a defined waistline, a low neckline, or a dress with an empire waist.
When it comes to veils, you have a range of options, from short to long. A fingertip-length veil is a versatile and popular choice, with a length that lends itself to most wedding dress designs and bridal body shapes. This mid-length veil is long enough to complement both formal and casual bridal looks, offering a variety of modern, alternative, and traditional veil designs. It is usually around 106 cm or 42 inches in length, falling beyond the bride's hips, and is particularly well-suited to mermaid or fishtail-style gowns. The fingertip veil allows you to showcase any detail on the back of your dress, such as beadwork, lacing, bows, or the cut, without the fabric dragging on the floor.
If you're looking for something longer, you can explore veil lengths such as waltz, floor, chapel, or cathedral. These longer veils are often named after wedding ceremonial venues, with the length corresponding to the grandeur of the space. For instance, a cathedral-length veil will create a traditional and dramatic effect.
Ultimately, the choice of veil length depends on your personal style and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. You can experiment with different veil styles to find the one that makes you feel most beautiful.
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Jewellery: Drop necklace or choker
For brides with an apple-shaped body, the choice between a drop necklace and a choker depends on the desired effect and the features you want to highlight.
A drop necklace will draw attention to the upper chest and is a good option if you want to accentuate your bust or create a narrower appearance for your shoulders. This can help to balance out your proportions by drawing the eye downward and elongating your torso, which is a recommended styling tip for apple-shaped bodies.
On the other hand, a choker will draw attention to your face and neckline, which can be beneficial if you want to highlight these features. Chokers are often recommended for those with a pear-shaped body to balance their proportions by drawing attention upward. However, this does not mean that apple-shaped women cannot wear chokers. If you have narrow hips, a choker can help to broaden your upper body and create a more balanced frame.
Ultimately, the choice between a drop necklace and a choker should consider the overall effect you want to achieve and the specific features you want to highlight or minimise. It is also important to consider your personal preference and comfort, as these are key to creating a stylish and flattering wardrobe.
Additionally, when styling an apple-shaped body, it is recommended to define your waist, elongate your legs, and create a more balanced silhouette. This can be achieved through the use of accessories, such as a well-placed belt, long necklaces, scarves, or statement earrings.
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Silhouette: A-line, princess, or sheath
If you have an apple-shaped body, you typically have a full chest, narrow hips, and a fuller midsection. You may have broader shoulders, a larger bust, and slim legs. When choosing a wedding dress, you should consider designs that balance your upper and lower body with a defined waistline.
A-line wedding dresses are a great option for apple-shaped bodies. They beautifully emphasise the advantages of your figure and give you freedom of movement. A-line dresses usually fit the waist right below the breasts, lengthening the torso and drawing attention away from the belly and hips. You can choose any jewellery and neckline to complete the look and highlight the top half of your body.
Princess dresses can also be a good choice for apple-shaped bodies. These dresses often have a fitted bodice to highlight the décolletage and a flared skirt, providing a defined waistline. A princess dress can give you a dramatic entrance as you walk down the aisle.
Sheath bridal gowns can also delicately emphasise the waistline, with the skirt flowing downwards for a simple and elegant look. A sheath design in satin with a slightly flared skirt can provide a relaxed style with a defined shape.
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Waist: Empire, belt, or tulip dress
If you have an apple-shaped body, you may want to consider a wedding dress that accentuates your waist. Here are some options to consider:
Empire Waist
An empire waist dress has a waistband that sits right under the bust, typically the narrowest point on an apple-shaped body. By choosing this style, you draw attention to a narrower part of your frame, creating a curvier silhouette and a more defined waistline. It also has the effect of elongating the body and legs. This style is especially flattering for apple shapes wishing to disguise the stomach area or emphasize the bust.
Belt
While apple-shaped figures often avoid waist detailing, a belt can actually make your waist look more defined. Medium to wide belts tend to work best as they pull in the waist nicely without adding bulk. A narrow belt can also highlight your natural waistline without adding bulk.
Tulip Dress
A tulip dress has a defined waist that gives definition to the waist while adding volume and shaping below the waist, creating a curvier silhouette. This style can help balance your frame by adding volume to the hips and butt, making them appear broader and balancing out broader shoulders. A tulip dress with a low neckline is particularly flattering as it helps to narrow broad shoulders and flatter the bust.
Remember, when choosing a wedding dress, it's important to focus on the features you love and want to showcase. These suggestions can help you find a dress that flatters your figure and makes you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal wedding dress for an apple-shaped body flatters your curves while creating an ethereal silhouette. A dress with an empire waist, which sits right under the bust, draws attention to a narrower part of your frame, creating a curvier silhouette and a more defined waistline.
A low neckline will narrow your broad shoulders and flatter your bust. A bold V-neck cut will also draw attention to your face and décolletage, creating a balanced look. Sweetheart, scoop, and plunging necklines are other great options.
A veil that falls at fingertip length or longer will complement your dress. A narrow belt will also highlight your natural waistline without adding bulk. For jewellery, a drop necklace will draw the eye to your upper chest, while a choker will draw it up to your face.
