Ladies, the time has come to say yes to the right dress. A wedding dress is a piece of artwork designed for the bride to make her partner and all guests gasp when she walks in. Like any fashion statement piece, confidence is critical. How the dress fits in with all the other elements such as hair, make-up, etc. creates the wow, not the price tag. We at Wedztyle feel that looking for a wedding dress should be a joyful experience as this is a time for the bride to experiment with different styles, shades of white and materials.
Before we explore the different types of dress, I would like to touch on body shape balance. Despite if a bride is a bottom or top-heavy, has a narrow waist or wide hips, there needs to be a body shape balance between the upper torso, and legs. By creating vertical balance, the body looks in proportion, so the ‘good’ bits stand out, and the ‘not so good’ bits are hidden. However any dress can be the right dress, regardless of recommendations, your dress should make you feel special and beautiful.
Vertical Body Balance
Image: Pinterest
In essence, the primary axis (legs) and the secondary axis (upper torso) should be in balance when wearing any outfit. There are four main body types.
Images: Pinterest
Based on a vertical body balance, as a guide, a triangle body shape should balance out their shoulders to their hips. Dresses can include a boat or scoop neckline, even a strapless. A straight A-line, empire, or a gown style gown would create the right proportions.
An hourglass body shape would look fabulous in a dress that accentuates their tiny waste such as a ball gown or A-line. Any wedding dress that frames or flares from the waist will create that nice vertical body balance. A nicely fitted jumpsuit pinched at the waist will look stunning.
A cone body shape needs to find balance on the lower half of their body. A wedding dress that flares from the knee would look amazing on this type of body shape. Gowns like a mermaid, trumpet even strapless would work well.
As for a rectangular body, the ideal type of dresses would be A-line, empire, and drop-waist. A suit with a longer jacket that is fitted would look fabulous.
Styles of Wedding Dresses
The Ballgown
For brides wanting a princess look, the ballgown is for you. The style of the dress tends to be fitted at the waist with a full skirt. The bodice can be strapless, with straps, or halter style. Perfect for all body types.
Source: Elie Saab
The Trumpet
The style of the Trumpet gown is similar to a mermaid style as it hugs the body in the right places and gradually flares outwards. The trumpet flare begins in the mid-thigh area. The stylishness is ideal for hourglass and petite figures. For our pear and apple figured brides, the style does accentuate the stomach and hip area. Wearing great shapewear will slim down those areas.
Source: Elie Saab
Mermaid
Over the years the mermaid style dress of dress has increased in popularity. The design hugs close to the body, flares at or below the knee, creating a mermaid-like tail. These dresses tend to be harder to move around in than the trumpet, so maybe think about having a different dress for the reception so you can move around more easily. This type of style suits the hourglass-shaped ladies but once again, if you have your heart set on this one shapewear is the key.
Source: Berta
A-Line
The A-line gown is a popular style of dress which is a standard go-to for many brides. Although it is similar to the ballgown with its fitted bodice, the A-line gown skirt has more flow less fullness. This gown suits all body types. The stylishness of the dress is a good option for bridesmaids with different body shapes.
Source: Oscar De La Renta
Modified A-Line Gown
This gown is a modified version of the A-line dress. The style is fitted through the bodice and the hip, flaring to the hem forming an A-Shape. Flattering design for shapely women. A belt will look amazing with this dress, again bringing in the waist to give it a different look.
Source: Anna Campbell Bridal
Sheath
This dress, referred to as the column style, is straight down from the hip to the hem with little or no flare. Sometimes a slight flare can be added tapering at the heals—an ideal gown for petite and hourglass-shaped women, especially taller women.
Source: Toni Maticevski
Empire Dress
This gown is fabulous for flaunting your curves. The dress has a fitted bodice ending just below the bust, giving a high-waisted appearance. It has a long gathered skirt which is loosely fitted but skims the body—a perfect style for diamond and pear-shaped and pregnant women.
Source: Vera Wang
Tea Length
The tea-length style was trendy in the 1950s and is loved by vintage brides. The stylishness is an A-line or ballgown shape with a shorter hemline ending right below the knee. Perfect for many body types.
Source: Naeem Khan Bride
Jumpsuit
The jumpsuit has gained popularity over the past years. Designers add their spin on the jumpsuit to make sure it has enough bling to make it the perfect choice. It is an ideal option to change into after the ceremony as you can move around in it better at the reception. Great for all body types.
Source: Jenny Packham
The Suit
The white suit has gained momentum within the last couple of years, especially for the couples that have chosen to elope during COVID19 pandemic. As there are different styles of suits, choose one that will compliment your body shape. Do not be afraid to add some bling. Pair the suit with accessories such as jewellery, headpiece, and flowers.
Source: Pinterest
No matter what style of wedding dress you choose, wear it with confidence. Keep in mind what overall look you want to achieve and use this as a guide. Also, think about your vertical body shape to your body type as this will keep your proportions intact.
Happy hunting fellow Wedztyle brides.
Main Image: Dior