How to Choose the Right Wedding Dress Style for Your Body Type
Everyone thinks they know how to choose a wedding gown. What most women don’t realize is fabrics, style and measurements can influence the style of wedding dress that best complements a particular body type.
This article will help you choose the right wedding dress style for your own body shape.
The Full-Figured Bride
If you’re a full-figured woman, the best silhouette is the A-line style. A-line style lengthens the whole body without drawing attention to your waistline. The empire waist is another good choice. The empire is narrowest just below the bust, which conceals your waist and hips.
Many plus-sized girls tend to purchase wedding gowns that cover a lot of skin. If religion isn’t an issue, don’t be afraid to show some skin. Skin is sexy, and showing your arms and neckline can often make you appear slimmer.
Deep V-necks and scoop necks flatter curvy figures, and always look best on full-figured women.
The Petite Bride
A-line wedding dresses are also flattering on petite women. As we stated earlier, this style lengthens the body. Sheaths seem to shorten a small body even more, so petite women should avoid sheath-style wedding dresses. Also steer clear of very full skirts, which will make you look ‘bottom heavy.’ You want to keep your wedding dress proportionate to your body.
Be careful with strapless gowns — a petite woman may have to lift her arms to reach up to her new husband (can you say ‘wardrobe malfunction’?). A cap sleeve gives the feeling of a strapless gown, and also serves the practical purpose of holding the gown in place.
The Large-Busted Bride
Off-the-shoulder gowns look wonderful on a full bust. It draws our attention upward, emphasizes the shoulders and minimizes the chest. Keep your skirt narrow. Wearing a full skirt will make you look large both on top and bottom.
The Bottom-Heavy Bride
Women who are larger through their hips and buttocks should look for a wedding dress that focuses on their upper body — preferably with a full skirt.
Show off your arms, back and bustline.
A corset-style bodice with lacing will highlight your upper body. We want to draw attention away from your hips. Avoid pleats or gathered fabric around the waist. An A-line skirted wedding dress always works the best for this body type.
hi, i am getting married end of this year. I am a skinny woman:my height 5′7, my chest 28 cup B, waist is 25. hip is 35. my weight is 52kg. I want to look good for my wedding,the pictures i posted here are some what of the dress i don’t want myself to look like this when i wear the wedding gown. it seems like the dress almost falling down! please help!
Apple,
Hi, could i get your shoulder measurements to make sure. You appear to be an hourglass but i want to be absolute. Thank you!
Hi Stacey, my shoulder measurements is 6’5. I want to look good in my wedding but I really don’t know what type of wedding dress should I wear, I’d like to wear a strapless dress but i’m worry that will look skinny. Pls give me some advices
Apple,
I am not sure about the shoulder measurements around. 6’5?
Apple,
I done some research on some dresses. I would consider a dress that has some puff sleeves or angel sleeves.
* like the first dress pic here. It has upper bodice ruching which will help.
Apple,
My sister is has a tiny frame also. And for her wedding day she chose off the shoulder( slender skirt) ballgown. it looked beautiful on her. Also scoop neck and square necklines do too. You could look into either one of these.
* here is a way to wear strapless
Apple,
* something like this could work.
* this style would be worth tryin on
hi stacey,
my name is kristen and i am trying to plan a wedding in a very short amount of time and i need all the help that i can get. i dont know what type of dress would be more flattering for my body. i dont have any pictures but my bust is 35 my waist is 29 and my hips are 34. i am 5 foot tall without shoes
Kristen,
Hi! It will be difficult to say with your measurements and height what category you fall in. With petites it can be tricky without a picture/visual. If you could post a pic (front facing), I would be able to give better direction. Thanks! Look forward to your reply!
this is the only picture that i could find….it isnt all that recent considering i have had another child since then but i am about the same size
Kristen,
I also need to get your shoulder measurements. It is difficult to tell if your lower body is smaller than your upper body. I am leaning toward an aline for you. Something with a vneck, scoop, or sweetheart would be a great neckline. You cannot go wrong with an aline. A wrap dress style would be beautiful on you. Nothing with too much fluff cause it will overwhelm your frame.
