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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Hello Stacey, I need some advice on a wedding dress. I am getting married in Nov. 2010, and I have narrowed my choice of dresses based on my body type. I am shopping online because of the wholesale price, therefore, I can’t try anything on. I am 40 years old and this will be my second wedding. I am 5′ft tall and I would say that I am introverted triangle. My shoulders are 38, bust size 36 B, waist is 33 with little love handles, and my hips are 37. Please would you help me decide what dress is ideal for me and which dress do you think will compliment me more., or if you have any other selections. Thanks for all your help.
Brides,
Here is a wedding “look” board I put together for any butterfly theme weddings.
Here is another one with wedding dresses from delphinemanivet.com
They are very gorgeous!! Although the designer is from France they should be in the USA this year.
Here is the pic of the theodore dress in little girls size too. So adorable!!
Hello,
I am a large woman and in need of help. Next year for our 20th anniversary we are renewing our vows and since we didn’t have a wedding we are going all out. I have been to 6 bridal shops and have only found 2 dresses I like. I’m not sure what looks good on me. I need a size 20 in a wedding dress. Any suggestions?
Chris,
From the picture, is your upper body( shoulders) broader than your lower body? From the last pic it appears you are a inverted triangle. But I want to be for sure.
Hello,
I am 5′3-5′4″ tall. I have broader shoulders and a HUGE chest (ugh!!!). I wanted to see if this dress would look good on me. My future mother-in-law thinks that I might be too busty for the style of the top and too short for the bunching on the skirt. Thanks for your help! (sorry about the dogs in the background of the pic! They’re nosy!)
Brenda,
You have a inverted triangle body shape. You have a blend ofstraight body shape too. Meaning you will need detail in the dress to give a more defined waist. Celebrities with your body shape are Angelina Jolie.
* Red carpet pics
Notice how she wears alot of sweetheart and v neck-necklines. This is ideal for a larger bust. You will need a fuller skirt like in the pic you posted. If you found something in that style with less embellishment ( just a tad) It wont overwhelm your height.
Brenda,
You are headed in the right direction with the dress style.
* here is a site you will like, with tips and looks for the petite inverted triangle
Brenda,
* look at this style. As mentioned you can fall into the rectangle category too. A combo body shape is not uncommon.
* this is beautiful!
Brenda,
* this is beautiful and not overwhelming
* love this
Brenda,
* look at these
Especially style# 3057
* More tips
* dress pics for body shape
Brenda,
* This is serious angelina style. Love this! Pair with some sassy heels and your ready to go!! This is my fave, look at the back
* look at this one like the one you have posted just less embellishment
Hi I need help today is 07-23-2010 my wedding is in 4 months to the day from now. I am 5 foot 3 4ths of an inch. I have a bit of baby fat from my son and want to know how to pick a dress that fits my body. I also haven’t a clue how to post a picture of myself but the love of my love should if you need one. please help I feel hopeless!
Samantha,
Could I get a pic and your measurements? Thank you!
Stacey, I need help pls! I’m 5′8, 34A-26-35, with shoulders 1″-2″ wider than my hips. With a long torso I feel like I can’t do mermaid or figure-hugging silhouette. Any suggestions what may work (silhouette, neckline, waistline, fabric, etc..) for skinny, long-torso, small-breasted body shape? And the wedding is going to be in a Spanish style chapel built in 19th century in May. Thank you very much!
attached is a drop-waist a-line with asymmetrical pickups on skirt, a trumpet and another drop-waist A-line with sweetheart.
Cecilia,
Is this you in the photos? If so then the 3rd is my favorite. it has a old charm quality that would fit in. Vintage earrings would finish the look. If not, could you post a front facing pic with fitted clothes so I can see which body shape you fall into.
Hi Stacey,
Yes this is me in all the pics. I’m still in search of THE dress. What kind of body shape am I, could you tell? Thank you!!!
Cecilia,
It is very difficult to tell in the wedding dress pics. Could you post a picture facing front, fitted attire. Thanks!
