Finding a bridal gown that flatters can be hard. Even the tall and thin often find that the model the dress was made for is a different shape. Women with less stylish shapes, like hourglass, pear, and shorter women can go through a real trial looking for the perfect gown.
If you're plus sized, an unusual shape, or just can't find anything that fits, there's still hope. Specialty boutiques and other stores, plus a good knowledge of what suits you and what doesn't will help you find the perfect bridal gown for your wedding. Here are the shape categories that most women fall into, and information about the styles that flatter each.
Classic hourglass shape - Hourglass shaped women have similar bust and hip measurements with a defined waist. Most of them are more than a size fourteen, which can make it a nightmare to shop for gowns. Fortunately, many styles look good on this shape, including strapless gowns, if they have enough support.
Pear - Pear shaped women have a smaller bust and larger hips. This is also called the spoon shape. Add interest to your bridal gown's bodice with bead work, embroidery, and other detailing. This will help you balance your smaller top half against your bottom half.
Apple shapes - If you tend to have similarly sized hips and bust, but have a poorly defined waist, your shape is called an apple. Empire waists, when used with long full skirts, can help you de-emphasize your waist and hips. Don't choose a short bridal gown in this style, however - you could look pregnant!
Petite - Women who are less than 165 cm / 5'4" tall are petite, which has its own set of challenges when it comes to buying a bridal gown. It's important to find a dress that's not too plain, but doesn't overwhelm you with ruffles and other detailing. Wear an elaborate headdress to make a plain dress fancier and more interesting.
Plus size - If you're larger than a size fourteen or sixteen, you probably have a lot of trouble finding bridal gowns. Most dresses in these sizes are simply larger versions of the smaller styles - a recipe for fitting disaster. Stick to specialty boutiques that stock dresses made for your size to look your best.
The basic rule when choosing bridal gowns is to know what flatters you and what to avoid. However, that's not all there is to it - different designers use different fit models, so one line may tend to flatter a particular shape. When trying on dresses, keep track of the brand and see if there are similarities throughout it.
Of course, if you're having lots of problems, you can always have a wedding dress customized or made specially to fit you. This is a lot less costly than you might think, and you'll be sure to look great. However, give your seamstress or tailor plenty of time - up to a year - so you'll get the perfect bridal gown for your big day.
If you're plus sized, an unusual shape, or just can't find anything that fits, there's still hope. Specialty boutiques and other stores, plus a good knowledge of what suits you and what doesn't will help you find the perfect bridal gown for your wedding. Here are the shape categories that most women fall into, and information about the styles that flatter each.
Classic hourglass shape - Hourglass shaped women have similar bust and hip measurements with a defined waist. Most of them are more than a size fourteen, which can make it a nightmare to shop for gowns. Fortunately, many styles look good on this shape, including strapless gowns, if they have enough support.
Pear - Pear shaped women have a smaller bust and larger hips. This is also called the spoon shape. Add interest to your bridal gown's bodice with bead work, embroidery, and other detailing. This will help you balance your smaller top half against your bottom half.
Apple shapes - If you tend to have similarly sized hips and bust, but have a poorly defined waist, your shape is called an apple. Empire waists, when used with long full skirts, can help you de-emphasize your waist and hips. Don't choose a short bridal gown in this style, however - you could look pregnant!
Petite - Women who are less than 165 cm / 5'4" tall are petite, which has its own set of challenges when it comes to buying a bridal gown. It's important to find a dress that's not too plain, but doesn't overwhelm you with ruffles and other detailing. Wear an elaborate headdress to make a plain dress fancier and more interesting.
Plus size - If you're larger than a size fourteen or sixteen, you probably have a lot of trouble finding bridal gowns. Most dresses in these sizes are simply larger versions of the smaller styles - a recipe for fitting disaster. Stick to specialty boutiques that stock dresses made for your size to look your best.
The basic rule when choosing bridal gowns is to know what flatters you and what to avoid. However, that's not all there is to it - different designers use different fit models, so one line may tend to flatter a particular shape. When trying on dresses, keep track of the brand and see if there are similarities throughout it.
Of course, if you're having lots of problems, you can always have a wedding dress customized or made specially to fit you. This is a lot less costly than you might think, and you'll be sure to look great. However, give your seamstress or tailor plenty of time - up to a year - so you'll get the perfect bridal gown for your big day.
About the Author:
Australian brides-to-be ALL have to find the perfect dress, so come visit True Bride (www.truebride.com.au) and see our range of Bridal Gown makers, all individually ranked and rated by our brides.
