GO FIGURE

How to dress for your big day whatever your beautiful shape

Knowing your body shape is a great place to start when thinking about your wedding dress. Your everyday wardrobe might already be screaming clues at you as it’ll be full of styles and shapes that you naturally gravitate towards. Have a look at other dresses you’ve worn to formal occasions or even to the office and see if they follow a general shape. If they do, this is a great guide to what silhouette of wedding dress to try on first.

The golden rules really though are simply to keep an open mind, trust your consultant and embrace your figure. We caught up with some of the county’s bridal boutique owners to find out more. Hayley at Hayley Elizabeth Bridal says, “The fitted bodice of Beau paired with the flowing skirt beautifully enhances this shape, accentuating the upper body while softly complementing the lower half.”

Pear

You’re likely to be boasting a pear or triangle body shape if you’d consider your hips and bottom to be wider than your shoulders and bust.

Hayley suggests Beau by Ellis Bridals

Victoria at Victoria Elaine Bridal says, “A ballgown works wonders with this shape, especially if you’re looking for the fullest of skirts. If you’re broader at the hips a gown that cinches in your waist is perfect for you.”

Victoria suggests Nash by Hayley Paige

Megan of Vicki’s Bridal Boutique says, “An A-line gown is a great way of balancing your shape and covering the areas you may be more conscious of. We find that even brides who view their hips as a sticking point see only what they love most in this silhouette.”

Vicky suggests Antonia by Sincerity

Vicky of Victoria’s Bridal Boutique says, “Nip in your waist with a well structured A-line dress and let a full skirt glide over your hips. Balance with a V-neck strap then choose whether you prefer simple and elegant details or more jazz.”

If you’d describe your body as “curvy” and your bust and hip measurements are roughly equal, you most likely have a hourglass figure.

Victoria suggests Jasmine from Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Collection Hayley says, “Nothing enhances an hourglass figure like a fishtail; this silhouette will enhance your curves and accentuate your waist for maximum impact!”

Vicky suggests Grace by Stella York Megan says, “Why not opt for a fit and flare to show off your shape. Remember though, just because you have the curves we all dream of, doesn’t mean you have to go for a figurehugging number. Don’t be scared to wear something unexpected!”

Megan suggests Ellen by Nieve Couture Hayley suggests Narine by Enzoani

Apple

Your body shape is likely to be described as apple if your shoulders, bust, waist and hips are fairly similar in measurement, with slightly narrower shoulders and hips.

Vicky suggests Maive by Stella York

Victoria suggests Cora by Jennifer Wren Bridal.

Victoria says, “We always suggest one of the following: A tea-length dress to show off your legs, a corset back to create a fabulous waistline or our favourite: a dropped waist.” Vicky says, “Steer clear from anything that’ll cut your shape in half. Keep the detail flowing down the dress or go for something simple and elegant.” Megan says, “An empire waistline creates a defined shape, while drawing the eye upwards with some gorgeous top detail. What’s more, a beautiful chiffon skirt skims over the tummy area nicely. You’ll always be your harshest critic, but as long as you feel fabulous, that’s all that really matters.”

Inverted triangle If you deem your shoulders to be the widest part of your body and you find your measurements narrow as you move down to your hips and waist, you can call your body shape an inverted triangle.

Vicky says, “Define your waist with a soft A-line skirt (nothing too full) and you’ll balance out your overall shape.”

Hayley suggests Lennox by Blue by Enzoani

Hayley says, “A deep-plunge V-neck and straps one to two inches in width will work wonders for this body shape. The straps will flatter a broader shoulder while the neck will show off the upper body.”

Victoria says, “If you’d rather avoid bringing attention to your shoulders, an on trend off-the-shoulder look is ideal.”

Victoria suggests Belle from Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Collection Vicky suggests Marisol by Rebecca Ingram

Megan says, “A shorter A-line skirt adds volume to the lower half creating a beautiful shape and showing off all your best bits!”

Megan suggests Edith by House of Mooshki

You’re most likely sporting a rectangle figure if you have straight hips and a straight body line. Don’t be deceived, you can still have a rectangle shape whether you’re size 8 or size 28.

Hayley says, “An A-Line with a deep V-neck coming to a point at the waist will give the illusion of being cinched, while a flowing skirt brings subtle volume to the lower body.” Victoria says, “The trick is to create the illusion of curves so opt for a sheath gown. Something with lace detail at the hips that moves inwards will be super-flattering.”

Victoria suggests Tiana from Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Collection

Hayley suggests Tinek by Rosa Clara

Vicky says, “We’d suggest using detail to accentuate your shape. Look for a defined waist band or illusion sides.”

Vicky suggests Sienna by Stella York

CONTACT OUR EXPERTS

Hayley Elizabeth Bridal | www.hayleyelizabeth.co.uk Vicki’s Bridal Boutique | www.vickisbride.co.uk Victoria Elaine Bridal Boutique | www.victoriaelainebridal.co.uk Victoria’s Bridal Boutique | www.victoriasbridalboutique.co.uk

Megan suggests Ruth by Nieve Couture

Megan says, “Show off a slender shape with a halter-neck column dress. This is a simple silhouette that can be dressed with accessories and looks great with a cathedral-length veil.”