* this style would work
Kristen,
You can also look into a square neckline. Strapless would be a ” try on and see first”. but an aline will elongnate, which is perfect for the petite bride. If you are choosing a ballgown then choose one with a slim aline skirt, instead of a traditional ballgown.
* check this site out
Ok, ladies, dont just shrug off Stacy’s ideas and advice. This lady knows what she is talking about. Stacy thanks for all your help and advice. attatched is a picture of our wedding day 4/24/10. As you can see I’m almost a plus size gal and I chose a low cut A-line dress with an empire waist. The dress was absolutley plain.. no bling at all. I added an antique broach, and lots of shiny jewlery! I had a very small train on my dress but what I did do for the illusion of a long train was I bought a 2 tier cathedral length veil and dressed it up some with jewels. it helped that our wedding was kinda a 1930′s theme. non the less my husband who had no idea what my dress looked like until I walked down the isle was pleasently supprised!!
Luana,
You look beautiful! I wish you all the best in your marriage!
Thank you Ma’am Im so glad you were there to help me out!!! a million times THANK YOU
Hi Everyone!
I’m so impressed with everything I’ve learned on this page…but I too need help!
I’ve attached a picture….in a dress I hate, but it’s the only pic I have of me facing front. :)
Okay, I don’t know my measurements, but I am 5’5″, 160 pounds, 36B, size 10 jeans, big fat belly in front, really broad shoulders. I don’t consider myself fat anywhere but the belly. So I’ve lost some weight since the picture, but shape is still pretty much the same. I’m 44, and will be nearing 46 at the time of the wedding. Not my first marriage, but definitely my first “real” wedding. :)
I’d like a dress with some color….but will consider anything that looks nice. I need to cover a tattoo on my left breast…I think a halter neckline would do it, but not sure if that would make my shoulders look too broad.
Any ideas?
Thank you for anything you can do to help.
Arlene
R,
Is there any way you could get a front facing pic in casual clothes? In the dress it is hard to tell your body shape. That way I can see if your an hourglass, pear, inverted triangle, etc. Is your upper body broader than your lower body, etc. That way I can see would suit you best.
* in the meantime here are some dress tips with images that might help
R,
Davids bridal carries a tattoo coverup kit for $20.
R,
* another great site
ok hun, I like that dress your wearing, its very flattering on the tummy area and bust..believe me I know exactly how you feel, but being a big tummy’d broad shouldered girl myself, try something that is more of a tanktop cut, or even strapless. trust me when you find that perfect dress you will know. definatley do an A-shaped dress, it will make you feel more thin in the waistline. I personally would have loved the pick-up dresses, but because I am only 5’2 I looked like an umpa loompa!! remember just breathe, it will all come together.
Hello, I have many doubts regarding the selection of the dress; mainly because I am really short. I only know my height in CM wich is 1.52 (aproximately 5ft), I’m a size 1 but I’m kinda busty for my height, 32B, I really don’t want to look shorter, but don’t want to appear bigger on the waist line either, any tips?
Anais,
Could I see a pic? That way I could see what body shape you are. Aline gowns are recommended for your body shape, since it elongnates. if you are busty look for a v neck, scoop, sweetheart neckline. steer clear of to much embellishment or to much dress. Simple is key, it wont overwhelm your frame. Slimmer aline skirt instead of ballgown, unless the ballgown is more on the slimmer side.
Anais,
* link1
Anais,
* link 2
I hope this will help
Anais,
You actually appear pear shaped to me. I apologize for not being specific. would you mind taking one standing to the front? It was diffcult to see if you are an hourglass or pear. Thank you so much!
Hope this is of more help
Anais,
Thank you! I wondered if you were a pear shape and you fall so close between an hourglass and a pear shape. You could probably try dresses from both styles.
