Lyla Dejesus
Choosing a wedding dress is a highly personal decision, and it's important to select a style that makes you feel confident and beautiful. While it can be helpful to consider your body type when making your decision, it's also crucial to embrace your unique style and not feel limited by traditional guidelines. Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a dress that makes you feel comfortable and happy. With that in mind, here is an introduction to different wedding dress styles and how they can complement various body types.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Body type | Hourglass, Apple, Pear, Rectangle, Oval, Athletic, Petite |
| Necklines | Sweetheart, Cowl, High-neck, Halter, Illusion |
| Silhouette | A-line, Ball gown, Mermaid, Sheath, Empire waist |
| Fabric | Chiffon, Organza, Tulle, Taffeta, Lace, Embroidery |
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What You'll Learn
Pear-shaped, curvy, or petite brides
For pear-shaped brides, a lacy sheath gown by Mori Lee is recommended. The slim silhouette and all-over lace help to create the illusion of height, and the wide straps balance out a heavier bottom half. A gown with detail around the neckline is also a good choice, as it draws attention to the upper body.
For curvy brides, there are a few options to consider. A soft A-line silhouette can help create the illusion of a narrow waistline, but big busts should beware of styles with low backs, which are better suited to C-cups or below. A plunging neckline with a nipped-in waist can also create definition, but again, these styles are recommended for C-cups or lower. A ruched chiffon sheath is universally flattering and offers coverage and support, while a fit-and-flare style from Wtoo's Curve line features architectural taffeta that provides stellar support for brides who feel boxy or broad in the shoulders.
For petite brides, A-line and empire silhouettes are recommended as they elongate the body and create a slimming effect. Sheath gowns are also a good choice as they give a petite bride an elongated look, helping her appear taller. However, petite brides may want to avoid ball-gown styles, as they can overpower a small frame.
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Hourglass figures
If you have an hourglass figure, your shoulders and hips are roughly the same width, with a well-defined waist. Wedding dresses that accentuate your waistline and highlight your curves will flatter your body type. Trumpet-style or mermaid wedding dresses, for example, hug your curves and flare out at the bottom for an elegant silhouette. Fit-and-flare dresses are similar, but the flare is more gradual, giving you more movability. A-line gowns are another option, as they hug the waist, creating a slimmer waistline while flattering the bust. If you're looking for something more form-fitting, a structured, strapless fit-and-flare dress or a slinky slip dress can also work for an hourglass figure.
If you're looking for a more dramatic skirt, consider a ball gown with a fitted bodice that draws attention upwards to your décolletage. This creates a stunning contrast, further defining your waistline. If you want to show off your arms, a deep V-neckline can add a lot of shape and create an "hourglass effect". A sheath gown can also work for an hourglass figure, especially if you're tall and slender, as it will play up your natural height.
When choosing a wedding dress, it's important to keep in mind the overall vibe of the wedding, the colour palette, fabrics, textures, and the season and venue of the wedding. You'll be wearing this dress for upwards of 10 hours, so it's crucial to pick a gown that is both beautiful and comfortable.
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Athletic frames
If you have an athletic body type, you may have a rectangular or inverted triangle-shaped figure, with broad shoulders, defined arms, and toned legs. Athletic brides often have a naturally toned, balanced shape with defined shoulders, narrow hips, and a smaller bust.
When it comes to choosing a wedding dress, there are many options that can enhance the beauty of an athletic figure, while also looking elegant and feminine. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect dress:
Necklines
Necklines for athletic body shapes should enhance the upper body while adding romantic or elegant lines that contrast strong shoulders. Sweetheart, scoop, and off-the-shoulder necklines are great options for softening and adding femininity to your look. Sweetheart necklines, in particular, help break up strong shoulders and add definition to the upper torso. Off-the-shoulder gowns create a delicate, romantic look, while one-shoulder styles add interest and asymmetry, softening broad shoulders. V-necks and plunging necklines elongate the torso, drawing attention downward, and giving the illusion of curves.
