Junior Rasmussen
Choosing a wedding dress is an important and exciting part of planning a wedding. To find the perfect dress, it is important to consider your body shape. There are several dress styles that are recommended for different body shapes. For example, A-line dresses are universally flattering and are a good choice for pear-shaped, curvy, or petite brides. Trumpet styles are also flattering for many body types, especially those who want to flaunt their curves. If you have an hourglass figure, a dress with a fitted bodice or a mermaid-style skirt will emphasise your curves and narrow waist. For a petite body type, a dress with an open back or a halter neckline will elongate your shape.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Body shape | Hourglass, Pear, Apple, Rectangle, Inverted triangle, Oval |
| Necklines | Halter, Scoop, Sweetheart, High, Illusion |
| Dress styles | A-line, Mermaid, Trumpet, Sheath, Column, Ballgown, Empire, Princess, Fishtail |
| Dress features | Ruffles, Texture, Slit skirt, Detachable train, Corset, Beading, Lace, Belts, Sash |
| Other | Open back, Natural waist, Clean and modern, Minimal embellishment |
Explore related products
Pear-shaped bodies
If you have a pear-shaped body, you typically have larger hips, thighs, and bottoms, with a smaller, more petite upper body. When shopping for a wedding dress, you should consider styles that help balance out your proportions.
Ballgowns are a popular choice for pear-shaped brides, as the fitted bodice draws attention upwards, while the dramatic skirt creates a stunning contrast, further defining your waistline. You can also opt for a gown with embellishment along the upper torso, or long sleeves with intricate detailing, ensuring the focal point remains on your bodice.
A-line dresses are another style that can work well for pear-shaped figures, as the gentle flare helps create a more defined waistline while providing balance to your overall silhouette. You can also try a fit-and-flare silhouette, which features a fitted bodice that extends at or below the hips before gradually flaring out toward the hem of the skirt. This style offers more movability than a mermaid or trumpet silhouette, which also contour the body but with a more dramatic flare.
To highlight your curves, you might consider a fishtail dress or a design with a dropped waist that hugs your hips. You can also try a tea-length dress that hangs at the natural waist with a hemline that falls just above the ankle, creating a fab waistline and skimming over the hips.
When it comes to the neckline, consider off-the-shoulder or sweetheart styles, which can help balance out your proportions by drawing attention to your upper body.
Steaming Your Wedding Dress: Is It Necessary?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$39.99 $46.99
$62.99
Hourglass figures
If you have an hourglass figure, you're in luck! This body type can usually find a flattering fit in almost any of the typical gown silhouettes. However, if you want to show off your curves, there are a few styles that will perfectly complement your profile.
Trumpet or mermaid wedding dresses are ideal for brides who want to flaunt their curves. These designs hug your curves and flare out at the bottom for an elegant silhouette. Trumpet gowns feature a bodice that hugs the body from the chest to the mid-thigh, where the skirt then flares out.
Fit-and-flare dresses are also a good choice for hourglass figures, especially if you're after a more dramatic skirt. This style features a fitted bodice that extends at or below the hips before gradually flaring out toward the hem of the skirt, giving you more movability.
If you would rather downplay your curves, a ballgown or a gown with an A-line skirt will help to achieve this. A-line dresses are universally flattering and complement all body types, creating a slimmer waistline while flattering the bust.
For a sexy hourglass effect, a strapless lace bridal gown with a mermaid silhouette is a great option. A deep V-shaped neckline can also help to create an hourglass effect, highlighting your toned arms.
The Sweep Train: Enhancing Your Wedding Dress
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Athletic builds
If you have an athletic body shape, you're likely to have a rectangular figure with well-balanced proportions and minimal curves. To enhance your natural shape, you might want to consider a dress style that adds flattering angles and curves to your figure.
For example, a fit-and-flare dress is a great option for athletic body shapes as it accentuates the curves of your waist and hips. This style of dress is fitted at the bodice and flares out at the skirt, creating a beautiful silhouette. A square neck fit-and-flare dress with a deep V-back can also show off your shoulders and accentuate your waistline. If you're looking for something more dramatic, go for a skirt that cascades outward. For a softer, more elegant look, choose a skirt that gently flows downward, elongating your silhouette.