* here are some tips
* love this site, has great tips
Anais,
* here is another great site with pics
Anais,
* here is a simple gown with little embellishment, I think this could work for you
Anais,
* or this
* this is beautiful, not to much skirt
Anais,
* some more great dresses
* more dresses real simple
Anais,
celebrity inspiration is jennifer love hewitt. She is a pear shape but since she is busty then she has the appearance of an hourglass. Which is the category you fall in. These two shapes can be very confusing. So that is why I am suggesting you try on styles for both.
Thank you so much! I also thought I was between those two shapes myself but wasn’t sure, I have plenty of time to choose the right wedding dress but now i have a head start :)
hi I am 5’3 150 pounds 36c and a size 10 in pants not sure what type would look good on me. I have broad shoulders, I would probably consider myself hourglass shaped. The dress I am looking into is a corset gown, the line is called lana bisset in group usa dont know if that helps.
Its an a line.
haley,
Could you post a pic? I want to make sure your not an inverted triangle where you are broad on top and smaller on bottom. A-lines are great dresses for “most” body types. Dress pic is beautiful! Look forward to your reply!
Hi there! I’m Lily and although I’m not getting married soon, I’ve been thinking about my future wedding for a long time. And I have a question regarding my dress and body type. I would love to wear a regency style empire waist dress. I think they are so beautiful and flowy! I like them so much better than all the poofiness you see going on with other dresses. Only problem is, I have a large bust. About a D. Will I look terrible in a dress like this? Here are some pix of dresses I like. Thanks so much!!
Lily,
First those wedding dresses are to die for! ( if you dont mind I would love to look at those designer websites, if you could share who they are) thank you!
For large busts a empire waist is not recommended. It doesnt flatter larger chest. Could I get a pic of you so I could search for some equally flowing dresses that you might love. V neck, sweetheart, scoop neck would be best. Aline would be beautiful with any of these.
Unfortunately, I can’t post my pictures online. Sorry! Could you try to find a few pics anyway? Thank you so much! You’re a doll for doing this for everyone. I like your suggestion of a sweetheart neckline, though. One last question- if I had something like a V-neck or a sweetheart and not a straight across cut, could I still do a high waist line? Thanks!
Lily
P.S. Two of the dresses are from provonias.
Lily,
That is okay. The high waist line is what will not flatter a larger bust. It will only make your bust look larger and possibly out of proportion with your body.
Lily,
* look at this one, it is a empire but not as high waisted. You might be able to wear this, you could try some on that have a lower waist line but still that regency style
Lily,
* here is how I would do the dress
It has that regency style with no waistline. It is a simple aline. If you want regency then I would look for a aline that has this type design. you could look for a more open sweetheart neck instead of the portrait neckline.
Lily,
* here is one that would work, it has that modern/regency style
* this one too
Hello,
I am getting married in October but have yet to find the perfect dress. I have gained quite a bit of weight over the years and I am 5’9 and weigh 230. No one would believe it because of my height I guess but I do. I would love a strapless but have extra in my underarm area. Please help and let me know what style of dress would be perfect for me or do I need sleeves to cover that up. Thank you so much. I hope the picture helps. Oh by the way my measurements are 52″ in the hips, waist 38″ and bust 44 C. Help I am stressing out!!!!!
Yvette,
You appear to be a pear shape.
* tips
* dress tips and pics
Yvette,
* wedding dress pic
If you choose a strapless make sure the bodice comes up further. There are some styles made this way. Think about a corset the way it covers very well and does not dip. Some strapless dresses are like that. As well as halters, they tend to rise higher on the underarm. Stick with a simple v neck or scoop neck. Keep the embellishments to a minimum. You will want a sleek streamlined look. Aline would work very well.
Yvette,
You can also look at basque waist dresses..
* look at this one
* website
Yvette,
* xtra gown tips
Yvette,
Just found *this
Thank you so much for your answers. So much insight into what I need to look for to find THE perfect dress!!!! I love that dress you showed me my goodness!!!! Thanks once again and I will be sending pictures!!!!
