FLATTERING BRIDE’S FIGURE
We always find white and light-colored gowns not slimming but with wedding gowns, tradition dictate that the bride will wear a gown in a shade of white. No objections to that but the secret to a slimming gown is choosing a style that camouflages any figure flaws.
Full Bust, Narrow Hips
There is a misconception that the best way to reduce the focus on a full bust is to cover up the cleavage, but actually the effect is the other way around. A covered-up bust with a high neckline on an ample-busted woman makes that area appear heavier. On the other hand, strapless or strappy gowns can also draw too much interest. The pleasing styles have lower or scooped necklines with a teeny weenie sleeves or even ample straps to glide the shoulders. The result is centered on the body. When you hit middle ground, i.e., lower the neckline without too much cleavage, boning, bodice cut below the waistline to give an impression of an extended torso, & etc., it helps give a flattering shape. Slim hips are usually a blessing but when contrasted with an ample bust, it can look too extreme. With this, a soft and subtle skirt style, an A-line cut, balances the figure. Pleats, ruching, and draping on a narrow hip can make the figure look proportionate.
Pear-Shaped
This is once considered ideal. These times though, brides want to cover up large hips, bottom, and thighs and want to build up narrow shoulders and bust. The secret is to balance the shoulders with the hips. The bodice should be fitted to highlight the waist, toned down hip area and shaped around the bust to give the impression of a balanced-figure. The best style for a pear-shaped figure should sit as flat as likely on the hip and gradually progress into an A-line cut or gored skirt with panels. This faintly covers the actual width of the hips by making the skirt come out like a pyramid, creating an illusion of structured skirt and not the actual figure underneath. An overskirt also conceal the hip area and hints slim hips underneath the design. Steer away from flimsy or soft fabric which clings to the wrong places.
Skinny/Slim Waif
Romantic and womanly curves can be realized with the aid of artful designs and strategic use of fabrics. Although slim models look outstanding on the catwalk with their protruding collarbones, hipbones, and flat chest, there’s something unromantic about creating that look on a wedding day. Tend not to go for slinky outfits and steer clear of soft materials that shape around the bony areas and would make them appear too skinny. Skinny girls also tend not to have much of waist or hips. With these in mind, the strategic use of a corset can help give the impression of a waist and hips. They have the extra lead of being able to carry off a dress cut right at the waist and this will be fabulous over a full skirt, which both combine to give an impression of fuller hips. Avoid horizontal lines across the bust as this will flatten a meager bosom.
The Full Figure
A curvy, womanly look is always appealing. Emphasize a voluptuous figure while, at the same time, masking any problem areas. Fuller-figured brides with good posture, and those who are well-proportioned can carry off a straight, shapely gown. Highlight on the best feature, which may be broad shoulders, a small waist, or a generous height, this can help to overshadow any extra weight you have. To create an hourglass look, a clean, structured style will give the curves and keep bigger busts in place. Straight gowns, A-line skirts, & princess-line cut under the bust will look fantastic.
Tall
The world’s most beautiful women stand tall but if they’re disproportionately tall, a long white gown can look overpowering. These brides can look statuesque and graceful by adhering to a few simple pointers. One eye catching style that suits long bodies is a straight dress with an overskirt. This style has though it has trains on the sides of the gown and makes the tall bride look very graceful and willowy as she walks down the aisle. Two-piece outfits look great, especially when the bodice is cut an inch or two below the waist. This slightly cuts the impression of the height, but tall girls can afford it. Basically, the fuller the skirt, the shorter they will look but this is something tall brides can easily get away with. However be wary of skirts that are too full. Coupled with the extra height, the combination oftall and wide can be overpowering. Generally speaking, gathers and pleats on the skirt look great as long as they don’t extend from the hips too far. Strapless dresses or gowns with straps and bare shoulders look sensational because, again, tall girls can afford to lose some length of the dress. Extra height also suits bold embellishments, such as dramatically detailed gowns featuring heavily beaded crystals. Delicate or fussy details can get lost on large dimensions.
Petite
Certain gown types will help short and slim brides to make the most of their petite frames. They will need a gown that gives the illusion of some length. If the figure is delicate, a gown with a flair in the skirt will be best. Avoid dresses that will shorten the look of the torso. Middle sized full skirts give the illusion of longer legs although they wouldn’t be too full or it will end up looking wider as opposed to longer. An A-line dress with a petticoat will suffice as will a princess-line style gown. Detail should be avoided that could interrupt the illusion of a continuous length. A vertical feel should be created.