2010-01-28 07:00:00 by SMARTBRIDE
Tips from the Experts: How to Choose a Dress for your Body Shape
For the month of January, SmartBride Boutique is showcasing various wedding tips from the experts. Check back daily for helpful tips and advice as you plan your wedding.
Today's tip is from Your Shop Girl.
As any smart bride knows, there are hundreds of thousands of wedding dresses out there, so having a good grasp on what styles and shapes work for you is going to make your shopping experience much more enjoyable. On average brides try on more than 5 dresses before finding "the one". I actually tried on 7! With this in mind, here are some questions to ask yourself to help your search your dream dress goes as smoothly as possible:
Are your Shoulders wider than your Hips?
If so you are a V type body. You should look for dresses with:
- V Necks (they'll look fantastic on you).
- Halter tops or sleeveless bodices.
- A Line skirts
- V necklines and wrap skirts since they are the perfect complement to your x shaped body.
- Defined waists
- Detail on top.
- Strapless necklines (so fabulous!)
- A line skirts (they're going to be your best friend).
- NO detail at waist (unless it is on a diagonal or directly underneath the bust) but with more detail on top.
- Mermaid, A Line or Sheath silhouettes because they all work to visually define the waist.
- Fluidity
- Undefined waists and a flat front.
- Detail on the top, however minimal detail overall.
- How to choose a bouquet for your wedding dress from Apricot Avenue
- How to have a great photo session from Blue Print Events
- How to work with a wedding planner from Rocky Mountain Events
- "I Do's" for wedding hair from BSuite Salon & Spa
- How to ensure your day goes smoothly from Hotel Place D'Armes
- How to stay sane when planning your wedding from Great Events
- How to choose a wedding photographer from Flow Photo
- How to pick a wedding date from Fancy Divas
- How to have a green wedding from Green Bride Guide
- How to buy a once worn wedding dress from SmartBride Boutique
- How to use feathers in your wedding theme from Sparkle & Shine Events
- How to best use your photographers time from DarbiG
- How to know if you need a planner from Talen Events
- How to have a great honeymoon from Firefly Occasions
- How to get designer wedding style for less from SmartBride Boutique
- How to use illustrations to personalize your wedding from Astrid Mueller
- What is included in wedding invitations from Laura K Design
- How to Choose your wedding bouquet from Trillium Floral.
This dress by Jacquelin Bridal is a perfect fit for a V shape, since it balances out the dominant upper body with the A line skirt creating the perfect hourglass figure:
Are your Shoulders and Hips the same size with definition in your waist?
If so you are an X body type. You should look for dresses with:
Your hourglass figure is a dream to dress! Just remember to be careful when adding detail since your body is so balanced. Drawing attention to the lower or upper body can throw that balance off. This Je T'aime gown from the UK is a fantastic way to emphasize your waist:
Are your Hips larger than your Shoulders?
If so, you are an A body shape. You should look for dresses with:
If you are looking to show off your curves, try a mermaid shaped dress. Looking to camouflage? Try an A lines wedding dress. Want the best of both worlds? This La Sposa gown allows you to hug the curves of your body, but also uses dominance elsewhere, to divert the eye away from the feature . Plus who doesn't love a little Spanish flair?
Are your Hips, Waist and Shoulders the same width?
If so you are an H body type. You should look for dresses with:
I generally recommend bypassing the waist totally for H shapes; however, empire waists are a great way to create the illusion of a waist while also producing the illusion of never ending legs. This Alita Graham gown from Kleinfelds, is a perfect example of a gorgeous gown that drapes in all the right places.
Is your Waist larger than your Hips and Shoulders?
If so, you are an O body type. You should look for dresses with:
Empire waists are not just good for the O shape. If you are an O body shape and are trying to define the waist, find the smallest part to draw attention to. This goddess gown by Alfred Sung dress below is a great example of how to camouflage a tummy without sacrificing shape.
About Your Shop Girl
Constantly on the lookout for the latest trends, Suzanne Colmer combines her fashion savvy with a unique ability to flatter every body type, style and colouring - creating the perfect look every time.
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