How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Gown for Your Body Type

Today’s consumer is spoilt for choice, and deciding on the perfect wedding gown can often be very confusing. Each relative and friend will give you a new piece of advice on what style to go for, but the truth is that it’s crucial to pick one that flatters your figure. Listed below are some simple tips to help you.

For a Pear-Shaped Figure:

Look for a skirt that gradually flares out in an A formation from the natural waist to the floor, highlighting the narrowness of the midsection and floating away from the hips and thighs. Avoid clinging fabrics. Sturdier fabrics, such as Dutch satin and taffeta work well for this purpose. A spaghetti-strap bodice or a V neckline will also showcase a more slender upper body.

For a Busty Figure:

Look for a dress with a scooped neckline. It will open up your face and highlight your figure without showing too much cleavage. If you love the look of strapless gowns, choose one that has a slight dip along the neckline, like a sweetheart, rather than a style that goes straight across, which will make your bust appear even larger. For the bodice, try and avoid using fabrics which have a sheen to them (such as organza, satin or silk).

For a Plus-Sized Figure:

Look for an Empire pattern dress with a skirt that begins just under the bust and flows into a gradual floor-length A-line. Make sure the Empire seam does not start on the chest and that there is no pleating of the fabric, which often ends up looking like maternity wear. The dress should be well fitted, as if it’s too loose, it will make you look bigger. Fabrics like satin (which aren’t too flowy) work well. If you love the romantic look of airier fabrics, choose a gown with a stiffer base, and then add an embroidered tulle overlay.
 

For a Tall Figure:

Look for a simple silhouette. The strategy is to emphasize your natural shape, so every aspect of the dress ― the lower waistline, a floor-sweeping hem ― should reflect your longer proportions. If you're wearing full sleeves, they should go past the wrist. You don't want to look as if you've borrowed a gown from someone shorter than you. 

For a Straight-Lined Figure:

Look for a dress that will create curves where you don’t have them. Try a sheath dress in a wispy charmeuse that’s cut on the bias; the curving side seam will give you a va-va-va-voom silhouette. Or look for a ball gown that cinches in at your natural waist and descends into a full, flowing floor-length skirt: It will capitalize on your slenderness and camouflage a lack of hips. If you have a small bust, look for a bodice with some rouching to help create volume.

For a Petite Figure:

Find a style with a waistline above your natural waist, to make the lower half of the dress (and therefore you) appear longer. The fabric is up to you―you can even pull off a fabric with a good sheen. But make sure the detailing is small (no huge bows or flowers) and limited to the bodice, to draw the eye upward. Avoid dresses with a dropped waist as these will make your legs seem nonexistent. A rouched bodice will help fill out your upper body and create an illusion of curves. Padded halter style necklines will also do the trick.