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Finding the Right
Wedding Dress for You
The big day is drawing near, and
with all the planning, choosing colors, selecting floral arrangements and
sending out invitations, perhaps the most important (and most fun) part of
wedding day preparation is choosing a dress. With some hints and tips about
body size, shape and figure, you can find the dress that is perfect for you.
Pear-Shaped Figure
For women with pear-shaped figures, the main
objective is to balance the top half with the lower half of your body. Two‑piece
gowns are ideal for this body figure, as they accentuate the upper half of the
body and divert attention away from the hip area. A‑line gowns are also
ideal with the pear‑shaped figure, as they also help drastically with
balancing the figure. Also try a strapless, off-the-shoulder or v-neckline at
the top of the dress to give off the illusion of “more going on” at the top of
the body and, again, adding balance to the pear-shaped figure. Those with this
figure type should stay away from halter-neck gowns, which can add to the
appearance of large hips, as well as pleated or gathered skirts. Straight
designs should also be avoided, as this will not serve to hide any bulkiness in
the hip area.
Hourglass Figure
For those with hourglass figures in which the
bust and hip areas are in proportion with one another and there also exists an
apparent and defined waistline, there are many styles that work well.
Strapless gowns work well with the hourglass figure, as well as a v-neckline or
an off-the-shoulder neckline. Whether strapless or one of the appealing
necklines for this figure, be sure to look for a dress that is one piece. A
two-piece gown will only further accentuate the hourglass figure by defining
the two separate proportional parts of the body. For the lower part of the
dress, A-line skirts work best for this body shape. Straight designs, similar
to the pear-shaped figure, do not work well on hourglass figures, as they can
accentuate the parts of the body that you may want to tone down.
Petite Figure
For small-framed brides who are shorter than
5’4” and rather petite, there are rules and no-no’s as well. Off-the-shoulder,
scooped and small‑strapped necklines work well on the petite frame. As
far as skirt shape, an A-line gown would work well, but only as a slight
A-line. A skirt that is too full can overtake a petite bride’s frame. A
Cinderella‑type gown can work well on a some petite figures. Slim,
straight gowns may cause a bride to “disappear” in them, so be sure to pick a
dress that fills you out a bit. A full‑length veil may also be worn to
add to the effect if a petite‑sized dress is too minimal for the
occasion.
Whatever figure you are, there is a wide variety
of dress shapes and styles to accentuate your best features. Using these
guidelines will help you make the most out of your features, conceal the ones
you want to hide, and help you look your best on one of the biggest days of
your life.
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