When it comes to finding the perfect wedding dress, most women start their search by looking for dresses that they find visually appealing. Finding a dress that you love, sadly is not the only thing you should factor in when purchasing your wedding dress. Besides being your dream dress, it should also compliment your figure. The fact is, certain dresses flatter certain body types, and on your special day you should be flaunting a dress that enhances your natural figure. Depending on your figure – apple, pear, hourglass or rectangle, we’re going to suggest some dress styles that should flatter your every curve – or lack thereof.
Apple Body Type:
Apples tend to have broader shoulders, a fuller bust, and more slender thighs and bottom – with a less defined waist. An Apple may also be a split size; having their bust and waist a different size then their hips. For what not to wear, the Trumpet dress should be avoided for all apples. This cut of dress flares from the knee toward the hem in a trumpet shape. If you are already curvy up top, you are not going to want a dress that emphasizes a less defined waist. For this same reason, avoid the Mermaid or Column type dresses. In terms of body shape, shopping for the apple body can prove to be quite difficult – but not impossible! For what to wear, Empire waists are an apple’s best friend. Always choose a gown that adds definition to your waist. Look for a style that cinches in your waist, creating a more balanced look. Necklines are also something to consider, as a plunging V neck or Sweetheart neckline will draw the eye up.
Pear Body Type:
Pear shaped women tend to have larger hips, thighs and bottoms, but their upper body is usually quite small. A pear shape bride may be a split size, meaning that their bust, hips and possibly even waist, are all different sizes. For what not to wear, if you are drawn to the idea of wearing a column dress for your special day but you are the classic pear shape, you may want to reconsider. If you have a pronounced bottom, wearing a column dress will draw attention to your bottom half – with the silhouette of this dress making you appear unbalanced. For what to wear, we recommend that pears don the A-Line style of gown. As the name suggests, the cut of this dress is narrow at the top and extends out into the shape of an ‘A’. This cut is super flattering for nearly all body types, but especially for pears – as this dress accentuates the top and waist, and billows away from the bottom. Other dress styles to consider are: Dropped Wait and Ball Gowns.
Hourglass Body Type:
Hourglass women will have a bust and hip that has the same or almost the same measurement, with a waist that is smaller. So for example, 36, 26, 36. This means, your size doesn’t matter. A size 8 and a size 16 bride can both be considered to have an hourglass figure. For what not to wear, although this is one of the easier figures to shop for, there are still some things you may want to consider when shopping for this body type. In terms of least flattering dresses, the Column style dress takes the cake – as this style is best fitted on a sleek figure. Some hourglass women prefer to downplay their curves – namely, their hipline – and if this is the case, then forgo the Mermaid or Trumpet style as well. For what to wear, Hourglass women should always be on the lookout for a dress that flatters their curves. The Mermaid or Trumpet are fabulous choices when you want to show off your curves, and the ruching at the waist will emphasize your narrowest asset. If you are looking to downplay what nature has given you, then going with a Ball Gown style or A-Line cut will also be an excellent choice.
Rectangle Body Type:
The Rectangle aka Banana shape can be defined as long and slender – a “boyish” figure or athletic build. Although the Rectangle body typically has a balanced upper and lower body, they can often times have a less defined waist. For what not to wear, the Drop Waist is not the most flattering cut for rectangles, as this dress will make you look less curvy than you are. With a less defined waist as the other body types, you are going to want a dress that creates more curves, not downplay the little curvage that you do have. For what to wear, Fit and Flare styles are the ideal cut for a rectangle body type, as this style of dress will add volume to your bust and your hips. Scoop necks and Sweetheart necklines are also great options for smaller busted women. And of all the body types, rectangles look best in the Column style wedding dress. Ball Gowns are also exceptional choices for your sleek body type.
