Choose the Perfect Wedding Dress for Your Body Type
How to determine which gown will fit and flatter you best.
If You're Pear-Shaped
Look for: A skirt that gradually flares out in an A formation from the natural waist to the floor, highlighting the narrowness of the midsection and floating away from the hips and thighs. (Sturdier fabrics, such as duchesse satin and taffeta, are especially effective, since they won't cling.) A spaghetti-strap bodice or a V neckline will also showcase a more slender upper body.
Keep in mind: A classic A-line silhouette lends itself to formal weddings, but it can also be dressed down when made from a more casual fabric, like eyelet lace or raw-silk shantung.
If You're Busty
Look for: A dress with a scooped neckline. It will open up your face and display your décolletage without showing too much cleavage. If you love the look of strapless gowns, choose one that has a slight dip along the neckline, like a sweetheart, rather than a style that goes straight across (which will make your bust appear even larger and more shelflike).
Keep in mind: Fabric on the bodice that has a sheen to it (such as organza, satin, or silk) will add volume and call attention to your chest. Material that is ruched will have the same effect.
If You’re Plus-Sized
Look for: An Empire dress with a skirt that begins just under the bust and flows into a gradual floor-length A-line. Make sure the Empire seam does not start on the chest and that there is no pleating of the fabric, which is reminiscent of maternity wear. The dress should play up your shape; if it’s too loose, it will add pounds.
Keep in mind: Find fabrics like satin that provide structure, rather than anything too flowy. If you love the romantic look of airier fabrics, choose a gown with a stiffer base, then add an embroidered tulle overlay.
If You’re Apple-Shaped
Look for: A dress that cinches in at the smallest point on the waistline, then flares out into a gradual A shape. Opt for a bodice with a lot of texture to it―think ruche or lace detailing―that will camouflage and fit snugly, creating a corsetlike effect. The most slenderizing neckline for you is one with a deep V, which will draw eyes toward the vertical, not the horizontal.
Keep in mind: Avoid trumpet dress styles, which emphasize the area where your body is widest and flare out at the legs and the knees, where you are most slender.
If You're Tall
Look for: A simple silhouette. The strategy is to emphasize your natural shape, so every aspect of the dress―the lower waistline, a floor-sweeping hem―needs to reflect your longer proportions. If you're wearing long sleeves, they should go past the wrist. You don't want to look as if you've borrowed a gown from someone shorter than you.
Keep in mind: Because you are statuesque, you'll want to err on the side of simplicity when it comes to embellishments. Too many bells and whistles, like ruffles and rosettes, can come off as cutesy, particularly on a tall person.
If You're Petite
Look for: Trumpet, sheath, and modified A-line gowns. Find a style with a waistline above your natural waist, to make the lower half of the dress (and therefore you) appear longer. The fabric is up to you―you can pull off a high sheen. But the detailing should be small (no huge bows) and limited to the bodice, to draw the eye upward.
Keep in mind: Be wary of dresses with a dropped waist, which will make your legs seem nonexistent, and ball gowns―it's easy to get lost in that voluminous skirt. Also, avoid anything calf-length, which will make your legs look short.
If You're Small-Chested
Look for: A ruched bodice. Extra fabric up top will help fill out your upper body and create the illusion of curves. Lightly padded halter styles will also do the trick.
Keep in mind: The right bra will always provide a nice boost, but as many wedding dresses are strapless or backless, your undergarment options may be fairly limited. Instead, try self-adhesive silicone bra cups by NuBra (available at nubra.com).
A Wrap
Why choose it: You're looking for extra coverage for a strapless gown or you just want an insurance policy against a September chill.
What to consider: Options range from the simple (a white pashmina or cashmere cardigan) to the ornate (a beaded shrug). You may want to swathe a satin gown in a panel made from the same fabric. Ask your dressmaker to order extra material from the same dye lot as your dress, as colors can vary slightly. Standard silk, chiffon, and lace wraps are sure bets, too―and with any luck you'll have an accessory you'll actually wear again.
Upgrade Your Bridal Gown With Accessories
A Headpiece
Why choose it: Many women don't feel fully bridal without a veil, a tiara, or some other adornment.
What to consider: If you go the veil route, try on a variety of lengths and shapes with your gown to see what complements it best. (In general, longer veils are considered more formal and shorter ones have a slightly retro feel.) At veilshop.com, you can design your own veil in three clicks. Just choose your desired style, length, and trim. Tiaras, silk flowers, vintage combs, or pearl and crystal hairpins can also add a special touch. Find options at perfectdetails.com.
Jewelry
Why choose it: To complement your neckline or simply to add sparkle to your Big Day.
What to consider: You don't want jewelry that steals the show. The pieces you purchase (or, better yet, borrow) should enhance your gown, not compete with it. So if you're wearing a dress with an elaborately beaded neckline, a necklace of any kind could be distracting. Diamond studs, pearl earrings, or a delicate diamond bracelet would work well instead. On the other hand, a wide-set portrait neckline begs to be completed with a pendant or a pair of chandelier danglers.
Shoes
Why choose them: Unless your ceremony involves sand, you can't exactly go barefoot.
What to consider: Heel height. Ballet flats or kitten heels are the safest call, but higher heels can also be comfortable if you choose a stacked or platform heel. Browse styles of flats at frenchsole.com. And visitmyglassslipper.com for heels. Dyeing shoes the same color as your gown is the easiest way to guarantee a match, but you can also try buying a metallic pair. Ivory dresses tend to go well with gold shades; truer whites work better with silver tones.