Most women have their dream dress picked out in their head but what you think might look perfect on you may not always be the best fit for your body. It’s important to research several dress ideas to bring to your bridal appointments but it’s even more important to try on various types of dresses. Be open to different styles. You might be surprised and even walk out with a new favorite.
Here are a few things to “Look For” and “Avoid” when dressing for your body type:
{Straight Body}
Look for:
▪Luxurious Layers – Builds dimension with playful textures
▪Ball Gown Dresses – Gives the illusion of shape and curves
▪Defined Waist Dresses – Enhances your figure
Avoid:
▪Skintight Dresses – Dramatizes your straight frame
▪Straight Strapless Necklines – Flattens your chest
▪Square Necklines – Constructs a boxy shape
Lazaro Spring 2012 Collection
Photo: Courtesy of JLM Couture
{Curvy Body}
Look for:
▪Mermaid/Fish Tail/Trumpet Dresses – Plays up your voluptuous figure
▪Fitted Waist Bodices – Defines your curves in the right places
▪Sheath Dresses – Flatters the body with simple lines
Avoid:
▪Empire Waist Dresses – Leaves you shapeless
▪Gathered or Pleated Skirts – Adds pounds to your lower body
▪A-Line Dresses – Downplays your lower body
Stalo Theodorou “Scent of a Woman” 2012 Collection
Photo: Courtesy of Stalo Theodorou
{Petite}
Look for:
▪Sheath Dresses – Creates the illusion of height
▪Empire Waist Dresses – Elongates your body
▪Short Dresses – Lengthens your legs
Avoid:
▪Overwhelming Textures – Overpowers your frame
▪Drop Waist Dresses – Distorts your torso which causes you to look shorter
▪Large Adornments – Dominates your look
Claire Pettibone Spring 2012 Collection
Photo: Courtesy of Claire Pettibone
{Tall}
Look for:
▪Simple Silhouettes – Flaunts your natural figure
▪Cathedral Trains – Extends your body horizontal and balances out your height
▪High-Low Hemlines – Showcases your legs without it being the main focal point
Avoid:
▪Excessive Embellishments – Comes off too cutesy and decorative
▪3/4 Sleeves – Fits too short in the arms
▪Short Dresses – Exposes too much legs
Manuel Mota for Pronovias Spring 2013 Collection
Photo: Charlie Engman
{Small Chest}
Look for:
▪Ruched or Textured Bodices – Volumizes the chest area
▪A-Line Dresses – Shapes your trim upper body
▪Belted Waist Dresses – Develops a fuller bustline
Avoid:
▪Built-in Bodices – Causes gaps that can’t be filled out
▪Tight Bodices – Binds your chest
▪Huge Patterns – Consumes your upper body
Hayley Paige Fall 2012 Collection
Photo: Courtesy of JLM Couture
{Full Chest}
Look for:
▪Sweetheart or Scoop Necklines – Shows off your cleavage without being too revealing
▪Illusion Necklines – Covers enough without being too constricted
▪Off-the-shoulder Necklines – Features your collarbone
Avoid:
▪Deep V-Necklines – Reveals too much cleavage
▪Straight Strapless Necklines – Boosts up the chest
▪Ruched or Textured Bodices – Overemphasizes the upper half of your body
YolanCris “Mademoiselle Vintage” 2013 Collection
Photo: Courtesy of Wedding Inspirasi
{Pear Shaped}
Look for:
▪A-Line Dresses – Draws attention to your narrow waist
▪Open Necklines – Highlights slim upper body
▪Asymmetrical Draped Dresses – Slenderizes hip to hemline
Avoid:
▪Light Fabrics – Clings to your body
▪Halter Necklines – Makes your hips look bigger
▪Mermaid/Fish Tail/Trumpet Dresses – Hugs your body
Monique Lhuillier Spring 2012 Collection
Photo: Lauren Ross
{Apple Shaped}
Look for:
▪Deep V-Necklines – Focuses the eyes vertical and not horizontal
▪Empire Waist Dresses – Accentuates your upper body
▪Drop Waist Dresses – Eliminates waistline
Avoid:
▪Halter Necklines – Emphasizes your broad shoulders
▪Ruched or Textured Bodices – Overelaborates your shape
▪Defined Waist Dresses – Targets your midsection
Alan Hannah “High Society” 2012 Collection
Photo: Courtesy of Alan Hannah
Don’t buy a dress you think you’ll fit into once you lose weight. I’ve been guilty of that many times over. Buy the size you are now. Every woman deserves to look fabulous on their wedding day and something as simple as choosing the right dress for your shape will bring out your best features. Embrace yourself and your body. You are nothing but exceptional! Besides, the man you will be marrying fell in love with you for who you are and will continue to love you just the way you are.
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Be U. Be Beautiful.
~Soo Park
{fashion director}