I am engaged to be married. And i LOVE the look of a mermaid style dress. And the big ballgown princess type also. I need to know which one would be the best look for me. I am 5 feet exactly. About 155 or so. I had a baby a while back, and still havent been able to get rid of my little belly. My belly is really the only thing thats bigger. I wear a 36C size bra. I wear a size 9 in pants, sometimes smaller. It depends on the brand of the jeans.
Allison,
I recommend an aline. You could try on an empire waisted dress that floats over your body but be careful cause they can enhance tummy issues. These styles both are recommended for a petite bride it will elongnate waist and make you look taller. Stick with a gown that wont overpower you using simple details and a more slim skirted ballgown like in pic below…
* weddind dress
Allison,
* look at this
I dont know my measurements and cant get them right now because im in Afghanistan at the moment But I hope these pics help a lil bit If you open the last one and zoom in I think it might be a good one Thank you
Angela,
You are a petite hourglass. You will want to stick to dresses that will not overwhelm your small frame.
* look at these tips hourglass and petite dresses.
Angela,
* great site with dress examples, scroll to pic 22-24
I need help as well!!! I have no idea what would look best or what body type I have! I wear a 32DD bra and I have the hips & butt to match it! But I need help because I don’t want something that makes me look thick! I have pretty fair skin and I change my hair color often, usually it’s close to my natural shade of darker blonde. My eyes change color but I’d really love something that would bring out the darker green color of them. Help please!
Morgan,
For your hair color reddish or auburn hair even brunette will bring out your eyes. I have dark hazel eyes and dark hair, if I dye hair black it really pops but because your fair skin( I am a light olive ) you will need to get the stylist to match your skintone. For clothing colors, purples,plums, rosy shades,.Also green clothing can. You appear to be a small frame hourglass.
* here is some color tips
* hair color tips
Morgan,
Coudl I get your measurements to be sure. from a couple of the pics, you look like your lower half might be smaller than your top half. I just want to be exact on this and then pull some wedding dress ideas for you.
my measurements:
34.5
25.5
36
sorry it took me so long to get them to you :)
Morgan,
Your an hourglass. You can get away with several styles and being a petite hourglass is a plus.
* tips
* more tips
Morgan,
* great site
* tons of dresses you could wear
Morgan,
* more dresses
thank you for the help :) i have been thinking about this dress, would it look good?
Morgan,
Gorgeous dress and yes I think it will be beautiful on you. Try it on before you buy it though. I didn’t see how tall you were, just make sure the dress ( skirt) isn’t to big if you are petite. Big skirts can overwhelm a tiny frame.
i’m about 5’6
Morgan,
yes, i think this dress would work!
oh i also wanted to tell you my sizes to see if that will help.
i’m a 32DD (i’m small around) and my jeans are usually a size 4, sometimes 6. :) i usually wear smalls in shirts. hopefully that helps too.
i’ve had my hair both dark and reddish, and i didn’t like either of them .i prefer my natural hair color. i’ll get my measurements up soon.
I am wondering what type of dress would look good on me. I am 5’2″ 120lbs I ware a 34C bra And a size 5-6 pants this is the best pic i can find let mr know if you need a better on than you
Angela,
From the pic it looks like your an hourglass but I think I need a front facing pic so I can see better. Thank you! BTW, the snake in the pic,OMG! this reminds me of high school when they had a snake show and I wrapped one around my neck. It was different! LOL
Angela,
Could I also get your measurements. thanks!
Hi, my name is kayla im 18 and im getting married this august! its a simple wedding but i want my dress to be extravagent! i want it to stand out the most…but i have nooooo idea what id look good in… my height is 5’3 im 145lbs i have a large chest 40D bra im hour glass shaped but i have verrrry fair skin. i have small thighs and legs and broad shoulders….and a short neck lol….i can send a pic later if my description dosent help you….the pictures i posted are some what of the dress i want… please help
Kayla,
It sounds like you might be a inverted triangle. broader up top smaller on bottom. send me a pic and I would love to help!
