One way of shopping for a wedding dress is to get one that flatters your body shape.
If You’re Pear-Shaped:
If you are pear-shaped, your gown can have more details around the bodice. It has a flared-skirt that is smaller at the waist and gets wider towards the hips and thighs. Your outfit will be A-shaped with a slimmer top. A V-necked sleeveless strap bodice will be perfect, the fabric has a strong texture and does not cling. For example, duchesse satin and taffeta. Also remember that an A- line shaped gown is well suited for official use but can be made to look casual by using less formal materials.
If You’re Busty
With a busty shape, a scooped neckline gown will suit you since it focuses on your face but does not overly expose your cleavage. You are well endowed with a plentiful bust and your gown can be strapless with an indent rather than a straight neckline that will make your bust more pronounced. Avoid fabrics such as organza, satin or silk as these will give the chest an oversize appearance.
If You’re Plus-Sized
A plus-sized individual can avoid loose or pleated fabric that is characteristic of a maternity dress because it exaggerates body size. Instead, shop for an empire gown whose full length skirt starts below the bust. Use satin or a structured, airier fabric with embroidered overlay for a romantic look.
If yours is a full figure, full busts and curvy hips; look for attire that gives a slimmer silhouette, an elevated waistline and lower neckline to accentuate your curves.
If You’re Apple-Shaped
An apple – shaped bride needs an outfit that emphasizes the waistline and then flares down slowly. You can use ruche or lace material for bodice because of their generous texture. A low V-necked bodice lends focus to your height. You will avoid trumpet gowns since they exaggerate the biggest areas in your body while getting slender at smaller areas such as the knees and legs, which need more focus.
If You’re Tall
A tall person can go for a wedding gown that is styled in such a way that it draws attention to longer body parts and brings out the natural body shape. Your perfect silhouette is created by a full length skirt with a loose hem and long sleeves (if desired) that cross the wrist to flatter the long limbs. Ruffles and rosettes can be avoided for the sake of simplicity and to shun undue attention to your towering figure.
If You’re Petite
For the petite shaped, the details will be kept scanty and can stop at the bodice to ensure that focus is on the face. A low- waist dress or a ball room gown which can make the legs appear shorter will be avoided.
If You’re Small-Chested
The small-chested need a curvy silhouette that can be archived by light padding, beading and ruching the bodice.
If You’re Straight-Lined
The straight-lined can buy outfits that complete their missing curves, such as a sheath dress with curves at the hips. You are also bony and need gowns that flatter your slender shape.
If you are broad, your shoulders are wide-set and you need them toned down with a halter neckline or full length sleeves. The bodice should conceal your shoulders while emphasizing your waistline. A boxy shape has a boyish waistline and requires empire-waist gowns.
Stanley Rivers