Shopping for a wedding dress can be difficult, and every bride and bride-to-be wants the right wedding dress – with so many styles, fabrics, and silhouettes to choose from! It is only then, when you know your body shape, that you can narrow down your search for wedding dresses. The right wedding gown for your body shape will not only look beautiful on, but feel beautiful on, and will allow you to be yourself on your big day.
See below a simple guide to the most common body shapes and what wedding dresses will flatter your body shape best!
1. Hourglass body shape
Characteristics: Proportioned bust and hips, defined waist.
If you have a hourglass body shape you are very lucky because almost all wedding dress styles should suit you. The primary objective for you is to showcase your waist and to show off your natural curves.
Best styles:
Mermaid or trumpet: Both of these dresses follow the natural curve of the body without adding additional volume and flares out at/around the knee line.
Sheath: A contemporary style whose streamlined shape will fit the body, without adding volume in the skirt.
Corset bodice: Offers a defined waist and compliments your body’s natural shape.
Avoid:
Overly loose or shapeless gowns that hide your curves.
2. Pear-shaped body type
Defining qualities: Hips are wider than both the bust and shoulders with a defined waist.
Women with a pear shape will want to showcase their upper body to balance the proportion of the pear body. Provide a wider silhouette or the appearance of being wider upper body than lower.
The best styles:
A-line dresses: These flares gently from the waist down, creating a more balanced area overall.
Ball gowns: These have fitted bodices with full skirts which disguise the hip and lower volume of the bust area with the lower gown portion.
Strapless tops or embellished tops: These draw attention to the upper portion.
What to avoid:
Sheath dresses or fabrics that are clingy and too tight around the hips.
3. Apple-shaped body
Description: A larger bust and midsection with smaller legs and hips.
An apple-shaped bride should look for dresses that minimize her midsection while maximizing her bust and legs.
Best shapes:
Empire waists: Empire style gowns are characterized by a higher waistline (just below the bust) and flow from there. A high waistline can elongate the torso.
A-line dresses: An A-line shaped dress that is loose can blend some midsection into the dress without harsh criticism.
V-necks: V-necks are excellent for elongating a short neck as well as balancing a bust.
Don’t wear:
Bodices that are constricting, or fabrics that cling to the waist.
4. Rectangle body shape
Characteristics: Bust and hips are about the same width, the waist has little distinction between hips and bust.
For rectangle brides, you will want to emphasize curves and add dimension.
Best styles:
Ball gowns-glitter and glam! It creates the illusion of a smaller waist and fuller hips.
Dresses with waist ruche or belts help to create some definition.
Peplum details or a layered skirt will also help you add volume to your figure.
Avoid:
Straight cut sheath dresses offer absolutely nothing for a rectangle shape, you need some shape or structure!
5. Inverted triangle body
Characteristics: A wider bust or shoulders than lower body.
The inverted triangle body type is to add more volume to the lower body to balance the bigger upper or broader shoulder area and to bring the eye down.
Best styles:
A-line and ball gown skirts: Add fullness to the hips and will better balance out the shoulders
V-necklines: Provide a softer look to the upper body and provide a vertical line for the eye to follow.
A simple bodice with ornate skirt: To shift focus towards the lower part of the body and not the upper area.
Avoid:
High necklines that enhances the shoulders, padded shoulders, puff sleeves with any bodice that will enhance the shoulders area and widen the upper back.
Bonus tips for every bride:
Experiment, Experiment, Experiment with silhouettes: You never know what you’ll like and dislike until you try something on.
Fit is Everything: A perfectly fitted dress will always look better than a dress that is way too expensive that’s not fitted properly.
Comfort: This is something you’ll be wearing for a long time, make sure you can move, sit and dance in it comfortably.
Remember your priorities: Body shape guides serve a purpose, you just need to remember to pay attention to your feelings in that dress.
Think and consult with a professional: Bridal store stylists are professionally trained and experienced in helping brides hone in on a gown style that suits their shape and meets their desire.
Final thoughts
The wedding dress you choose should embody your personality, your love story, and your beauty. Knowing your shape will help narrow your search but remember that there are no hard and fast rules. On your wedding day and, and regardless of the outcome you are seeking, it is your confidence, happiness and comfort that will shine through.
Take your time and try on many styles, it’s your time to shine in a wedding dress that showcases the very best of you! Whether you want a mermaid style, ball gown, or a sheath-style gown; trust your instincts and have fun with the process!
