Deborah Chan
Wedding dress shopping can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. With so many different styles, shapes, and sizes to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to begin. The key is to find a dress that flatters your body type and its unique proportions. Whether you're apple, pear, hourglass, or rectangle-shaped, there's a silhouette that will make you look and feel your best. This guide will help you navigate the different options and choose the perfect dress for your big day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Body shape | Apple, Pear, Hourglass, Diamond, Rectangle, Petite, Curvy |
| Body type | Tall and slender, Short, Straight, Triangle |
| Dress style | A-line, Ball gown, Mermaid/Fishtail, Fit and flare, Column/Sheath, Trumpet, Slip |
| Dress features | Sweetheart or plunge neckline, spaghetti straps, cowl neck, bias-cut, back detailing, Belt, defined waist, airy fit, open back, detachable sleeves, layers, shimmer, tulle, lace, beading |
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What You'll Learn
Apple, pear, hourglass, or rectangle body shape?
If you have an apple-shaped body, your bust and waistline are larger, while your hips and legs are slimmer. A mermaid wedding dress can be a great choice as it contours the body at the bodice, waist, and hips, and then flares out at the knees, emphasising the waist and hips. A-line dresses are also a good option as they balance out your silhouette.
For pear-shaped bodies, the hips are wider than the shoulders, and there is a smaller bust and defined waist. A-line, ballgown, or empire waist styles can help accentuate the waist and flare out at the bottom. A structured bodice or corset can also help cinch the waist and create a more defined silhouette.
Hourglass figures have a well-defined waistline, with the bust and hips relatively equal. To showcase your figure, choose a dress that hugs your curves and accentuates your waist, such as a mermaid, trumpet, or fit-and-flare style. A V-neck or sweetheart neckline can enhance your bust, while sleeves can add elegance and balance to your figure.
Rectangle-shaped bodies have a straight silhouette, with the bust, waist, and hips being similar in size. Sheath and column silhouettes can help create the illusion of curves, while a belt can also be used to define the waist. Ballgown dresses can also add curves and definition to your frame.
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Mermaid, fishtail or A-line?
Mermaid, fishtail, trumpet, A-line—with so many wedding dress styles to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?
Mermaid or fishtail wedding dresses are a good choice if you want a dramatic look that hugs your curves and emphasises your waist and hips. This style is known as an hourglass silhouette, so it's perfect for those with curvy or hourglass figures. If you want a plain, unadorned look, or something completely over the top with lots of embellishment, this style is a good choice because of its popularity. The fishtail style is also not confined to wedding dresses, so you can find a gown in this style in a different colour palette if you want to go bold. However, one of the drawbacks of this style is comfort—a super figure-hugging dress can become hot and restrictive after several hours of wear.
A-line wedding dresses are a good choice if you want a softer, more romantic look that still gives you beautiful coverage. This style is also a stunning choice for apple-shaped brides as it will balance out your silhouette. If you're looking for a dress with volume, but not for the whole skirt, then a mermaid or fishtail gown might be better suited to you.
Sheath wedding dresses are another option, which are body-hugging but not too tight, giving the illusion of more curves. This style is a good choice if you have a rectangle or straight body shape and want to show off the curves you do have. Adding a belt or choosing a style with a defined waist can also help to create a more curvy silhouette.
Ultimately, the best way to find the right wedding dress silhouette is to try on different styles and see how they look and feel. This will help you find the perfect dress that makes you feel like a dream on your big day.
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Sheath or column?
Sheath and column wedding dresses are similar in that they both feature a straight-cut fit and slim silhouette. However, there are a few key differences to consider when choosing between the two styles.
Sheath wedding dresses contour the body from head to toe, creating a sleek and form-fitting silhouette. This style is often chosen by brides who want to elongate their silhouette and flatter their curves. The sheath style can be customised with various necklines, such as a V-neck or square neckline, and can be made from a wide variety of fabrics, including premium Mikado, embroidery, and crepe. Sheath dresses are also a great choice for beach or destination weddings, as they are easy to pack and transport.
