Flatter Your Figure: Choosing the Right Dress For Your Body Type

You're getting married and you can't wait to pick out the dress of your dreams...you know, the one you've been dreaming about since you were a little girl. All you know is you're going to look FABULOUS and be the center of attention...the princess you were destined to be! But, (there's always a but!) before you can choose the perfect wedding dress, there a some things you must consider.

What's your body type, and what should you look for in a dress to compliment your figure?

If you are...

Pear Shaped - Small bust and waist with fuller hips. Look for dresses that deflect attention away from your lower half and bring width to your upper half.

Full Figured - Fuller bust, hips, and waistline. Look for a dress that will help minimize your waistline and create the illusion of smaller hips and thighs.

Petite - Short, thin, small bust, hips, and waistline. Look for a dress with vertical lines that appear to lengthen your frame.

Hourglass - Curvy but proportional; full bust and hips with small waistline. Look for a dress that will accentuate your curves.

Now that you have figured out which body type most closely resembles your shape, you are ready to begin the dress hunt. But before you go, make sure you take a moment to consider the different dress styles:

A-line: Also known as the "princess" cut, this style does not have a defined waist, and it's vertical seam flows from the top to the flared skirt, creating an "A" shape.

Mermaid: For the bride who wants to look sexy, the mermaid style contours against the body then flows out around the knees (similar to a mermaid's tail).

Empire: The Empire dress style has a raised waistline that starts just beneath the bust, then flows over the hips then flairs slightly to the floor.

Column: Also known as the "sheath" style, this dress style has a slim shape that fits closely to the body. The long lines of this style help to create an elongated illusion.

Ball Gown: Like something out of a fairytale, the Ball Gown style is very formal, with a fitted bodice and very full skirt that can hide large hips and thighs. Full Figured

Now that you've completed Wedding Dresses 101, it's time to round up the crew to find the dress that is just right for you!

Happy Dress-Hunting!

Nikola

All photos courtesy of www.weddingsolutions.com