The Rules: Gown for Your Body Type
Plump, athletic, petite
Every woman wants to be the most beautiful bride on her big day, but choosing the right wedding dress can be a challenge. Different dresses can create different effects, especially for different figures or body types. So whether you are plump, petite or athletic, if you follow these tips for picking out the perfect wedding dress, you are sure to shine.
Plump
It can be tough to find something flattering for a plump body type. Plump women are perfectly aware of where their "critical zones" are: hips, tummy and shoulders. Your main goal is to cover up your trouble areas and flaunt your sexy parts. Forget about plump, it’s curvaceous, and don’t be afraid to flaunt it.
Do’s:
- Choose a simple design like an A-line dress that will make you look slimmer.
- Try something more streamlined that still flows away from the body.
- For sleeves a Queen Anne top is a good option because it will make your arms look thinner.
- A sweetheart dress with a low-cut neckline can show off your bust, with a medium-length veil can help cover your arms.
Don'ts:
- Do not choose a sheer fabric such as organza, satin or silk because it will add volume and especially if you have a big bust (if you don’t want to show them off).
- Avoid halter tops, which tend to broaden the shoulders and make you look larger.
- Ruffles and columns make you look larger with all those details.
Athletic
When you go looking for a wedding gown, you'll probably find yourself trying on countless styles that do nothing to highlight your fit, fabulous figure. The great advantage of an athletic shape is you can wear pretty much anything. For ladies with athletic shapes, the challenges are playing down broad shoulders and adding curves to their straight figures. An athletic shape has a small lower body with an undefined waist, small backside and small boobs. Thighs are slim, the tummy flat and hips are small, while the chest is full and shoulders are broad. Now that you've identified your best assets, the best choice is a sophisticated dress, which is the perfect style for a well-toned body.
Do's:
- Go for a trumpet, A-line, sheath or column shape, which suit a well-toned body.
- Strapless, asymmetrical, halter necklines can help cover up your full chest and broad shoulders.
- Extra details, beads and bows will add curves and a feminine touch.
- Choose a modern wedding dress: short fitted, showing your fit figure and toned legs.
Don'ts:
- Small busts can get away with high necklines, but beware of anything with hard, straight lines if you're trying to add softness.
- Avoid ball-gown shapes, which can look unbalanced especially if you have a very boyish figure.
- Stay away from round or plunging necklines – they will make your breasts look smaller.
Petite
You may be frustrated with your height and wondering how you can appear taller on your big day. If you’re shorter than 1.65 metres, you have a different set of challenges to deal with, but there is always a solution. Most people may think you would look good in just about anything, and you probably do. Your challenge is to choose a silhouette that will look the most flattering with your small frame.
Do's:
- An empire line (high waistline) will trick the eye and make you look taller.
- A straight sheath, a slight A-line/Princess line skirt will provide the perfect silhouettes for your shape.
- Go for a V-neckline, Queen Anne or strapless top.
- Details should be small, tiny. Flowery is the best.
- Play with your sleeve style. Depending on the shape of your arms, three-quarter- length sleeves can add the illusion of height.
Don'ts:
- Avoid dropped waists, ball gowns and full skirts. They will make you disappear.
- Avoid anything calf-length, which will make your legs look short.
- No detailing at the hem or bottom of the wedding gown as it will also make you appear shorter. And no oversized bows.
- Never wear a high collar or other overwhelming neckline.