Kayla,
* best colors for your skintone
I am at a loss when it comes to fashion.I am a tomboy at heart that likes to look eligant for her soon to be husband.So finding the right dress is a challege for me when I wear a unifrom to work and jeans on the days off.Call the fashion police for me i need help!
I am 5’7 and have a average build.But i no have boobs! bust is 36 barely a “B” you could call it a busty “A” lol. Help me in any way you can.I don’t know where to start.
Sandy,
Could I get a pic of you so I could see what body type you are?
Her a pic of me.Hope it downloads for you.Tahnks for your help!
Sandy,
Thanks for the pic. I couldnt tell if your shoulders were narrow or broader than your lower body. I apologize for the inconvenience, if I could get your total measurements, hips, waist, shoulders. this way I can tell what body shape you are and give some ideas for dresses. Thanks!!
Heres another photo of me.My measurements from shoulder to shoulder are 17.5 inches.my waist measureat 31 and my hips at 38. Thanks for your help!
Sandy,
You have a rectangle body shape. Here are some dress tips…
* article
* more tips
Sandy,
* some dress pic examples
Sandy,
You also have slightly broader shoulders. Look for scoop or spaghetti straps. make sure the skirt of the dress is slighter fuller, like a slightly fuller aline skirt in the pics in the above links.
* more dress tips
hi, your site has very useful information.
I’m 5’6 and i have a broad frame, shoulder – 16 and my arms are not toned. I was wondering if its a good idea to wear a tube dress or one with sleeves.
Also, if you can tell me if heavy embroidery or work done on the top half of the dress will highlight my heavy areas or will it hide the extra flesh around the tummy and the hips to a certain extent.
Ramya,
Usually embellishment will draw attention to body areas your not fond of. If I could get a pic of you I could steer you to the right style dress. it sounds like a simple Aline would work. Classic.
* like these here
*A short sleeve like a t shirt length ( not cap sleeve it will emphasize a larger arm) even a flutter sleeve.
Ramya,
* look at this site
hi there – i’m 5 ft 2 bust 34 waist 30 hips 31 bottom 37 but hoping to shrink these measurements a little as I’m still 15 months away from the wedding! please can you give me an idea of which styles suit and which to really avoid?
Thanks so much!
RS
Hi I think an Empire line wedding dress would look fab on you, as it flows from under bust which is very flattering, i got married in 2008 and i wore a greek style Empire line wedding dress.
RS,
your a classic pear shape.
* some tips
* here is a good site
RS,
* here are some more
also since your petite you will want to keep it minimal embellishment and less bulk, it will overwhelm your frame.
Thanks to you both, these really helped! Great site!
Hi Maria,
Hope all is well – I am a big girl, size 26, however recently lost 25lbs so down to size 22 and trying to lose more. Getting married in a seafront gazebo in Mexico on November 3rd. I have fallen in lover with this gown from Alfred Angelo style 2118 – it goes up to size 30 so I am able to order it but no stores have a sample in a plus size to try on….. how do you feel that this gown could look on me. I have included a photo of me at a wedding I attended last year – I am the one in brown dress – I dont have a more recent photo of me but my current measurents are bust 48.5/waist44/hips 50. Thanks for any advice you can give me….. thanks
maria,
beautiful dress but I would steer toward a elegant aline.
* tips
* here are some styles to look at.
For a large bust avoid a high neckline
Maria,
* here are some dress examples one with ruching. you can have ruching just make sure it is minimal. ( I love the second dress pic that is beautiful!)
* here is the wedding line. wow they are all gorgeous adn would flatter! ( see how they have embellishment but minimal that is what I would look for)
Thank you very much – I had not seen this line and actually live in Orlando – I am going to try and find a salon to try them on :)
Thanks for your help!
Tori
Why hello strange new world!
I am newly engaged and very very excited to get married. This wedding will be of a grand scale. As in the height of the bride and groom.
