Hourglass Body Type - If your bust and hips
are approximately the same measurement (within
an inch or two) and your waist is smaller than
either of these by at least a four inches (the more
the better though) then you are an hourglass
shape. This classic old-Hollywood shape (think
Marilyn Monroe) can wear any style of dress as
most styles are flattering. The mermaid though
will really highlight your curves and you'll even be
able to pull off a sheath.
Pear Body Type - If your hips are larger than
your bust then you have a pear shape. Many
women fall under this category! An a-line dress
is the most flattering because it is full in the skirt,
hiding the bigger hips on the bottom. An a-line
gives a balanced appearance of an hourglass and
even works with an upside down pear, which is
when your bust is larger than your hips.
Round or Square Body Type - If all your
measurements are similar then you are a square
or round body type. To add definition and the
appearance of an hourglass shape you'll want to
select dresses with gathers or other details on the
hips and bust. This will highlight those areas and
give you a feminine shape. Generally an a-line
dress will be the most flattering and have the
most options for you.
If You Are Short and Petite (5'4" and un-
der) - Look for salons which carry petite sized
dresses. To create an illusion of height, you will
want a dress with seams or lace which run up and
down lengthwise. You may want to consider a
high neckline, A line, empire, or princess silhou-
ettes, small collars and cuffs, short sleeves or
sleeveless with long gloves, or dresses that are
trim at the neckline and shoulders to draw the eye
upward. You should stay away from a belt, unless
it is a very narrow one. Also, consider a chapel
train with a floor length veil. Try to avoid frills
and excessive detailing.
If You Are Tall and Slender (5'9" plus) -
You will want to look for dresses with trims that
wrap completely around the gown and veil,
wide midriffs and sashes, large collars, big cuffs,
raglan or butterfly sleeves, flared or tiered skirts
and low necklines.
If You Have a Thick Midriff and Waist, choose
the slimming effect of a lifted waistline and
A-line skirt. Avoid tight waists, belts and cum-
merbunds, and shaped midriffs in contrasting
colors.
If You Have a Very Slender Midriff and
Waist - Accentuate your features with a dress
featuring a well defined midriff, a gathered or
pleated skirt, and a natural or sashed waistline.
If You Have Narrow Shoulders - Drape
them with cape collars. Accentuate them with
sleeves that gather at the top, necklines that are
bare or widely curved, and shoulder pads built
into the dress.
If You Have Broad Shoulders - Look
for dresses with smooth set in sleeves, low V
necklines or high, covered necks. Avoid puffed
or leg of-mutton sleeves, bare necklines, broad
collars, haltered tops and shoulder pads.
If You Are Big Busted - You may wish to
stay with elongated bodices and necklines that
are V-or U shaped or high with a keyhole yoke.
Avoid cinched waists, empire styles that come
up high under the bust, and clingy fabrics that
accentuate your fullness. Choose instead full,
billowing skirts with lots of ornamentation,
which will create a curvy lower body. Keep
sleeves simple with a natural shoulder line, and
avoid adornments on the bodice.
My body type is: _____________________
_________________________________
NOTES: __________________________
________________________________
Dressing Your Body Type
Every bride is beautiful in her own body. However, not every body type looks
great in the same dress. Therefore, we've put together different styles of
dresses to fit certain body types. Read through the list below, find your body
type and then go find your perfect dress.