There are plenty of rumors floating around about which dress styles work best with certain body shapes. While some of these rules are a little outdated, some can be useful to help guide your dress shopping.
For example, if you have a smaller bust, look for a flattering sweetheart neckline or deep-V to create the illusion of more cleavage. Also try dresses that have detail on the hip area to create a curvy appearance.
For wedding dress shopping, including insights from bridal experts. Perfect for wedding shop in San Diego!
Hourglass
If you have a narrow waist and curvy hips, you have the beautiful hourglass body type. You’ll love dresses that accentuate your curves and define your shape. Look for a dress that is fitted through the bust, waist and hips before flaring out gently (with a trumpet hemline) or dramatically (with a mermaid hemline) to enhance your gorgeous shape.
Brides with an hourglass figure also tend to have a lovely neck and shoulders, so look for a soft and feminine neckline that highlights your beautiful bust. You may also want to consider a corset neckline to cinch in your figure even more.
Apple
For those brides who are heavier on top, referred to by some as the apple body shape, a gown that accentuates the bust and cinches in at the waist will be perfect for you. For the best look, try a crepe dress with a sweetheart neckline to flatter your figure and lace appliques that will create the illusion of fuller hips.
If you have a smaller bust, choose dresses that add structure and form around the decolletage to create an alluring neckline. Ruching, wrapping, and embellishment are also good options to highlight your petite figure.
For the ladies who love a jacket, find one with a peplum waist that has elastic or rushing rather than a seam line as this will help softly define your waist without creating unflattering volume up top. Knee length or long dresses with leg slits will show off your slender legs.
Pear
The pear body shape has a smaller bust and larger hips. To balance the figure, brides should look for dresses that accentuate their slimmer waists. They should also try to add volume to the top half of their bodies with ruched and pleated designs. Necklines like off-the-shoulder, V-neck, one-shoulder, and halter necks are ideal for pear-shaped brides.
A tulle a-line wedding dress that has a fitted bodice and skirt that puffs out would be perfect for this body type. The pretty designs on this gown will draw people’s attention to your upper body, making you feel gorgeous. Pair this dress with Stiletto Heels to create a stunning look on your special day. A dazzling bolero or shrug is also great to wear with your pear-shaped dress.
Athletic
Choosing the perfect wedding dress is one of the most exciting, magical parts of being a bride. With so many different styles and silhouettes to choose from it can feel overwhelming, but knowing your body shape can help you narrow down the options and find a gown that will flatter your beautiful figure.
If your shoulders and hips are about the same size with a narrow waist, you have an apple or pear body type. You can flatter this shape with a dress that accentuates the waistline like an A-line or empire wedding gown.
A bride with an athletic body type has a wider shoulder and hips with little to no definition at the waistline. You can easily balance your shape with a sheath dress or off the shoulder style that will beautifully show off your toned arms.
Inverted Triangle
For those with the inverted triangle body shape, it is important to balance broader shoulders with narrower hips. Doing this can be done by utilizing clothing that adds volume or details to the lower half of the body, such as flared skirts and pants.
Necklines that are soft and not too tight also flatter this type of figure, as they help to soften the shoulder line. V-neck and u-neck necklines are great choices for this shape because they draw attention to the chest, helping to balance broader shoulders.
Skirts that flare out around the waist, such as a-line skirts or full skirts, are also good for this type of figure, as they can help to create the illusion of a slimmer waist. Wide-leg and baggy shorts, turn-ups, combat or palazzo pants can also work well to accentuate the hip area and create a balanced look.