Nobody’s perfect. Even the prettiest faces and the leanest bodies have something to say about their insecurities. Petite women want to be taller. Tall women want to appear a little shorter. Curvy women want to be slimmer. Slim women want to be curvier. And sure, no woman wishes to accentuate her subtle imperfections then conceal her best features – especially on her wedding day.
Let’s make it clear once and for all – one style does not fit all. Just because a style is trendy doesn’t mean it’s for you.
If you’re still unsure of what you’ll wear, here’s a simple reminder: choose silhouette first and everything else follows. Before you consider other details like the neckline, fabric type, accessories, and hair and make-up, it’s crucial to choose a silhouette that flatters you from head to toe – a style that would bring out the best in you.
To help you choose the perfect dress for your body type, here are tips you may keep in mind.
Ball gown
Or shall we call it the “fairy tale dress.” The distinguishing trait of a ball gown is a huge, full skirt and a fitted bodice that is cinched at your waist – which is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you want to look like a ravishing princess on your big day.
Best for:
The dress style is great for camouflaging mid-section bulges as well as full hips and thighs, making it ideal for pear-shaped frames. It also recommended for boxy and boyish figures who’d want to give their waist a nipped-in look for a better shape.
Not suitable for:
The voluminous dress may not flatter petite brides as the full skirt can make them look smaller.
Sheath
Also referred to as “column”, a sheath is a sleek, form-fitting silhouette that embraces the body’s natural shape. If worn effectively, a sheath can elongate and contour the body from the neckline to the hem.
Best for:
Blessed with a body of an hourglass? You’d definitely look stunning as you flaunt your natural curves in a sheath dress. The style is also recommended for petite brides who’d want to look taller and more slender with or without the heels.
Not suitable for:
The style may not flatter pears (small on top and more rounded on the bottom) as it will create an unbalanced look. It may work its magic on boxy figures as well for they may appear boxier or shapeless in a sheath dress.
Mermaid
Mermaid, as its name suggests, resembles the shape of a mermaid’s tail. It is a feminine, fit-and-flare dress distinguished by its slim, tapered, and curve-hugging skirt that follows the natural line of the hips and thigh then flare out at the bottom.
Best for:
The form-fitting dress looks best on brides with slender and hourglass figures who’d love to show off their curves. Full-figured brides may also love the slimming effect of the mermaid dress.
Not suitable for:
If you aren’t comfortable with something too tight, a mermaid style isn’t the one for you. The style is also not ideal for boxy body types. Apples may also find the style unflattering since it accentuates the stomach and the hip area.
Trumpet
The trumpet style is another fit and flare dress that is often interchangeably compared to the mermaid silhouette. The style is characterized by its tight bodice which highlights the curves from torso to the thighs. The only difference is trumpet flares more gradually to a looser cascade from mid-thigh to the floor.
Best for:
Trumpet works perfectly on frames with smaller waists, like an hourglass, petite, and banana.
Not suitable for:
The style may not be the perfect choice for pears and apples for it highlights and covers the wrong areas. It emphasizes the widest part of the hips and flares out on areas like legs and knees where you’re most slender.
Empire waist
The style is distinguished by its skirt that begins under the bust flows gradually into a floor-length A-line. You turn to empire waist dresses if you want to conceal a tummy bump or if you want to get comfy with a loose and relaxed silhouette.
Best for:
Having said that, empire waist style benefits plus-sized brides, pregnant brides, and other brides who want to camouflage their mid-section in the most stylish way. Brides with boxy or boyish figures will also find this dress flattering.
Not suitable for:
If you’re looking for a dress that will flaunt your curves, this isn’t the one you deserve. The empire waist dress may not do any justice to your beloved hourglass figure.
A-Line
A-line is a full skirt that can instantly sprinkle a dash of “feeling like a bride” on you as soon as you try it on. It has a fitted bodice that cinch to the waist and camouflage your hips. It forms a clean A-shaped line flowing from your natural waist to the floor.
If you want to have the same fairy tale-like experience of ball gowns but you try to shy away from the drama, the A-line is perfect for you.
Best for:
A-line looks great on ALL body types. Whether you’re full-figured or slim and boxy, the silhouette will make you look confidently beautiful in your own skin.
Author Bio:
Carmina Natividad is one of the enthusiastic writers for Jennifer Regan, a shop in Sydney that caters to women who are looking for the perfect bridal dress to wear as they walk down the aisle. Her articles mainly focus on fashion and beauty, which help soon-to-be-brides prepare for their wedding day.
Pick A Wedding Dress Silhouette That Works For You Using This Simple Guide