If you want to draw attention to your décolletage and shoulders, a halter, racerback, or strapless dress is a great option. A strapless dress can also make your torso look longer and subtly accentuate the natural curve from your bust to your waist. To add more definition to your waist, consider adding a belt.
When it comes to fabrics, lighter materials like silk or chiffon are ideal as they drape beautifully around your body without adding extra volume. Dresses with delicate lace or embroidery can also add a soft, romantic touch to your look. Avoid overly tight dresses and fabrics with too much stretch, as they may not be the most comfortable choice. Instead, opt for a dress with a simpler cut and minimalistic lines to let your natural figure shine through.
Smart Dressing for Your 3-Month-Old Wedding Guest
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$42.99 $49.99
Petite brides
If you're a petite bride, there are several styles of wedding dress that can help elongate your frame and enhance your natural proportions.
A-line gowns are universally flattering and are an especially good choice for petite brides as the nipped-in waist and flared skirt create a slimming effect, making the bride appear taller. An empire waist A-line dress is a beautiful option for petite brides as the waistline sits just below the bust, creating an elongated skirt. Petite brides looking for a shorter hemline might like the All Who Wander Style London, a chic mini bridal dress with a square neckline, tiered skirt and removable underskirt.
Sheath gowns also flatter brides of every height, with their seam running vertically from the shoulders to the hips, creating a slinky, body-hugging silhouette. Trumpet and mermaid styles are also a good choice for petite brides, with their elongated waistlines and flared skirts. Fit-and-flare silhouettes are another option, with their fitted bodice and hips creating shape, while the gentle flare at the knee elongates the lower body.
For petite brides with smaller busts, a corset wedding dress can create the illusion of a fuller bust, with its strategically placed boning to add structure and shape. A sweetheart neckline adds to the illusion of curves.
If you're looking to avoid a particular silhouette, it's best to steer clear of ball gowns, which can overwhelm a petite frame with their full skirts, heavy fabrics and decorations.
Preserving Your Wedding Dress and Veil: Tips for Long-Term Storage
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$36.09 $38.99
Apple-shaped bodies
For brides with an apple-shaped body, it can be challenging to find a wedding dress that fits both the upper and lower body perfectly. Apple-shaped brides typically have a full chest, broader shoulders, a fuller midsection, and narrow hips. The key to finding the right dress is to define the waist and create a balanced silhouette.
To achieve this, consider an A-line dress that gently hugs the upper torso and subtly flares downwards, skimming over the midsection. A defined waistline can also be achieved with a narrow belt or a fitted bodice. When it comes to the neckline, a bold V-neck cut can tastefully draw attention to the décolletage and face, while an off-the-shoulder design adds a romantic element.
If you want to wear long sleeves, opt for light and airy sleeves that won't add bulk. To further accentuate your shoulders, neckline, or legs, consider statement jewellery or accessories. A drop necklace will draw attention to the upper chest, while a veil that falls at least to the fingertips will elongate your silhouette.
Empire waist dresses, wrap dresses, and tulip dresses with a low neckline are also recommended for apple-shaped bodies as they define the waist and create a more balanced frame. Avoid column-type dresses, trumpet styles, and mermaid cuts with exaggerated flare-outs from the knee as these will emphasise a less defined waist.
Selfridges: The One-Stop Shop for Wedding Dresses
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
If you want to accentuate your waist, opt for a dress with a fitted bodice or a trumpet or mermaid-style skirt. A-line dresses are also universally flattering for hourglass figures, as they emphasise curves while offering a balanced look.
A pear-shaped body features a smaller upper body and broader hips. To achieve a beautiful, balanced look, choose a dress that gracefully skims over the hips and accentuates the waist. A-line and ballgown styles are a great option for pear-shaped bodies, as they emphasise a small waist and bust without clinging to the hips.
A halter neckline is a great option to accentuate your toned arms and shoulders. A sheath gown is also a good choice, as it flatters brides of every height and can give a petite bride an elongated look.
To elongate your shape, consider an open back or a slinky A-line gown. A halter neckline can also be a good option for petite brides.
