Which Style Works for Your Body Type?

As exciting as it may be to finally be able to check off the arguably most fun part of your wedding planning to-do list, every bride will feel overwhelmed with the wide variety of dresses at hand. Although there is an abundance of styles, colors and fabrics to choose from, it is important to find the fit that best suits your body.  Although every bride will walk in with insecurity in the back of their mind, they need to be educated on what dress style will hug their curves at the perfect spot. Here is a list of wedding gown shapes along with the body type they flatter the most.

The Hourglass Figure

The term hourglass has a very literal meaning. It is known as the shape that has a small waist and where the busts and the hips are nearly the same measurement. To best showcase your curves, you will want to try either of these styles:

• Mermaid or Fit and Flare: The mermaid and fit and flare are styles that hugs the body from bust to below the hips. This fit definitely flatters the hourglass figure simply because it hugs the curves perfectly and allows you to show off your enviable figure.

The Pear Shaped Figure

The typical pear shaped woman is narrow in the shoulder and wider in the hips.  In order to find your ideal dress, you will want to try either of the following styles:

• A-Line: A-Line has a silhouette that is narrower at the top, flaring gently wider toward the bottom. It is known as a go-to when wanting to disguise bottom-heavy figures. By drawing focus to the upper half of the dress where it sinches into the waist, you will create a gorgeous, effortless shape for your wedding day.

• Ball gown: The ball gown is a good choice for the pear shaped figure simply because is accentuates the waist. It typically has a full skirted bottom from the waist down which highlights the smallest part of your body.

The Straight Figure

The straight figure simply means that the waist is the same as the hips. In order to compliment the body shape, the following styles will be most comfortable and flattering:

• Empire waist or Sheath: The empire waist accentuates the smallest part of your body, your waist. The rest of the dress will fall to the floor giving it a sheath look. A straight figure is one of the only body types that can pull it off because the proportions are not extremely defined and the floor length simple flow is timeless and classic.

The Apple Shaped Figure

Slim legs; with a wide abdomen and chest is what is known as the apple figure.  In order to give the illusion of a smaller waist, these are the recommended dress styles:

• A-Line: An A-Line dress is a good pick because it will be snug around the waist and slightly flare outward gradually. This will give an apple shaped figure a balanced silhouette as it will appear as though the waist is smaller against the flared skirt.

• Ballgown/Princess: For an apple shaped figure, the ball gown has the same effect as then A-Line only more dramatic. A ballgown flares out significantly from the waist through the skirt. The effect of a smaller waist will be more evident as there is much more volume in the skirt.

The Petite Figure

• A-Line: An A-line dress is a simple look that will slightly hug petite curves. There is no defined flare which will work for anyone who is shorter. With a small defining outline, it is a good way to avoid looking lost in a dress.

• Sheath/Empire Waist: This style of dress will give the illusion that the legs are much longer than they are. The gown will fall from the bust line, creating one long line. It is also easier in term of alterations because the length is simple to shorten.

• Fit and Flare: This style is similar but more subtle compared to the mermaid style of gown .  The fit and flare hugs the curves but does not have an extremely defined line where the dress flares out like a mermaid does. This is a great way to showcase your curves without having a clear cut flare that may end up starting at your ankles.

We hope this has helped you understand which style works best for your unique body shape. Now you’re ready to enjoy your wedding dress shopping experience!