I’m 6’2″ and he’s 6’9″ … but enough about him… I was an athlete in college and have started up a toning regime however, I need help in even thinking about a style that would be flattering. I measure at 37-34-40. I guess in translation that means a big boobied amazon woman. any tips/help would be greatly appreciated :)
-krishia
Krisha,
It appears your a hourglass. Your in luck being tall cause you will be able to wear some beautiful styles. From a fitted sheath to a more softer sheath( I prefer the sheath cause it has a flow to it) a column dress would work well. avoid empire waist it will make you look taller and emphasize your bustline.
* some tips
* more tips
Krishia,
* toward end of slideshow is dress examples for tall brides
* necklines to flatter larger bust
hi, i am getting married a year from June. I am a full figure woman: 5’6, 38d breasts, is 41.5, waist is 35. I have a tummy and othm er than my boobs, I am basically fat all over. I read to get an aline with either a sweetheart or vneck neckline. I don’t really like off the shoulder because it doesn’t sound supportive for my breasts. Actually none of those do because wouldn’t I have to wear a strapless bra for all of them? I want to look good for my wedding, please help! I love the alfred angelo dresses with petals from top to bottom but fear I’d look horrible. Please help!
I meant my hips are 41.5, weight 177
Clueless,
Yes you would want good support. The dress is beautiful but if you are full figured then it has too much embellishment on the dress. you would need to look for a clean, streamlined aline. It is ideal for your body shape.
* dress ideas here
* more tips
If you could post a pic I would be able to see your exact body shape.
hey. i getting married next year…i know its a little early, but for obvious reasons…im EXCITED!!!!
i dont know what sort of dress would suit me best, my sizes are:
bra size 34 B-C depending on the bra
my top size is 12
and my bottom size is 14
i have pretty large thighs, which i want to hide them as much as possible..and my chest isnt too big
pleeeeeeze help me :) oh and by the way, they are UK measurements… thankyou :) xx
Charly,
You appear to be a pear shape bride. From the pic I am guessing you are petite.
* here are some tips
* more tips
Charly,
I would go for simple minimal embellishment. Aline would be an excellent choice. Dont be afraid to try on empire too. Some straddle the fence on the empire for the pear shape but I find it gives a long line for the petite bride making the bride look taller ( just like an aline).
* tips
* some great dress pic examples
Charly,
make sure you don’t go for a dress that will overwhelm your petite frame. A slimmer skirt ballgown would work fine.
thankyou very much for the advice, and yes. im 5’3 :) x
sorry to keep bugging you, would you be able to show me some examples please :) x
Charly,
* here are some examples
Charly,
* here is one
* here is a beautiful ball gown, notice the skirt is not very full soit wont overwhelm a petite frame.
Charly,
* check out the style Shakira is wearing. This type style( in white) would give balance because she is petite and pear shaped.
Charly, Here some GORGEOUS gowns with very clean lines and the fabric speaks for itself. you may run a clsoe race with a hourglass due to your height and measurements. So these may work well too.
* look at this one as long as it is not tight or clingy.
* or this
Charly,
* viewedding catalog and look at pages 4, 6, 10 and 12 these could work.
( just make sure it is not to much embellsihment or draping around the hip area)
Charly,
* here is a great site with tips and dress pics
seriously, your an ANGEL!!!!!
x
Hi Stacey,
What would you recommend for someone (me) who’s 5′ 8 1/2″, 34B-28-42, and has an athletic upper body, but a not-so-athletic-looking lower body? I’m pondering a bias-cut 1930′s inspired dress. Appreciate the advice!
jean,
Your a classic pear shape so a bias cut wouldn’t flatter your figure.
* here is a link
HI :)
I’ve decided that I want a beach wedding and need help finding a dress for my body type with the them wedding I’ve chosen. I am 5’2″ 125lbs and I wear a size 34C. I don’t know my measurements, yet. I’m posting a pic of myself, I am the asain-looking girl. Also, adding pics of a few dresses that I have found to my liking.
