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PrintChoosing the Perfect Wedding Dress for Your Body Type!
You’ve dreamed about the perfect wedding dress since you were a little girl. Next to the groom, choosing a wedding dress is one of the most important wedding day decisions you’ll make. Shopping for a wedding dress is not the same as shopping for a cute summer frock. However, some of the same rules apply; for example, wedding dresses are designed to flatter different body shapes, so one dress will not be perfect for every bride.
“But how do I know what body shape I am, and where do I start shopping”? I am glad you asked!
First Stop: The Closet!
Before you begin shopping, visit your closet and pull out your favorite dress or skirt. What does it look like? What about the style (cut) do you like? Take note of the following:
- The style: is it a-line or straight?
- Is it a drop waist?
- Is it strapless, scoop neck or halter?
The things about this outfit you love will also be the things that will make you feel beautiful on your wedding day. For example, if you are not used to wearing strapless dresses, your wedding day isn’t the time to experiment with this skin-baring style.
After you’ve made mental note of styles you might be looking for, next consider your shape. Take an honest look in the mirror, and if you’re brave, get out the measuring tape! This will help you immensely when determining what dresses to choose from.
Body Types and Dress Guide
The ‘X’
The ‘X’ (or hourglass) lady is curvaceous. Her hips and shoulders are about the same width. She has a defined waist, about nine inches smaller than the measurement of her shoulders and hips. Lower hips are usually wider than high hips. The thighs are full but narrower than the lower hips. When she gains weight, she sees it most in her belly and hips.
DO:
- Call attention to her well-defined waist.
- Deemphasize ample bust line, if necessary.
- Soften the lines of the body with long open ‘over blouses,’ wraps (pashmina or cape) and soft jackets that flow in a line from shoulder to thigh.
- Dresses cut in an a-line or sheath style are perfect.
- Keep embellishment on the top of the gown.
- Halter styles may also be attractive.
The ‘H’
An ‘H’ gal (or the rectangular) has an undefined waist, with similar bust, waist and hip measurements. Her waist is usually no more than six inches different from the hips or bust measurement. She may carry weight through the upper back or neck and may have an athletic build.
DO:
- Look for styles that give an illusion of a well defined waist (princess seaming).
- A drop waist style may be perfect, or even a sheath.
- Keep necklines and shoulder area interesting – try v-neck tops with interesting jewelry.
- Try a mermaid style dress.
- The truth is that this body shape can wear about any style she chooses and look amazing in it!
The ‘O’
The ‘O’ (or apple) woman is blessed with curves. She has a full bust and sometimes a prominent tummy; she may appear top heavy, usually with a pronounced midriff and flat rear. Her high hip is wider than the lower hip. Her bust and/or midriff measurements are larger than the hips. She tends to be short waisted with her thighs being the narrowest part of her body. She has great legs and well defined calves.
DO:
- Focus attention at the neck/face area with embellishment or jewelry.
- Jackets with silhouette-enhancing seaming (princess or peplum seaming).
- Use necklines or scarves to create long, vertical lines.
- Look for dresses that are simple on top, keeping any embellishment on the bottom toward hemlines.
- Look for a dress with a simple sleeve and a-line skirt, slim skirt or an empire silhouette.
- Show off assets: legs and cleavage! Deep v-necklines and slits in skirts will be perfect!
The ‘A’
‘A’ girls (or the pear-shaped among us) have hips and thighs that are wider than the measurement of the shoulders and bust. Her shoulders and bust line are slight. She has a tiny waist, at least eight inches smaller than the hips and the bust. When she gains weight, she only sees it in the lower portion of her body, never in her face, shoulders or bust line.
DO:
- Emphasize midriff and use belts/embellishment to help define the waist.
- Focus the attention above the waist with color, line and detail.
- Avoid long jackets.
- Find a dress with interest or embellishment above the waist.
- Look for a gown with a fuller skirt, a-line styles are perfect!
- Strapless or halter styles or a traditional Cinderella style or ball gown are ideal.
The ‘V’
Our girlfriends who are built with a ‘V’ shape have broad shoulders and tiny hips. These ladies may have ample bust lines and full tummies. When they gain weight, you only see it above the belly button, never in the hips, buttocks or legs. She has great legs and tends to be rather muscular.
DO:
- Balance out broad shoulders with full skirts. This will be the hardest thing for ‘V’s to try.
- Keep embellishment on the bottom ½ of the gown, focusing (and balancing) attention away from broad shoulders.
- Be sure the straps (or sleeve) of the gown are not slight. Think thick straps (tank style).
- Rouching or draping through the midsection will create a defined waist and be very slimming!
- Interesting skirt detail is what to look for, maybe a handkerchief hemline or color on the bottom of the gown.
The secret to looking great in your wedding dress is more about how you feel in you wedding dress than the actual dress. Your wedding day is YOUR day to shine. It is the one day in your life when you get to legitimately be and act like a princess!
