A Guide to Wedding Gown Shapes and Fits
You’ve got the ring and now it’s time to find the dress of your dreams!
It can be overwhelming to think about what kind of dress you want to wear on your big day, especially in the time of COVID-19, where your options may be limited. You have to take into consideration your body shape, height, personal style, location, and so many other factors. The easiest way to cut down your choices to a few different styles, especially when it comes to gown silhouettes, is to take a look into your closet and determine what type of silhouette you usually wear. Of course, every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day, so we typically go for gowns we feel will highlight our most loved assets. But, don’t be afraid to try a few gowns and wedding dress shapes outside of your comfort zone as well - you never know what you could find! Every bride has a different shape and proportions, so you may not fit into any one body shape category, you could have a blend of two body types, and that’s perfectly okay. Above all, we want every bride to feel confident on her big day, so we’ve put together a general wedding dress shapes guide below on what dress styles will pair well with each kind of body frame!
Hourglass
If you have an hourglass shape and want your wedding gown to show off your curves, go for a more flirty and feminine style like a mermaid/ trumpet, A-Line princess, or column/sheath silhouette. These styles with fitted bodices will put your curves on full display by cinching in at the waist and then flowing out below the knee, subtly bringing attention to your curves.
Pear
Those hips don’t lie, and it’s glorious! If you happen to be slimmer on top with a fuller bottom, find a gown that will accentuate your lower half. Mermaid/ trumpet, ball gown with an empire waistline, and A-Line princess styles will flatter your figure. With a fitted bodice that cinches at the waist, your gown will define and shape your midsection, but still provide a romantic look with a fuller skirt.
Petite
For our smaller framed ladies, gowns with heavier bodices can make you feel weighed down or hidden behind the dress itself. If you’re looking for a gown that will lengthen your frame, opt for a style like a column/sheath, A-Line princess, or ball gown with an empire waistline. These styles will draw the eyes upward by heightening and emphasizing your natural waist.
Apple
If you’re rocking an apple shape, find a gown that will be narrow at the top and flare out at the waist, accentuating your natural shape. An A-Line princess, ball gown, or ball gown with an empire waistline will flatter your lower half, as well as create the illusion of an elongated frame.
Tall & Thin
If you desire curves but have a thinner frame, you can create them by choosing a gown that accentuates your natural body shape and hugs it in all the right places. With a mermaid/trumpet, column/sheath, or a ball gown, the fitted bodice of these styles will emphasize your natural waist, while the fuller skirt creates an hourglass illusion.
Full Figure
Celebrate those curves, ladies! If you have a fuller figure, try a ball gown with an empire waistline, mermaid/trumpet, or A-Line princess silhouette that will highlight your waist. No matter what style you choose, be wary of the support your neckline will provide for your bust. You don’t want to have the pain of adjusting your gown all night - it can be a total drag!
Remember these are just suggestions and you should choose any gown style that makes you feel the most beautiful. Still have questions? Schedule a free style consultation with one of our stylists so we can talk through wedding dress shapes and help you find the perfect gown!
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