Finding the right Silhouette:
Choosing the right gown can be easy if you know which silhouette flatters your body type best. On your wedding day, you will want to find the wedding dress that will accentuate and highlight your best features. The right gown not only feels more comfortable, it makes you look more beautiful and puts a big smile on your face.
Here at Tie the Knot Bride, we've made a list of wedding gown characteristics that may be best suited for your body type. Keep them in mind when you go shopping for that perfect wedding dress.
Hourglass:
When you are blessed with curvy hips, an upper body to match, and a smaller waistline, you have an hourglass shape. Simple clean lines will highlight the hourglass figure that many women wish for.
Look for: an A-line dress to highlight that mid section of yours. Strapless, V-neck, sweetheart, or portrait necklines will nicely show off your shoulders. Sheath, trumpet, or mermaid gowns are form fitting and might not be for everyone, but they will show off your figure it that’s what you are looking for.
Stay away from: ball gowns or anything poofy which over accentuates. High necklines or empire styles may make your top seem a lot smaller than your bottom half and cause your hourglass figure to look more like a pear.
Full Figure:
Be proud of who you are and how you look. A Full Figure woman has full breasts, a bit of a tummy, round hips and butt.
Look for: strapless and off-the-shoulder necklines which help give the illusion of an hourglass silhouette. Depending on how much cleavage you want a V-neck or halter may also be very flattering. An A-line dress works beautifully for a full figured body. Want less attention on the lower portions of your body? Try a dress with a ball gown silhouette. Pair this with the above mentioned necklines and you may end up with a winning combo that will show off your best features. Gowns with asymmetrical design and rouching in the waist could hide and minimize your middle.
Stay away from: too much poof and ruffles. Tiny spaghetti straps don’t go well with big arms. A sheath will make you heavier than you are.
Pear Shape:
When your upper half is smaller than your bottom half, you have a pear shape body type. By choosing the right silhouette, you can show off your assets and look fabulous.
Look for: a wedding gown to add emphasize to your upper body while de-emphasizing your bottom half. Open necklines with lots of detail help show off your shoulders while directing the eye away from your lower torso. Try strapless, off-the-shoulder, or square necklines. Match your ideal bodice with a fuller skirt to cover your bottom half. Ideal styles such as basque waist, A-line, or a ball gown will do the magic. Choose a fabric that can support the design, such as satin, organza, or taffeta, since it will do a better job of holding its shape.
Stay away from: V-necklines which will draw the eyes down to your bottom half as well as form fitting skirt styles such as sheath, mermaid, or trumpet. These silhouettes will emphasize your hips. Avoid detail work on the skirt - especially in the hip area since this would add more emphasis than you need. Also, free flowing materials like chiffon hug curves you'd rather hide.
Petite:
You are small and delicate which means your challenge is to find a gown that doesn’t overpower you.
Look for: simplicity. When you're small, a big, elaborate gown can look overpowering. Try a dress that emphasizes a clean, sleek line from head to toe. The idea is to draw the attention vertically upward to your face rather than dividing your already petite frame into horizontal segments. Sheath and empire waist designs give the illusion of height. Soft A-line styles can achieve the same goal and add elegance. Strapless, off the shoulder, tank top, or halter necklines help draw attention to your face and elongate your upper torso.
Stay away from: anything that divides your body into two distinct segments such as ball gowns, any full or circular skirts, two piece gowns, and belts. Too much detailing at the hemline or all over the bodice will also make you appear shorter.
Thick Waist:
If your upper, mid, and lower section are similar in size, the line from your shoulders to your hips is straight (not curved at the waist) and creates the illusion of a square or a rectangle. The perfect gown will highlight your best features while minimizing your waistline, giving you a curvy silhouette.
Look for: a dress to de-emphasize your waistline and create a long, lean look such as empire or asymmetrical waist design. Widen your shoulder area and draw the attention upwards with an off-the-shoulder neckline. Empire waist or off the shoulder neckline also create horizontal lines that help draw the eyes upward and away from the waist. Since details such as lace or beadwork draw attention to where they are placed, look for gowns that have the details either on the bodice, or all the way at the hemline and definitely not in the middle. . Last but not least, choose fabrics that can hold the curvy shape and design of your dress like organza, satin, or taffeta.
Stay away from: basque waist as it will draw attention to your middle. Vertical lines emphasize the rectangular shape so stay away from princess cuts, sheaths, or mermaids. Avoid soft free flowing fabrics like chiffon which can’t hold their shape and can’t give you the curvy silhouette that’s best for you. Also, too much detail all over the gown reinforces the rectangular image you don’t want.
Inverted Triangle:
You are blessed with a lower body that is narrower than your upper body. Your ideal gown balances the upper and lower body proportions by emphasizing your hips while taking the attention away from your top.
Look for: simplicity in the bodice such as a clean sleek strapless. Drop torso will elongate your upper body and is flattering. Express yourself by choosing a skirt with lots of detail, or fullness since you have the figure for such luxury. Choose ball gowns, tulle with lots of layers and frill, pick up skirts, or a princess cut.
Stay away from: anything that will draw attention to your upper body such as beading, bows, or excessive detail. Bateau, off the shoulder, or empire necklines would make your upper torso appear wider. Also, form fitting styles such as sheath, mermaid, or trumpet emphasize your already slim hips, throwing your proportions off balance.
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