Your wedding day is one of the most important and memorable days of your life, and you want to look and feel your best. But with so many styles, fabrics and colors to choose from, how do you find the perfect wedding dress for your body type? Here are some tips to help you narrow down your options and find the dress that suits you best.
1. Know Your Body Shape.
The first step is to identify your body shape based on the proportions of your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips. There are four main body shapes: apple, pear, hourglass, and rectangle. You can use a measuring tape or a body shape calculator to determine your shape.
2. Choose a Flattering Silhouette:
- Apple: If you have a larger bust and waist than hips, you have an apple shape. You want to create the illusion of a smaller waist and draw attention away from your midsection. A-line or ball gown dresses with a fitted bodice and a full skirt are ideal for you. You can also opt for a V-neckline or a sweetheart neckline to show off your cleavage and elongate your torso.
- Pear: If you have wider hips than shoulders and bust, you have a pear shape. You want to emphasize your upper body and minimize your lower body. A-line or ball gown dresses with a fitted bodice and a full skirt are also great for you, as they create an hourglass effect and hide your hips. You can also choose dresses with embellishments, lace, or sleeves on the top to draw attention to your bust and shoulders.
- Hourglass: If you have a well-defined waist and balanced shoulders and hips, you have an hourglass shape. You want to accentuate your curves and show off your waist. Mermaid or fit-and-flare dresses with a fitted bodice and a flared skirt are perfect for you, as they hug your body and highlight your figure. You can also choose dresses with a cinched waist or a belt to emphasize your waistline.
- Rectangle: If you have similar measurements for your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips, you have a rectangle shape. You want to create the illusion of curves and define your waist. Sheath or column dresses with a straight or slightly fitted silhouette are ideal for you, as they follow your natural shape and elongate your body. You can also add a belt or choose a dress with a defined waist to create some curves.
3. Pick the Right Fabric & Color:
The fabric and color of your dress can also make a difference in how it looks on you. Depending on the style and season of your wedding, you can choose from various fabrics such as lace, satin, chiffon, tulle, organza, etc. Some fabrics are more structured and stiff, while others are more flowy and soft. Generally, stiffer fabrics tend to add volume and shape, while softer fabrics tend to drape and cling to your body.
The color of your dress should complement your skin tone and hair color, as well as the theme and mood of your wedding. You can choose from traditional white or ivory, or go for something more colorful or unique such as blush, champagne, silver, gold, etc.
4. Find the Perfect Fit:
No matter what style or color you choose, the most important thing is that your dress fits you well and makes you comfortable. You should be able to move freely and breathe easily in your dress without feeling restricted or uncomfortable. You should also make sure that the dress is not too tight or too loose in any area, especially around the bust, waist, hips, and length.
You can get your dress altered by a professional tailor or seamstress to ensure that it fits you perfectly. You should also try on your dress with the shoes and accessories that you plan to wear on your wedding day to see how everything looks together.
5. Stay True to Yourself:
Remember that this is YOUR wedding day and YOUR dress. You should choose a garment that reflects your personality, style and preferences, not someone else’s. Don’t let anyone pressure you into choosing something that you don’t like or feel comfortable in.
The key thing to keep in mind when you’re bridal gown shopping is to trust your instincts. At some point, a dress will just feel like “the one.” Respect that impulse, along with your reflection in the mirror. You might have just found your dream wedding dress.
