06 Jul Insiders guide on finding the best wedding dress for your shape

As we all know woman come in all sorts of shapes and sizes so it’s no surprise that when brides come to us they are sometimes a little confused about which style of dress will flatter their shape. It’s no surprise to us though as wedding dresses come in a huge variety of fabrics and shapes. From Taffeta to Tulle and from Column to Ball Gown,I’m going to give you the insider knowledge so you can be your own expert on choosing the most important dress of your life that will also compliment your body……….After all who doesn’t want to feel a million dollars on their wedding day!

PEAR SHAPE

Look for: A skirt that gradually flares out in an A formation from the natural waist to the floor, highlighting the narrowness of your waist and floating away from the hips and thighs. Fabrics such as duchesse satin and taffeta, are especially effective as they don’t cling. A spaghetti-strap bodice or a V neckline will also give the illusion of a more slender upper body.

IF YOU ARE BUSTY

Look for: A dress with a scooped neckline. It opens 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 can make your bust appear bigger than it is.

Fabric on the top half of your dress has a sheen to it such as organza, satin, or silk will add volume and draw attention to your chest. Material that is ruched will have the same effect.

IF YOU ARE APPLE SHAPED

Look For:A dress that cinches in at the smallest point on the waistline, then flares out into a gradual A line. Look for a bodice with a lot of texture to it such as ruche or lace, that will camouflage and fit snugly, creating a corset like effect. The most slimming neckline for you is one with a deep V, this draws the eyes toward the vertical, not the horizontal. Avoid trumpet dress styles, which can emphasise the area where your body is widest and flare out at the legs and the knees, where you are most slender.

IF YOU ARE TALL

Look for:A simple silhouette. The trick here is to emphasise your natural shape, so every aspect of the dress the lower waistline, a floor-sweeping hem should aim to reflect your longer proportions. If you like long sleeves, look for ones that go past the wrist.

IF YOU ARE PLUS SIZE

Look For:An Empire dress with a skirt that begins just under the bust and flows into a gradual floor-length A-line. The dress should fit properly, if it’s too loose, it will add pounds. Satin provides structure. For a romantic look for looser fabrics.

IF YOU ARE STRAIGHT LINED

Look for:A dress that gives the illusion of curves where you don’t have them. Look for ball gown styles that clinche in at your natural waist and flow into a full skirt: It will capitalise on your slenderness. If you have a small bust, look for a bodice with some ruching to create volume.

IF YOU ARE PETITE

Look for:Trumpet, Column, or an A-line style. Find a dress 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 and limited to the bodice, to draw the eye upward. Avoid calf length dresses as they can make your legs look short unless paired with some heels.

IF YOU ARE SMALL CHESTED

Look for: A ruched bodice. Extra fabric up top will help fill out your upper body and create the illusion of curves. A lightly padded halter style will also do the trick. The right bra can provide a nice boost, but as many wedding dresses are strapless or backless bra options can be limited, look for backless and strapless styles or silicone cups.

The lingo of wedding dresses can appear a minefield, it’s best to grab a few close family members and girl friends and go and shop/ feel / look and try on, when you find the one you will know!

House of Oliver is a bridal shop situated between Nottingham and Derby, in Ilkeston. We specialise in affordable, luxurious wedding dresses in a size 8-28 all at up to 85% off RRP. Bridesmaids Dresses, Grooms Hire, flower girls we can cater for the whole bridal party too!

To book an appointment call 07709544939 or send us a message via facebook www.facebook.com/houseofoliverbridal