Whether you've dreamed about it for years or never gave it a thought, here's how to find a wedding dress that reflects your personal style.
Flatter Your Figure
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No Regrets: Finding The Dress • Don't make up your mind for or against any dress without trying it on. Hangers just don't do justice to some gowns, and others may not flatter your figure as you'd hoped. - It's nice to bring your mother or maid of honor along for a second opinion (and some major bonding) while gown shopping, but make sure you stay true to your own style and aren't swayed by their comments, or by those of the salespeople. Do not allow yourself to be talked into anything—if you're not positive about a dress, keep looking. • Don't worry if you feel a touch of buyer's remorse after you choose your dress—it's a big commitment and it's natural to wonder if you made the right choice. Focus on how you felt when the dress was on and you realized it was the one, and the doubts will fade away. |
Finding the perfect gown style for you is easy when you know what flatters your figure. Whether you're pear-shaped or petite, top-heavy or tall, wearing the right cut for your body type can highlight your best features and downplay those you're concerned about.
The Triangle (small on top, heavier on the bottom)
The key here is to balance your proportions. Broaden and emphasize your top half with full sleeve treatments, padded shoulders, or pouf sleeves that extend your shoulder line, and a textured bodice accented with lace overlays, appliqués, and beadwork. Elongated bodices and skirts with controlled fullness will emphasize your waist and de-emphasize your hip area. Avoid set-in sleeves and narrow shoulders, skirts with side panels or excess fullness, and body-hugging sheaths—they'll make you look disproportioned.
The Inverted Triangle (fuller on top, narrow hips)
In order to de-emphasize your shoulder area and give more width to your lower body, look for wedding gowns with minimal shoulder details, simple sleeves, moderate padding, and natural shoulder lines. Simple bodices, with accents kept to a minimum, will draw less attention to your top. For better overall proportion, wear a full skirt or a style with skirt details such as peplums, bustles, sashes, and bows. Avoid gowns with full sleeves, slim, straight skirts, empire waistlines, and plunging necklines.
The Rectangle (nearly equal bust and hips, minimal waist definition)
To create the illusion of curves, look for full, voluminous skirts with jewel or bateau necklines. Horizontal detailing will draw the eye across the body and combat vertical body lines, and oversized shoulders and sleeves will add width to your top and shape to your overall appearance. Avoid slim silhouettes or gowns in soft, clingy fabrics that will only make you appear too thin and narrow.
The Hourglass (small waist, full hips and bust)
To maximize your curves and maintain balance, look for gowns with simple, classic lines like sheaths and mermaid styles—too much detailing can make you look heavier than you really are. Show off your shoulders with off-the-shoulder sleeves, v-necklines, and strapless dresses. Avoid gowns with very full or ruffled skirts, pouf sleeves, highly detailed bodices, and high necklines that cover the shoulder area and minimize the bust.