Sorry, to me the dress seem alike, but the description of the dresses say different. I’m in the process of beginning my research so I’m just clueless right now.
Rocio,
Any of these dresses would work. You appear to be a be a petite hourglass. So going for a simple wedding dress with a sweetheart or v neck would flatter you perfectly! Your on the right track!
Our wedding is planned for October 2010 and im having a very hard time choosing the type of dress for my body. Now I still have time so I losing weight weekly and hoping to get down another 20lbs before October. And really want to slim down my arms and thighs… tips on that would be great…hahaha. Any ways, What I got for measurements is bust 42 waist 37 hips 47. Im 5’8 and my bra size is 40D. We are having an outside western wedding, our horses may be involved
What do you think for type/style/line of dress?? Thank you!!
Danielle,
It looks like you may fall into the hourglass shape but keep in mind with dieting and exercise your shape can change. After reaching your goal post back with a pic and we will see if your body type changes.
* tips
Hello i had such a hard time finding a wedding dress and i finally fell in love with one. the problem is because no place around here has the dress i want in a size that i can actually try on so i would have to order it but im worried that maybe the dress wont look good on my body shape. ive attached a picture of me(and the fiance) and a picture of the dress i TOTALLY fell in love with. please help!
also, the dress im in love with is a slim a-line.. forgot to mention that.
Chrissy,
The aline is a wonderful choice for your body type.
* here are some more tips
Make sure if wearing a strapless, it has good support. I am thinking an aline with a v neck would be ideal, even a v-neck halter. If you are unsure then I would print a pic of this dress and go to a local bridal shop, tell them this is the dress you would love to have and they should be able to pull a similar style. I would do this before ordering. Also make sure the company is reputable and you order in plenty of time before your wedding due to unforeseen issues when ordering ( if the company is) online etc. Have the bridal shop measure you so the bridal store can get your exact measurements ( for ordering).
alot of the stores dont have samples that will fit me to try on. i have tried on a strapless sweetheart neckline dress and it definately supports well. what worried me about the dress i fell in love with is how it is a SLIM a line and not sure if that will do good or do bad for me as i am 5’5. it seems like it has a slight dropped waist detail. i am getting a corset on the dress which i was thinking would do good for me? thanks so much for the tips!
Chrissy,
The thing about this dress that concerns me is the beading/embellishment. Full figures whould avoid lots of beading, mermaid, sheaths. For your frame I would avoid a princess or basque waist. A simple, streamlined aline would work best.
* like the gorgeous wrap dress under full figure by Alfred Angelo
Hi Stacey,
Been having major issues with the right dress. I’m a 40-34-40, an generally wear a size 14, oh and I’m 5 4”. I pretty much know I’d like a sweetheart or V neckline, but I’m not sure about the waist… I have the hugest belly
Also, the wedding is in a very traditional church, and they’ve requested its not too revealing! What possible styles do you reckon I should be considering?
Folz,
Just look for a simple wrap waist aline. The necklines are perfect for your shape.
Folz,
I would look for minimal embellishment. Avoid anything with a lot of embellishments at the bodice/waist/hips. Due to your height your considered a petite bride. A simple dress wouldn’t overwhelm your frame. But a wrap will be wonderful for your tummy if that is a concern.
* tips
A princess style dress will also lengthen the torso as will the aline. I would recommend a empire but it is not suitable for larger chest.
* great tips
thank you sooo much for the tips..
well the wedding is just around the corner, and the dress on its way. based on your advice i went with a dress with minimal embellishments, with a jacket to make it more conservative for the church. the neckline i chose isn’t a sweetheart of v. i actually noticed the dipped neckline worked just as good(or so i think). i’m sending a link of the dress and another picture of me, i guess i need reassurance that this will work for me (i went shopping alone). also, what kind of veil do you suggest i get with this style
dress
http://www.maggiesottero.com/dress.aspx?keywordText=sabrina&keywordType=any&page=0&pageSize=15&style=R1061
Folz,
beautiful dress and I think it will be breathtaking on you! The skirt it looks pretty full in the pic, is it more on the slimmer side? when you tried it on, it didnt overwhelm your frame did it? You want to wear the dress, not the dress wear you. So I just wanted to ask.
hi…..im really confused what the right wedding gown tha suit for me..my body figure is 29-27-34…pls help me…my wed will on 2nd wek next mos..pls..tnx a lot..
gracy,
it sounds like your a pear but can you post a pic so i can be sure? thanks!