On the other hand, column wedding dresses may be fitted or loose at the waist, offering more flexibility in terms of fit. The skirt of a column dress is typically narrower and more structured than that of a sheath dress. Column gowns are often made from fabrics like taffeta, beaded satin, or heavy lace to maintain their structured shape. This style is particularly flattering for hourglass or petite figures, as it provides a sophisticated and elegant look.
Both sheath and column wedding dresses are elegant choices that can complement a range of body types. When deciding between the two, consider the level of structure and fit you prefer, as well as the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve on your wedding day.
To elevate your chosen sheath or column wedding dress, don't forget to accessorise! A long veil, statement earrings, or a sash can add a touch of glamour and personality to your look.
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Fit-and-flare or ballgown?
If you're trying to decide between a fit-and-flare and a ballgown silhouette for your wedding dress, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about the style of your wedding and the venue. A ballgown is a classic, traditional choice, whereas a fit-and-flare dress is more modern and sophisticated. If you want to feel like a princess, a ballgown is a good choice, but if you want to feel sexy and show off your curves, a fit-and-flare dress might be better.
Another thing to consider is comfort. Fit-and-flare dresses can be more restrictive when it comes to leg movement and may require shapewear, whereas ballgowns offer more freedom of movement and can be more comfortable, especially when sitting or getting in and out of vehicles. However, some people find that ballgowns make them feel too covered up.
Your body type is also important when choosing a silhouette. If you have a pear or triangle shape, with narrower shoulders and bust compared to your hips, a ballgown will emphasise your small waist and bust while skimming over your hips. If you have an hourglass figure, a fit-and-flare dress will hug your curves and create a dramatic effect, but a ballgown will also work well for this body type. For apple-shaped brides, a fit-and-flare dress will emphasise the waist and hips, while a ballgown will provide soft, beautiful coverage. If you're petite, a sheath dress can give the illusion of height, but a ballgown might be overwhelming.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a dress that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable. Try on a variety of styles and sleep on your decision. Consider the parts of your body that you want to emphasise and choose a dress that showcases them. Don't be afraid to go outside your comfort zone and try something new—you might be surprised by what style ends up feeling like "your dress".
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Princess or empire?
Princess and empire are two wedding dress silhouettes to choose from. So, which one is right for you? Well, it depends on your body type and personal style preferences.
If you have a smaller bust size, an empire waistline might be a good choice. This style has a high waistline that sits just below the bust, creating a natural emphasis on the upper body while gently camouflaging the waist and hips. Empire waist dresses are often made with lightweight and ethereal fabrics, such as chiffon or tulle, and can be paired with A-line silhouettes for a timelessly elegant look. They also offer a blank canvas for embellishments, such as lace, embroidery, or beading, to create a sweet and romantic style.
On the other hand, if you want to accentuate your curves, a princess silhouette, or ball gown, could be more flattering. Princess dresses are known for their volume and full skirts, which can balance out curvy hips. They are a good choice if you want to create or emphasize an hourglass figure. Princess dresses are also a comfortable and mobile option for shorter brides, as they provide soft and beautiful coverage without being too restrictive.
Ultimately, the right silhouette for you will depend on your unique body shape and the style you want to achieve. Both princess and empire styles can be elegant and flattering choices, so try on different dresses to see which one makes you feel like a true princess on your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
To flaunt your curves, opt for a dress that cinch at the waist. A fitted bodice or a mermaid-style skirt will hug your curves and emphasise your waist. A-line dresses are also universally flattering for hourglass figures as they emphasise your curves while offering a balanced look.
A ball gown will accentuate your waistline and make it look tiny by contrasting the small, fitted look of the bodice with a larger skirt. This style is best suited for brides looking to cinch their waist and not have to worry about their hips or lower tummy area.
Mermaid wedding dresses contour the body at the bodice, waist, and hips, and then flare out at the knees. This silhouette is known to emphasise the waist and hips. Trumpet gowns are also a good option for those who want a toned-down version of the mermaid style.
A sheath gown with a straight-cut fit and zero waist seam will flatter a petite bride by giving an elongated look.
