Female Body Types and Wedding Dress Styles
People come in all different shapes and sizes, there is not one particular shape that is good or bad. Here are a few examples of mainstream body types along with what styles may work and what to avoid.
Busty
DRESS DO'S: Accentuate the positive with an uplifting foundation garment and an off-the-shoulder bodice. Or, curtail your curves with a one-piece minimiser worn under a gown that boasts a fitted bodice to emphasise your waist, a jewel neck, and cap sleeves. Balance your top with a full skirt.
DRESS DON'TS: Be careful not to overdo the bareness - you want the focus to be on your face. And don't forget to move around in your gown during fittings to make sure everything stays in place.
Wide set shoulders
DRESS DO'S: Expose your beautiful shoulders with a halter, or go for drama in a gown with long sleeves worn off the shoulder. Select a dress with a narrow bodice that offsets your shoulders and creates an hourglass shape.
DRESS DON'TS: Trying to conceal your shoulders is not recommended, as it sometimes produces the opposite effect
Pear-shaped
DRESS DO'S: A Basque waist or strapless ball gown will cover your bottom half and focus on your better half; an off-the-shoulder neckline will make your top look in more proportion to your bottom.
DRESS DON'TS: A sheath can be unflattering, and a V-neck will draw the eyes downward, where you don't want them to go.
Full figured / voluptuous
DRESS DO'S: Try ball gowns with a Basque waist, which has a slimming effect. A high-waisted A-line dress with a low neckline also flatters curves.
DRESS DON'TS: A slim sheath or slinky bias cut will cling and may accent any extra inches; also avoid spaghetti straps.
Petite
DRESS DO'S: It's best to keep it simple. A column-like sheath or A-line dress will work well: these shapes create a long interrupted line. Stick to open, sexier necklines - think strapless and of-the-shoulder styles, both of which work beautifully.
DRESS DON'TS: Almost all silhouettes will flatter your figure, though a big ball gown or a dress with lots of voluminous fabric may overwhelm (when you're small, a big, elaborate gown can sometimes look as if it's wearing you, rather than the other way round).
Tall
DRESS DO'S: Tall women look great in everything from sheaths (if you're also slim) to A-lines and full ball gowns. Accentuate your collarbone with a fitted bodice and open neckline. Then top your look with a long veil - you can definitely carry this off.
DRESS DON'TS: Avoid gowns that boast high necks and long sleeves, and steer clear of updos and headpieces that add too much extra height.
Thin
DRESS DO'S: A ball gown will make you look like a beautiful ballerina. It's a very feminine shape that will balance out your overall silhouette. Try one with a dramatic cut out back.
DRESS DON'TS: If you're concerned your collarbone is too bony, stay away from portrait, off the shoulder, or halter necklines. And if you're also flat chested, try and steer clear of a darted bodice made of stiff fabric, as this won't do you any favours.
Pregnant
DRESS DO'S: Buying a gown while pregnant can be tricky, since you can't predict how big you'll be on your wedding day. You can wait until the date gets closer and buy a dress off the rack, or you can order something you'll grow into. In this respect, an Empire or A-line style is your best bet for its loose structure and relaxed silhouette. For the daring mum-to-be who wants to show off her condition, a soft clingy sheath in a stretchy fabric makes a proud statement.
DRESS DON'TS: Obviously avoid anything that's too constricting or uncomfortable, including tight bodices and ball gowns, which will only emphasise your expanding middle.