Cecilia,
* Look at the slim and the tall dress examples in slideshow
Cecilia,
If you are wanting to shorten the torso then try a basque waisted dress, anything cut above the torso. Small chest: embellishment or ruching on the neckline of dress, on the shoulder necklines.
* something like this dress would be stunning
Cecilia,
I am thinking seriously that the empire would work very well for you.
Cecilia,
* the designer and place to buy
Cecilia,
Usually on lean body shapes do well in a empire, even though it can lengthen the torso. It is great for a smaller bust. It is worth a try to see if it works well for you.
* this is gorgeous!
Cecilia,
* here is the basque waist and it is gorgeous!
Cecilia,
*look at this
* wow! this is a basque waist! you could add straps to this easily! The detail on the neckline would flatter.
i need major help! my measurements are: waist 35, hips 44, bust 36B, height 6′0. i absolutely suck at picking out a dress for my body type. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
http://s75.photobucket.com/albums/i297/invader_2006/?action=view¤t=GetAttachment.jpg
http://s75.photobucket.com/albums/i297/invader_2006/?action=view¤t=untitledg.jpg
i need help! hah i suuuck at picking out dresses for my body type. my waist is a 35, hips 44 & bust 36 b. & im 6′ tall. any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!
Marie H.,
From your measurements you sound pear shaped. But from the pic you dont look pear shaped. I cant really tell cause the pic is kinda dark. Would you mind reposting another facing front? Thank you!
P.S. The dress in the link is this the one your looking at? It is beautiful. With your height you could pull this dress off. I just want to make sure that way I wont give you the wrong style.
thank you so much. heres another picture, i hope this helps more.
marie H,
I would stick with an aline shape. You appear to fall in an hourglass category. I still couldnt tell if your shoulders were broader than your hips but still an aline is the better choice because it covers so many figure types. It will lengthen the waist area. Think about a wrap style aline.
* something like this would be very beautiful
marie H,
* so would this.
* or this because of how the waist is, it will lengthen a short waist
I did suggest the ballgown be careful of this style when trying it on though, cause some styles might make you look out of proportion and some alines will make you look taller( in case you didnt want too) Steer clear of belted looks. It will make you look out of proportion. Dont overlook a basque wedding dress either.
* great article!!
I am a semi-short waisted hourglass. And Iknow the tips I gave are complex but I find it best to stick with dresses that are aline and flow over the body) I have larger chest so that pulls in more style issues! LOL. For example, I pair wide legged jeans with a long fitted t shirt and it lengthens my waist. I am 5′9″ so even though alines might make me appear taller but it lengthens my frame. I do not look good in empire, most sheaths, boxy cuts, belted looks, etc. it has to be a flowing line with no break in the silouette. I wore a ballgown once and it was okay but not as slimming as the aline.
thank you! this was very helpful
Hello, I have a question about a dress. I found a dress online that I absolutly love, but am curious how it will turn out for me. This will be my second wedding. My first wedding I purchased a ball gown type dress, it made me look fat, as I am short. I am a little worry about my stomach, I had a baby about 9 months ago… It’s not bad, but it’s not as flat as it use to be. I like the dress online because it had lace up, which I thought would be good, like a corset. The only issue is I have an issue with my arms, I feel they are too thick. I cannot wear long sleves because I will be wed in Florida. Please let me know what you think, I really appreciate your help!
My Messurements
Bust: 36 B
Waist: 29
Hips: 36
Height: 5′ 3″ (wearing heals 5′5″)
Sorry my waist is 30 inches, not 29.
Tricia,
I think this dress would be beautiful on you. It would flatter very well. If you are concerned about the strapless just wear a chiffon wrap. Usually strapless can be very flattering.
Thanks Stacey! The chiffon wrap is a great idea. I am glad to hear the dress will work with my body type, I have gone through a hundred dresses trying to find one. It is expecially hard trying to order online. Thank you again.
I really like the dress Tricia posted who makes it?
