Dress for your shape

Wedding dress shopping is one of the most important things on a bride’s To Do List.

It can also come with a certain amount of stress if a bride is not sure where to start of what kind of dress would look best for her body shape.

This is a very simplistic, general guideline of the main body types and some choices of dresses that would best suit each particular body type.

Rectangle Body Shape

The body is well balanced at top and bottom and is fairly straight with a well defined waist.
In this case you want to enhance your arms and legs equally; add definition to both bottom and top body.

A-line dresses work well, ruffled, sleeveless, strapless and sweetheart lines all work well.

Triangle Body Shape (commonly referred to as Pear Shape)

The body has narrow shoulder and wider hips;
Especially the butt and thigh areas which are visually bigger. You want to enhance the top body to create balance.

A-line dresses also work well for this body type.
Dresses with more details at the top work well (whether it’s ruffles or V-necklines).
Avoid skin fitting tops / loose bottom dresses.

Hourglass Body Shape

The body is equally proportioned at top and bottom with a well defined waistline.
All types of dresses will look on this body shape, but anything that accentuates the waist or just a bit below the waist works the best. Body hugging dresses look good for this body type as well.

Inverted Triangle Body Shape

The body has broader shoulders than hips and is sometimes compared to an athletic body shape.
In this case you want to enhance your hips and bottom body to create balance. Keep the top of dress simple and minimal and let all the details (ruffles, layers, accents,etc) be part of the bottom.
The old trick of the deep V-necklines also helps to elongate the top body and give the illusion of narrower shoulders.

Round Body Shape (commonly referred to as Apple Shape)

You have a heavier upper body, broad shoulders, bigger bust and heavier at midriff with a minimal waistline. Since the weight concentration is above the hips, you want to highlight your legs and bottom for balance.
Deep V-necklines work well to elongate torso and give the illusion of narrower shoulders.
A-line dresses and Empire waist dresses are your best look.
Any dress with a higher sitting waist will work well. Long sleeves and ¾ sleeves also work for the top.
Avoid figure hugging dresses (like the mermaid style dresses for example).

Here is a useful diagram we found on Reddit.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope this helps!

Diana x