Every bride dreams of looking great on her wedding day. Since the wedding dress is the focal point of the bridal look, you should choose it well to look your best on this special day.
Different wedding dress silhouettes look good on different body shapes. Choose the right silhouette for your body shape and it will flatter your figure and enhance your best assets. To achieve this, you should first determine your body type and then identify the best silhouettes for it. Different body types and the recommended dress silhouettes for each.
In general, body types can be broadly classified into six categories: Apple, Pear, Hourglass, Straight, Petite and Plus-size.
In order to determine which of these best defines your body type, the first step is to measure yourself around the shoulders, bust, waist and hips. Note down each set of measurements and compare them according to the following guide to find out which body type defines you best.
Apple-Type
The apple-shape is characterized by an upper body that is wider than the lower body. Here, the shoulder measures at least five per cent more than the hip area. To create a balanced look for this body type, you should choose dresses that camouflage the slighter proportions of the hips. Here are the recommended dress styles if you are an apple.
Recommended silhouettes: Dresses with a gathered bodice and skirt that flares out from the waist are ideal. Layered skirts add extra inches to the hip area and are a good choice. A-line dresses with thick skirts that do not cling and ball gowns look good on the apple-shaped bride.
Avoid dresses that are form-fitting, such as the trumpet and mermaid. These draw attention to the waist and hips, and will emphasize the unbalanced proportions of the upper and lower body.
Pear-type
The pear-shaped bride has a wide mid-section and lower body, while the upper half is narrow. Here, the hip measurements are at least five percent greater than the shoulder and bust measurements.
Recommended silhouettes: Dresses that add more bulk to the upper body and do not cling to the hips will balance out the difference in measurements in the upper and lower sections. Ball gowns and dresses with A-line skirts that begin above or at the natural waistline are suitable choices.
It is best to avoid fit and flare gowns and sheath dresses that draw attention to the hip area.
Straight or rectangle
As the name suggests, this body shape lacks curves and has similar measurements across the shoulders and hips. The waistline is barely noticeable. All three measurements fall within five per cent of each other.
Recommended silhouettes: The best wedding dress styles for this body type are those that create the illusion of curves. The slender waistline is an asset that should be highlighted. Ball gowns achieve this effect. Alternately, the sheath or column wedding dress is a good choice as it adds more bulk to the lower half. Layered A-line dresses with a well-defined waistline will look good on straight body types.
Avoid dresses which snugly fit the natural silhouette, like fit and flare gowns. These make the lack of curves more noticeable. Modified A-line dresses are also best avoided.
Hourglass
The shoulder measurements are similar to the measurements of the hips in this body type. They also have a well-defined waistline that is at least twenty five per cent smaller than the shoulders and hips.
Recommended silhouettes: Being a well-balanced shape, this body type can carry off almost any dress style. It is recommended to draw attention to the curvy figure and highlight the waistline with flattering silhouettes like the trumpet and mermaid. Sheath dresses and A-line dresses with cinched waists also flatter the hourglass shape.
Almost every dress silhouette is suitable for the hourglass. So, there is no particular dress style to avoid. However, if you are an hourglass, it is suggested to flaunt your figure in snug silhouettes, instead of hiding your attractive curves under layers of fabric.
Plus-size
With body measurements that are larger than average throughout, plus-size brides have a very curvaceous figure.
Recommended silhouettes: Well-fitted slim dress styles look best on plus-size brides. A-line dresses and silhouettes that distinguish the upper and lower halves of the body are ideal.
Avoid dresses that drape loosely, like the sheath that creates the illusion of more curves. Dresses made with stiff and structured fabric are better, as they hold the shape and do not look bulky.
Petite
Petite women have a small, but well-balanced stature. These women usually have heights that are lesser than 5’3”.The defined waistline is the best asset of this body type.
Recommended silhouettes: Petite brides should highlight their slender waists in gowns with well-fitted bodices. Dresses with raised waistlines will also add the illusion of added height. A-line dresses, fit and flare gowns and column dresses look good on this body type.
The overall size and stature of petite women are smaller than average. Hence dresses with too many design details will be overwhelming on this body type. Also, petite brides should avoid bulky dresses like ball gowns that will look too heavy on their frame. Since they are shorter than average, it isn’t a good idea to wear dresses with dropped waistlines, as it can make them look even shorter than they actually are.
Author Bio: Best For Bride is a leading bridal chain and wedding services provider in Canada. With four shops in the country and a reliable online shopping experience, Best for Bride strives to meet every need of the modern bride. Their impressive collection of wedding dresses, bridesmaids dresses, dresses for the rest of the wedding party and wedding accessories are constantly updated, so there is something for everyone.