Hi Irene,
I am not sure who makes it, if you where looking to order from the designer. Maybe it can be found on google or another search engine. I found this dress on a wholesale site
We are on a tight budget and it’s not a bad price. Plus, dresses never really look the same in pictures so I would rather spend $275 than $1000+ if it didn’t turn out exactly as the picture. That happened to be once before, I spent a ton of money, but when it arrived, was I in for a shock! Sigh. I am pretty good with sewing and altering, if need be. The cool thing is that they do make the dress to your measurements.
If you could help me that would be amazing! I just moved to another state so don’t really have anyone to go dress shopping with me.
I’m 5′4″, 38, 35, 43 and wear a size 14. ( I included a picture of myself)
Here are some dresses I like:
http://www.alfredangelo.com/Collections/ProductDisplay.aspx?style=829
http://www.alfredangelo.com/Collections/ProductDisplay.aspx?style=2049W
http://www.maggiesottero.com/dress.aspx?style=A3434
Let me know what you think! Thank you so much!
I don’t think my uploaded pictures are going to show up so I added a link. The first is of me and the second is another dress I like.
http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj241/tesarivera/?action=view¤t=me.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj241/tesarivera/db2.jpg
Thank you again!
Teresa,
I would choose something ( keep it an aline) with less embellishment. I am thinking the gathers would overwhelm your frame. I love the alfred angelo dress it is beautiful. I also like the dress ( sideways pic). I think this would be the best choice.
Another quick question, do you know where I can find corsets/waist cinchers (an actual store, not online preferably)? Also, here are a couple more dresses that I fell in love with, but didn’t know whether or not they would fit my body type. Thanks! :)
Crystal,
this dress has a empire waist effect. it will make a larger chest appear larger which will throw your shape out of balance. You could try these on but I am thinking it may not work. But always remember a dress in person may surprise you.
* great article
Crystal,
* check out this article ( my personal fave is 2909)
Crystal,
For waist cinchers/corsets I would recommend checking locally with dress shops/department stores. If they dont have them, they may be able to direct you to the right place.
Hi! This site looks like a Godsend lol. I was wondering if you could take a look at me and tell me what kind of dress I should get? I am about 5′8, 36DD chest and as you can probably see in the photos, I have love handles and a bit of belly flab. I’m looking for a dress that’s flattering and will make my fiance’s jaw drop. My concern is finding A) a dress that has built in support for a woman of my breast size and B) a dress or corset type thing that will either hide or flatten out my flab. Any suggestions? Here is a dress that both my mother and I really liked, I was just unsure as to whether or not it would look okay with my body type. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. :)
Crystal,
Actually this dress would be great for you. 1) it has a wrap style with slight ruching perfect for disguising any areas in the waist or stomach area. 2)I love the flow to this dress and with your height you should be able to carry it off beautifully with a long lean line. 3) yes make sure you have the proper support for a larger chest, another idea is to add sleeves or straps to this style dress so you can wear a good bra. 4) You are in the right direction for your body type. ( hourglass). 5) you could easily get away with a slightly fuller skirt too. A slim skirted ballgown would be amazing on you.
Crystal,
* tips
* wedding dress styles
* check this out
I think you should try on dresses in all the styles until you get the right one, A line, sheath and dont rule out mermaid-it can be very flattering on larger women-I was very surprised thinking I could only go A-line but looked and felt sexiest in the mermaid-with my bridesmaids in full agreement! Its better to try on dresses in person cuz you dont really know until you do-then go ahead and order the one you want online. Good luck!!
confused on what gown to get, help. thanks
need some advice in choosing the perfect gown. i’m getting confused, A-Line or empire? with sleeves or V-neck. please Help. thanks
Sherry,
How tall or you and what are you measurements? You look petite in the pic but I want to be sure.
I also would love some help on picking out the right kind of dress. NOt quite sure of my measurements (dont have a flexible measuring tape) but here is the info I can give I am about 5′4 weigh 190 size 16-18 street clothes. I am in love with a particular dress that I have seen online but am unsure if it will look right on me.