Silhouettes
Fit-and-flare, trumpet, and mermaid silhouettes are excellent choices for athletic body types as they beautifully accentuate the toned physique. These styles feature a fitted bodice that extends at or below the hips before flaring out toward the hem of the skirt, adding graceful movement and providing a visual contrast to the streamlined torso. A-line dresses are another universally flattering silhouette for athletic builds, especially shorter brides. This style is fitted at the waist and flares gently to the hem, adding shape to the hips while maintaining clean lines. If you're looking for a more dramatic and classic look, ball gowns can also work for athletic body types, adding volume to the lower body to create an hourglass effect and emphasise the waist. However, this style may overpower a petite bride's frame.
Fabrics
When it comes to fabrics, lighter and softer materials such as silk, chiffon, tulle, organza, or crepe are preferable for athletic body types. These fabrics drape beautifully around the body without adding extra volume. Avoid overly stiff fabrics that might make you look boxy. Strategic draping, such as ruching and pleating, especially around the bust and hips, can add shape and break up a straighter figure.
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Apple-shaped bodies
For brides with an apple-shaped body, the right wedding dress can embrace your curves and create an ethereal silhouette. Apple-shaped bodies are characterised by a fuller upper torso compared to the lower half of the body. To balance out your figure, you should opt for a dress that defines your waistline and highlights your legs.
A-line and ball gown styles are great options for apple-shaped bodies. These dresses cinch the waist and add fullness to the lower half, creating a flattering silhouette. If you're looking for something more fitted, a princess dress with a structured bodice and a flared skirt can also work well. A defined waistline is key, so consider adding a belt to highlight your natural waistline without adding bulk.
When it comes to the neckline, a bold V-neck cut can tastefully draw attention away from your midsection and highlight your face and décolletage. Low necklines can also help to balance your figure by narrowing your broad shoulders and larger bust. Off-the-shoulder necklines are another great option, ensuring the focus remains on your upper body while adding a romantic element.
To enhance your legs, consider a dress with a full skirt and a split, or opt for a fit-and-flare style that accentuates your calves. If you prefer long sleeves, avoid heavy fabrics that will add bulk. Instead, go for light applique and embellishments at the wrist. Keep the veil fingertip-length or longer, as elbow-length veils can create a line across the waist and take away definition.
Lastly, don't be afraid to accessorise! Statement necklaces or earrings can frame an off-the-shoulder neckline, while a drop necklace or choker can draw attention to your upper chest. A well-fitting dress that flatters your figure is key, so consider seeking advice from a bridal stylist to find the perfect gown for your apple-shaped body.
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Petite frames
When it comes to wedding dresses, it's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every bride is unique, and the most important thing is to choose a dress that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful. With that in mind, here are some tips for petite brides who want a dress that flatters their frame:
Petite brides are generally those who are shorter than average in height with a narrow and small body shape. To elongate your body and create the illusion of height, consider an empire waistline. This style features a fitted bodice with the waistline sitting just below the bust, resulting in a longer-looking torso and a more elongated silhouette. Another option is to choose a dress with an A-line silhouette. A-line gowns are universally flattering and particularly suit petite brides as they create a slimmer waistline while flattering the bust, giving the overall effect of making the bride appear taller. This style also works well if you want to accentuate your curves.
If you're a petite bride who wants to show off your legs, a simple, structured lining will enhance and flatter your frame without overwhelming it. Illusion necklines and light fabric gowns that billow can also be a good choice, as they create a flattering effect around your frame rather than overcrowding it. You can also draw attention to your upper body with a sweetheart neckline, which accentuates the collarbone and elongates the neck.
Remember, these are just suggestions to help guide you. The most important thing is to choose a dress that makes you feel confident and beautiful, regardless of traditional ideas of "flattering" silhouettes. Embrace your unique style and focus on what makes you feel happy.
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Frequently asked questions
To show off 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 a good option as they emphasise your curves while offering a balanced look.
Smaller brides should look for dresses with illusion necklines and light fabric that will flatter your frame without overwhelming it. An empire waistline will also bring the eye to rest just below your bust, making your legs appear longer.
If you have an athletic frame, you can pick a dress that is fully adorned, for example, with lace or embroidery. Your frame will be able to hold such detail without being overly dramatic.
