9
Hourglass Body Type - If your bust and hips are
approximately the same measurement (within an
inch or two) and your waist is smaller than either of
these by at least a four inches (the more the better
though) then you are an hourglass shape. This clas-
sic old-Hollywood shape (think Marilyn Monroe)
can wear any style of dress as most styles
are flattering. The mermaid though will really high-
light your curves and you'll even be able to pull off
a sheath.
Pear Body Type - If your hips are larger than your
bust then you have a pear shape. Many women fall
under this category! An a-line dress is the most flat-
tering because it is full in the skirt, hiding the big-
ger hips on the bottom. An a-line gives a balanced
appearance of an hourglass and even works with an
upside down pear, which is when your bust is larger
than your hips.
Round or Square Body Type - If all your measure-
ments are similar then you are a square or round
body type. To add definition and the appearance
of an hourglass shape you'll want to select dresses
with gathers or other details on the hips and bust.
This will highlight those areas and give you a femi-
nine shape. Generally an a-line dress will be the
most flattering and have the most options for you.
If You Are Short and Petite (5'4" and under), look
for salons which carry petite sized dresses. To cre-
ate an illusion of height, you will want a dress with
seams or lace which run up and down lengthwise.
You may want to consider a high neckline, A line,
empire, or princess silhouettes, small collars and
cuffs, short sleeves or sleeveless with long gloves,
or dresses that are trim at the neckline and shoul-
ders to draw the eye upward. You should stay away
from a belt, unless it is a very narrow one. Also,
consider a chapel train with a floor length veil. Try
to avoid frills and excessive detailing.
If You Are Tall and Slender (5'9" plus), you will want
to look for dresses with trims that wrap completely
around the gown and veil, wide midriffs and sashes,
large collars, big cuffs, raglan or butterfly sleeves,
flared or tiered skirts and low necklines.
If You Have a Thick Midriff and Waist, choose the
slimming effect of a lifted waistline and A-line
skirt. Avoid tight waists, belts and cummerbunds,
and shaped midriffs in contrasting colors.
If You Have a Very Slender Midriff and Waist,
accentuate your features with a dress featuring a
well defined midriff, a gathered or pleated skirt,
and a natural or sashed waistline.
If You Have Narrow Shoulders, drape them with
cape collars. Accentuate them with sleeves that
gather at the top, necklines that are bare or
widely curved, and shoulder pads built into the
dress.
If You Have Broad Shoulders, look for dresses
with smooth set in sleeves, low V necklines or
high, covered necks. Avoid puffed or leg of-
mutton sleeves, bare necklines, broad collars,
haltered tops and shoulder pads.
If You Are Big Busted, you may wish to stay with
elongated bodices and necklines that are V-or
U shaped or high with a keyhole yoke. Avoid
cinched waists, empire styles that come up high
under the bust, and clingy fabrics that accentuate
your fullness. Choose instead full, billowing skirts
with lots of ornamentation, which will create a
curvier lower body. Keep sleeves simple with a
natural shoulder line, and avoid adornments on
the bodice.
My body type is: _____________________________________
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Dressing Your Body Type
Every bride is beautiful in her own body. However, not every body type looks
great in the same dress. Therefore, we've put together different styles of dresses
to fit certain body types. Read through the list below, find your body type and
then go find your perfect dress.