Here is the link to the one i really like
I also sort of like this …
and this one
not sure how to post pic of myself in street clothes
sorry tried to post a pic and it wouldnt let me post it or the link any help???
Michelle,
I am not sure why it wouldnt post it or the link. I am having trouble posting some links myself. Save the pic of yourself into ( your) pictures on the computer and once saved go into browse and see if it will add it. Also make sure it is the right type photo ( as listed below JPG etc.) If you give me the link I will happily check it out.
Michelle,
* here are some instructions that may help
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
okay really nto good with computer..pic is saved on my computer as jpeg cant get it to load onto here can i email it to you?
Here is the pic I was trying to post!
Michelle,
Thank you for the pic!
The first dress will be the best of the 3.
* tips here for your body shape
Michelle,
I cant stress enough to drop by a bridal salon or dress shop and try on a similar style before ordering.
Thanks for getting back with me. I want your absolute honest opinion not justbc I love the first dress do you think it will look good on. The only bridal shop around me is Davids and they dont have one like this. I do not have much of an imagination so not sure if any othe their would even resemble the first one.
Michelle,
Actually Davids has a dress that I think would be beautiful on you. I just went to their site.
* here is the dress
They have more styles but this one stood out to me. It has the ruching and the embroidery. I see you like black and white. I would have a simple clutch of white roses with a wide black satin flowing ribbon. You could even add some black beading the the waist detail. This is the dress style I would choose. I think it would be stunning on you. Wear some sassy black heels and voila.
Michelle,
* here is another style that might work
Michelle,
* this is beautiful
* especially this
* oh this is worth trying on!
Okay thanks to your advise I tried on a dress similar to the one I thought I liked and found out that I didnt like it as much as I thought.
So here is a dress that I tried on and liked but had no one with me so I am unsure if it is the best style for me. Here is the link for the dress:
http://www.allurebridals.com/index.php?id=3&product_id=156
it is an allure the style number is 8264.
I really appreicate all the help you have given me.
Michelle,
beautiful dress but I am afraid it will overwhelm your height. I am thinking something like this….
* dress 1
* dress 2
Michelle,
* this is beautiful!
Apple shapes should avoid gathers or excessive ruching around the waist area.
Michelle,
* this is ideal
Michelle,
* more example
Heh guys,
Need a wedding dress designer, lost the info when computer and can’t seem to find this one again.
It came from the Instyle Weddings Mag. Summer 2009
Hi! I recently just had a baby and so I’m not used to shopping for my new body and I have no clue what style of dress would look best on me….I am 5′10 my measurements are 39, 31, 43 and I weigh about 150. I really like the trumpet/mermaid styles but also the ball gowns and anything really fashion forward. Thanks for your help!
Jessie,
Could you post a pic cause you could easily fall into a couple different body types and I want to make sure. Face front pic and more form fitted clothing are best. Thanks!
Hi,
I’m not getting married THAT soon, but I thought it would be better to ask early. I think I have an hourglass shape. I don’t know my exact measurements, but I’m 5′5″ (not afraid of high heels!) and 115 pounds. I have boobs (full C cup), a very round hiney, and fairly shapely legs, since I’m a runner. I’m really not that worried about hiding my body, but I have very broad shoulders, and I don’t want to accentuate them. Also, since I am 5′5″, and probably wouldn’t wear heels over three inches to my wedding, I don’t want to look short.
I drew this dress, because I was unable to find any pictures like it. It’s my dream dress and what I’ve always tried to pictured myself wearing.
Lace, lower back, kind of a line or modified a line with either feather (tasteful, not tacky) or tulle detail at the bottom.
This is what I look like.
Photo 1.
Photo 2.
Photo 3.
Larriet,
You are a classic hourglass. Since you are 5′5″ you will still want to stick with simple gowns that wont overpower your frame. I love your dress/drawing. I think that dress will be beautiful on you. I would at least try on a similar style at a bridal store to see in person before making dress( if that was what you were gonna do). Since there are so many great links: google hourglass body shape and wedding dress.
* tips
* more tips
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