Wedding Dresses
by Body Type
Finding The Best Wedding Dress For Your Shape
It's the one day you look and feel more beautiful than you ever have in your whole life. It's fantastic. It's special. It's luxurious. All in one dress. On one day. You will know "The Dress" when you find it.
Finding “The Dress”
Finding the best wedding dress for your shape is about knowing what flatters your body best. It is about putting attention where you want it and minimizing it where you don't.
There are no rules to finding your dream dress. But there are guidelines that can help you. They'll give you a starting point in the fun, but sometimes overwhelming, wedding dress search.
First, determine your shape.
Determining Your Shape
Apples
widest around the torso
Pears
thinner on top with more curves/fullness on the bottom half.
Rectangles
shoulders and hips are about the same width and you don't have a lot of waist definition
Hourglasses
your shoulders and hips are about the same width and you have a well-defined waist.
Style Tips for Apples
DO:
Use lower/plunging necklines draw attention upwards. V-neck and sweetheart necklines are great options. Elongate your silhouette with a high waistline and a skirt that flows away from the body. Empire waistlines and A-line silhouettes are best for this. Consider showing off your legs with knee or tea length dresses.
SKIP:
Mermaid and Trumpet: will accentuate the widest part of your frame and flare at the slimmest
Ballgowns: won't elongate your silhouette
Straight Across Strapless necklines: won't accentuate your bustline
Style Tips for Pears
DO:
Create balance for your shape by putting the attention on your upper half. Great options are one shoulder, strapless, v-neck, bateau or scoop necklines. Reduce attention your bottom half with ballgown or A-line silhouettes.
SKIP:
Sheath: too clingy for your shape
Mermaid and Trumpet: puts attention on the wrong half of your body
Halter/High Neck: can create a disproportionate look
Style Tips for Rectangles
DO:
Create the illusion of curves by drawing attention upwards (strapless, v-neck, one shoulder) or towards the hem (Mermaid)
Define your waistline. An empire waist will showcase the smallest part of your torso. Or a beaded detail or colored sash around the natural waistline will create definition
SKIP:
Halter and High Neck: will make shoulders look narrow and as a result will not flatter your waist
Sheaths: will make you look boxy
Style Tips for Hourglasses
DO:
Take advantage of your proportioned body shape and showcase your curves. While any wedding dress silhouette can do this, Sheath, Mermaid and Trumpet will especially flatter you.
Showcase your defined waistline with Natural waistlines and waistline accents like a jeweled or ribbon belt.
SKIP:
Empire waists: they won't showcase your slim waistline