Looking at the photos of your wedding should be a pleasure, not a pain, but if you chose the wrong style dress for your figure, you’ll probably wish the pictures were never taken.
Picking the most flattering style of outfit is more than mere luck. Brides-to-be should highlight their better points, play down their figure faults and learn which styles will camouflage.
Here are some shopping and style tips to consider when looking for the perfect dress. First, shop alone. Leave your mother, your bridesmaids, friends and the groom-to-be at home. The more opinions, the more confusion. Ask for the most experienced salesclerk. She has probably helped thousands of women pick their dress, and will be able to offer expert advice. If you don’t trust her, trust the mirror.
Take along shoes that are the same height as those you plan to wear on your wedding day, as well as light-colored hose. It is surprising how much loafers or running shoes and socks will detract from the dress you are trying.
Take along several bras, including a strapless, push-up type, another with straps and a body shaper if you have one. The latter will assist in smoothing out any bumps for a close-fitting bodice.
When choosing your dress, your figure type is as important to consider as your taste and budget.
Petite women should concentrate on vertical lines to elongate the figure, including pleating, finely detailed seams, A-lines and princess lines. A basque waist (the bodice drops to a point in the front) is flattering to many figures, including petite.
Long, slim sleeves that come to a lily point on the back of the hand give the illusion of length, as do long vertical rows of buttons.
Petites should keep details of the gown above the waist. Draw the eye upwards with a pretty bodice or sleeve detail. Avoid large hem ruffles or heavy hem details and long trains. Add any hem detail on the back of the dress or the train. Keep your hat small. An overly large hat will give you the appearance of being lost under the brim.
Full-figured women can wear the A-line skirt well, and for those whose hips and thighs are heavy, the full skirts are camouflage. Stay away from the long, narrow skirts unless your hips are smaller than your top. Also avoid the mermaid dress, a long clingy torso with a skirt that flares from the knees.
Again, the basque waist helps create a lean look. If you are bottom-heavy, puffy sleeves will help balance the figure, as will a ruffle at the hemline. Avoid shirring through the torso as it adds pounds. And don’t opt for soft clingy fabrics, shiny fabrics or velvet.
Heavy-busted women should look for a V-neckline, or V-shaped detailing on the bodice. Avoid a round neck or a boat neck. Check the styles with raglan or dolman sleeves. Don’t overdo the beading or lace embellishments on the bodice and let someone else wear ruffled sleeves. A long skirt will give you a leaner line.
If you haven’t a defined waistline, look for an A-line gown that falls from the shoulders, and perhaps a long matching coat that will give you a slender effect. The long, dropped-waist (flapper) styles are also good.
Slender women can wear the ruffles on the sleeve, a straight-across neckline and hip details. Sweetheart neckline and puff sleeves are also suitable for this figure type, provided you are not too bony at the neck. (A light layer of net will set this problem right.) Billowing skirts and a basque waist create a curvy effect. Or try the long, lean dress with back bustle or peplum.
Tall women can minimize their height by visually breaking up the long narrow look. Puffy sleeves, wide belts, peplums and layered skirts are good suggestions.
