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. But the golden rules really are to keep an open mind and trust your bridal consultant. We caught up with some of the county’s bridal boutique owners to find out more.

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.

Jools suggests Etienne from her Signature Bridal Collection Jools from Valentia Bridal says, “Pear bodies tend to have a defined waist, so ballgowns are the perfect choice as this style will enhance the feature as well as giving you balance.”

Your Sussex Wedding editor Kelly says, “V and U-shaped necklines are great for the pear-shaped bride as they bring the angles away from the hips. Styles with sleeves also work wonders to broaden the shoulders and bring balance.” Debbie suggests Laura from the Bliss Range by Tiffany Bridal

Debbie from Rosedene Bridal says, “As your hips are the area you might not want to draw attention to, stay clear of mermaid silhouettes. Dresses that have a defined waist and an A-line skirt will flatter everything above your waist and hide everything below! Also, styles with asymmetric folds across the body will draw the eye away from the stomach.”

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

Debbie says, “If you have an hourglass figure with your bust and hips a similar size, bravo! You’re one of the lucky ones. You can wear any style including a tightly fitted mermaid or fishtail both of which will show off your gorgeous curves.”

Debbie suggests PB0057 by Pure Bridal

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Jools says, “We love fit and flare or mermaid gowns for this figure, but they’re so versatile and suit so many shapes. One tip though, if you’re petite or plus size, make sure the skirt gently goes out from the hips rather than opting for a fanned fishtail, which could create the impression of a shorter and wider silhouette. The elegance of a sheath gown too is ideal for an hourglass figure.”

Jools suggests Isabella from her Signature Bridal Collection

Debbie says, “It’s a great idea to look at empireline silhouettes or ballgowns as they’ll flatter your shape beautifully, giving the impression of a smaller waist. Also, corset or lace-up backs are a godsend for mature brides or those with a fuller waist, giving you a fabulous figure.”

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.

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Jools says, “You can’t go wrong with a princesscut gown. This style has a shaped waistline that will offer you a streamlined silhouette, balancing your curves perfectly in all the right places. It’s also a great cut for petite brides as it’ll elongate your body.”

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.

Kelly says, “Think about adding some angles with a pretty belt or sash, a V-neck, or a bolero. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something completely different why not try a bridal two piece or suit, great for an ultra-stylish city wedding.”

Kelly suggests Tatum by Justin Alexander

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Jools says: “The elegance of a sheath gown, whether you opt for a sleek and sexy design or a more romantic lace, is simply perfect for this body shape.”

Jools suggests Aracelli from her Signature Bridal Collection

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.

Jools suggests Davinci from her Signature Bridal Collection

Jools says, “The timeless A-line gown, whether it be the on-trend floaty boho style or the more traditional look with a full skirt, is the go-to dress for all body shapes. It helps to balance out an inverted triangle figure for example, by offering the illusion of the perfect hourglass figure.” Kelly says, “A stunning dress with plenty of lace or detail will draw the eye away from any one area in particular. Opt for sleeves or wide straps to play down the shoulder area or give a daring sheath a try for a super-sleek look.”

Kelly suggests Metropolis by Eliza Jane Howell

CONTACT OUR EXPERTS

Rosedene Bridal https://rosedenebridal.com Valentia Bridal Boutique, www.valentiaboutique.co.uk