Hello and welcome to the June edition of our blog. This one is dedicated to your body shape and what style of dress will suit it best. We all have our idea of what our dream dress should look like, whether it’s one of those things you’ve been thinking about since you were a little girl, or you’ve started since you’ve been engaged.

The 5 main body shapes

1. Apple Shape
2. Rectangle
3. Hourglass
4. Pear Shaped
5. Inverted Triangle

Let’s look at these shapes individually and find out which styles fit them the best and why. There are so many different styles, shapes and sizes to choose from it’s a minefield knowing where to start.

The Apple Shape

Attributed to brides who are top heavy. You have a larger bust, narrow hips and a heavier or rounder mid-section, with slender limbs. 

Apple shapes should avoid halter necks because they risk flooding your chest area, leaving other areas with little or no definition. Don’t be tempted to wear anything that draws attention to your waist and stay clear of pleats as these are less flattering.  That’s covered the don’ts so now lets find the styles to say yes, yes, yes!

Empire or A-Line dresses with flared or flowing skirts, give the illusion of a curvy more balanced shape. A lower neckline or dress with detail at the top will drawer the eye away from your fuller mid-section.

The Rectangle

You have a straighter up/down figure, meaning your shoulders, waist and hips are all about the same width. You are probably tall with very little waist definition and a small bust. Fear not we’ve got you covered!

You should avoid,figure hugging dresses like mermaid styles which would highlight your straight shape and give you less definition. High necklines will make you look like the best dressed giraffe in town, but making yourself appear longer will also make your figure less balanced.

Your go-to styles are … Princess, Ballgown, Empire or A-line. All of these styles have a fuller skirt bringing more definition to your shape to create the illusion of curves.

The Hourglass

You have a defined waist, bigger bust and wider hips, you have curvaceous beauty.

Avoid over embellishing your bust and hips because they are already perfectly balanced.  Stay away from ballgowns and any dress with a fuller skirt, these are less flattering to your shape. 

You should choose figure hugging styles to show off your curves. The mermaid is perfect for you! Plunging and sweetheart necklines will work best highlighting your bustier assets.

Pear Shape

Pear shapes have hips that are wider than their bust and a defined waist. They will likely have a petite narrow build with smaller bust and feminine neck and shoulders.

This shape should avoid empire styles because they will hide your dainty figure, and actually create the illusion of added size.

Sleek silhouette styles like fishtail dresses with sleeves are a great option for balancing out your smaller shoulders and wider hips.

The Inverted Triangle

Do you have broad shoulders and a slimmer waist and hips? Then you are an inverted triangle! 

Stay away from strapless, off the shoulder and halter styles, all of these will highlight your wider shoulders, knocking you out of proportion. 

You should opt for symmetrical or V-neck dresses. These are perfect for your inverted triangular shape.  Wide straps or even sleeves flatter your shape by making your shoulders appear more subtle. Dresses embellished with jewels and or lace help you appear broader in your slimmer areas creating body balance.

Your Next Step

We hope we’ve helped to guide you on the journey to your perfect wedding dress. If you would like more advice from one of our consultants please use our contact page to get in touch.