Wedding dresses come in all shapes and sizes, just like we all do! Knowing your body type and which dress styles flatter your shape is essential when picking out the most important dress of your life. It’s great to try on a variety of styles, but it can help to have a starting point of which silhouettes you think you will look best in. We’ve chosen six common body shapes and matched them with the styles that work best below. Keep in mind, you might fit into more than one body shape category!
Hourglass
Features: You have a trim waist but full bust and hips. Try something that highlights your waist and your curves!
Styles to Try: A fit and flare or mermaid style gown is perfect to emphasize your small waist and feminine figure.
Details to Consider: Try adding a glitzy belt to any look to further accentuate your waist.
Maggie Sottero Payson
Plus Size
Features: You are full-figured everywhere. Highlight your curves in all the right places while concealing any areas of concern.
Styles to Try: A beautiful and flowing A-line gown is perfect to cinch in your waist as the loose skirt hides anything you don’t want to show off.
Details to Consider: A lace illusion neckline is great to add a hint of sexiness without being too revealing. Some more flattering details include ruching or draping, a sash at the waist, and a long train to look longer and leaner.
Rebecca Ingram Olivia
Petite
Features: You are thin and under average height. Avoid dresses with too much fabric because they might overwhelm your small frame. Instead, choose flowing fabrics that elongate your body.
Styles to Try: A light and airy sheath or A-line gown will make you appear taller because of the long lines and straight silhouette. Also try a trumpet or mermaid gown with a straighter skirt if you prefer a more fitted look.
Details to Consider: An empire waist is a great way to add length to your body!
Wtoo Juno
Busty
Features: You have a smaller frame and hips but a larger bust. With a bigger chest, some dresses can easily look too revealing. Consider a dress with more structure in the bust and straps to keep you in place without risk of falling out.
Styles to Try: If you’re looking to balance out your proportions, an A-line or ball gown is a great choice to add more fullness to your bottom half.
Details to Consider: Flattering necklines include square necklines, straight necklines, as well as illusion lace necklines. If you’d rather show off your assets, go for a subtle v-neck!
Wtoo Arabella
Lean and straight
Features: You’re thin without pronounced curves. Choose something that will show off your waist without making you look boxy.
Styles to Try: Ball gowns are a great style to try if you’re looking to appear curvier. This style will highlight your thin frame without emphasizing your straight torso.
Details to Consider: Use seams to your advantage! Some dresses have curved seams to create the illusion of curves.
Sottero and Midgley Blaire
Pear-shaped
Features: You have a larger backside but a smaller bust. Find something that emphasizes your waist and balances out your body shape.
Styles to Try: A simple A-line or ball gown is perfect if you’re wanting to accentuate your waist but hide your bottom half. Would you rather show off your backside? Try a trumpet style to highlight your features.
Details to Consider: A drop-waist gown is a great way to have the best of both worlds. It shows off your curvy hips and small waist without over-emphasizing your fuller bottom.
Willowby Esperance