Hello,
I have been looking for some dresses but i have my heart set on this beautiful trumpet/mermaid dress but i can only order it on line. I dont want to buy it if it wont look good. i am kinda hour glass shaped I am 5’8″ or 5’9″ im not really sure and my measurements are 40-32-40. so im not skinny but i have a butt and a chest and i want to show them off in a sutel way with my dress. What would be best?
Plz help thank you so much
Jessica,
You are an hourglass. Could you give me the website with the dress and I will be happy to check it out for you!!
* tips
* wedding dress styles
Jessica,
With your shape the dress you desribe will work. The best way to find out how it will look is go to a dress shop and try on similar styles, to see how it looks on you.
Hi Jessica,
You are an hourglass shape, however a mermaid style would not necessarily flatter your body shape as it would really emphasis your hips and bottom. You don’t want to be self conscious on your wedding day.
I would suggest a strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline to show off your bust, perhaps some ruching over the bodice (to disguise any stomach- if you have one) and either an a-line skirt, or something more fitted if you really wanted to show off your body.
Sarah Koppl
hello..i would like to ask for your opinion regarding what type of wedding gown would suit my figure.. i’m only 5’2 in height..statistics of 36-29-36.. any suggestion? were planning to have a tradtional wedding. i would like the gown to be simple but head turning..hehe..as well as figure flattering. thank you
J-ann,
Could you post a pic?
Hi, I am now a size 22 and am having trouble finding the perfect dress! I think I am going to end up looking a mess walking down the aisle and just need some help!
I am a 42, 45, 50 and could do with some suggetions! I know empire line or a line would probably suit me best but how on earth do I look for that, dresses are not described as this I got so lost!
Karen,
Hi, Avoid ballgowns and look for alines and empire waist. It is best to look for gowns that don;t have a defined waist line.
* dress styles
Karen,
* this is nice
* tips
karen,
Hi,
I’m Mariah, I’m starting to look around at dresses, but I have no idea what would look good on me.
I’m pretty tall, 5’9″.
I have broad shoulders that are approx. 41 inches around.
My chest 38 in my cup size ranges from B-C depending on the bra. My waist is 31 in at the smallest part.
Around my hips I’m 38 in, and around my butt is 39 in.
Looking at my from front on, I have big dents where my hips connect to my thighs, instead of a smooth connection.
Like my hips look bigger, then it curves in, then curves back out to my big thighs.
I’d like to hide that.
I have untoned arms, and large thighs.
They are each 24 inches around at the widest part.
40 inches around both of them at the widest part, standing with my legs closed.
I’m sorry if I sound too whiny or negative.
Looking forward to your reply.
Mariah,
Could you post a pic? I could give a better idea of the dress for your body shape. Thanks!!
As you can see, i have some pretty untoned arms. They are downright flabby. Please excuse the mess, i took these in my fiance’s sisters room.
Mariah,
I think an aline would be beautiful on you. Something with a wrap waist. Look for a flattering neckline since your bust is average. v-necks are generally flattering on most women. You are a close cross between a inverted triangle and a hourglass. You could try on styles from both shapes.
Mariah,
* here are some tips for both shapes(just overlook the busty tips)
the pic in this link is what I am thinking will look beautiful on you. A bolero would be a gorgeous option in a sheer or lacy fabric, if you were wanting to cover your arms??? Don’t choose a figure forming dress, due to creating balance for your shape.It can make your shoulders look broader. Also consider a gorgeous short sleeve gown with a v neck, aline.