Finding Your Most Flattering Fit
Looking for the perfect wedding gown? First, give yourself the chance to find a dress silhouette that best suits your body shape and size. The right silhouette will play up your pros and camouflage cons. You’ll also feel more comfortable and confident on your wedding day and look more beautiful than you ever expected. Check out these basic wedding dress silhouettes to help you decide on the most flattering fit for you.
TIP: Be open to trying on different silhouettes. Brides are often surprised to find out that a style they had not considered is actually their most flattering option!
Empire
The empire silhouette has a fitted bodice and a very high waist that sometimes starts right below the bust line. The long and loose-fitting skirt skims the body.
The Pros: This style helps elongate the figure, making the bride look longer legged. This silhouette is especially flattering on women who have a pear-shaped, bottom-heavy figure or might want to disguise a thick waist.
Mermaid
Designed to show off the curves of a beautiful bride, this dramatic, sexy silhouette contours the body from the chest to the knee, then flares out from the knee, or just below it.
The Pros: For slender figures, this style lends a shapelier look. It can also beautifully highlight the voluptuous curves of a full-figured bride.
A-Line
An A-Line or Princess Shape dress is fitted through the bust and bodice, then flows down to the flared skirt, creating an "A" shape.
The Pros: It skims curves rather than clinging to them, to create an elegant silhouette. As the most universally flattering wedding gown silhouette, the A-line really is a girl's best friend. It gives petite brides a taller appearance; it adds feminine curves to a long, narrow figure; it de-emphasizes wide waistlines; and it hides a heavier bottom half.
Ballgown
The fullest, most formal style, this classic and elegant silhouette adds curves by accentuating the waist and flowing gracefully into a very full skirt. Like the A-line silhouette, it flatters most figures, but is fuller and more structured.
The Pros: Great for emphasizing the upper body, while disguising heavier hips and thighs. Also an excellent style for brides with broad shoulders and small hips, as it helps create a gorgeous hourglass figure.
Sheath
Simple, sleek and elegant, the sheath is a long, narrow, slim-fitting silhouette with straight lines. Sheath dresses often cling and hug the curves and many are strapless or backless.
The Pros: This style is excellent for accentuating a slim figure without overwhelming it. Also great for petite brides, as the long, narrow lines elongate a small frame.
