We all have lumps and bumps and bits that we want to hide, very few of us resemble the size nothing mannequin in the shop window, but that doesn’t mean your ideal wedding dress won’t look great, you just have to pick one to suit your body shape. With the help of the right waistline, cut and skirt you can add all sorts of dimensions to your body, you just have to know where to look if:
You’re tall
You’re one of the lucky ones who can pull off almost anything, so have a play with different styles of bodices, straps and skirts. However, you may want to watch out for anything too little and frilly – you outgrew girlish styles a few years (and 25 centimetres) ago.
You’re a shorty
If you dream of looking tall, look for A-line or fitted sheath designs since vertical lines elongate the body, and keep well away from fluffy ballgowns – lest you get lost in their skirts.
You’re a stick
You need to search for something that will give you an appearance of curves. So make up for your lack of them with slight layers and opt for a ballgown as it will add a new ‘hip-ey’ dimension to your silhouette. However don’t go over the top with the layers, or the wedding dress might end up wearing you!
You’re curvy
You have glorious curves – show them off! An A-line dress with a v-neck bodice is the ideal thing to accentuate your best assets.
You have a large chest
A V-neck bodice will best compliment your bust, but just be careful to preserve your modesty – if your wedding dress shows off too much cleavage no one will look into your eyes. Also make sure you pair your gown with a good supportive bra.
You have no chest
Lingerie is your friend, so invest in a good quality push-up bra, some chicken fillets or a padded bodice. The best style for you is a fitted gown to show off your figure, but one that has frills or detail around the bust to make it look bigger.
You have a bit of a tummy
The best way is to draw attention to another part of your body – go for a flattering A-line skirt and couple it with a bodice that emphasises your cleavage, shoulders or neck.
You have large hips
A simple A-line wedding dress will do wonders to emphasise your small waist, while hiding all that lies below. If you pair this with a slightly raised or undefined waistline it will help to minimise your hips as well.
Bridal Gown shapes
Now that you know your body shape a little better, it’s time to acquaint yourself with the shape of your material compatriot…
Ballgown
Think Cinderella – fitted bodice that flows out into a full skirt.
A-line
A gown with a skirt that flares out like the legs of the letter ‘A’. It has vertical seams running from the shoulders to the hem.
Column
This gown incorporates straight lines from the waist downwards.
Mermaid
A sexy style that involves the skirt flaring out below the knee in a feminine curve.
Fishtail
Think column with a twist – an extra panel of fabric fans out at the back of the skirt.
Empire Line
An elegant gown with the waistline pilled up right under the bust.
Sheath
A modern and sexy silhouette with no waistline – the skirt falls straight to the floor.