The perfect wedding dress for your shape…

By Stylist Natalie Baker

Most girls dream of a wedding day where they celebrate the love for their partner and feel their most beautiful, confident and sexy self. 

 Whilst it can be exciting when shopping for your perfect wedding dress, it can also be extremely overwhelming when confronted with a huge sea of dresses. Add into the mix the (mostly) helpful advice from family, friends and wedding consultants... this can sometimes add more confusion!

 Although you may have visions of your 'ideal' wedding dress, make sure that you are open to suggestions. Sometimes it really pays to try on a style that you had never even imagined.  Sometimes the dress suggested by your wedding consultant could well be the style that flatters you the most!

 Ultimately, you should choose a dress that makes you feel amazing! However if you are unsure where to begin, choose styles that highlight your best features and use these tips for each body shape as a guide.

| Pear |

Body shapes with a curvy lower half can bring the focus to the top half of your body with embellishments and detail. Ensure that the top part of the dress is structured and or textured to create fullness. Try a BALL GOWN style or an A LINE style to bring the focus to the waistline. If you are confident flaunting your curves, choose a fitted style on the lower half and choose shoulder detail to balance your shape.

| Hourglass | 

If you are a balanced hourglass with a naturally defined waist you can choose styles that flatter your natural curves and show the symmetry of your body shape. Try a DROPPED WAIST style or FISHTAIL or TRUMPET style to show your defined curves. A soft SHEATH style will also look fabulous and can be an elegant option for those not wanting to have a slim line dress.

| Petites | 

When it comes to petites, the general rule is that the smaller the person the smaller the dress styles. You don’t want to see the dress before everyone sees you on your wedding day. Try a SHEATH dress that will be somewhat form fitting to create length in the body. An EMPIRE LINE style that flares out from under the bust over the waist and hips can make you appear taller. Shorter TEA LENGTH dresses can also be a great choice for more casual weddings.

| Apple |

As an apple shape you will naturally have more volume on the top half of your body, so "built in" structure to lift the bust and "lengthen" the mid section will be key. If you are busty choose styles that lift and streamline, yet have underlying support. Necklines such as SWEETHEART and CROSSOVER will accentuate the bust whilst creating length in the torso area. Try styles with thicker straps or A LINE style dresses to help balance your shape.

| Athletic/Rectangle |

These body shapes should wear styles that highlight their toned arms, shoulders and figure. If you have a small bust you will be able to wear plunging backs and finer details on the top half. Try a BALL GOWN style to add softness to your body shape. Tailored styles with belts and a "built in" waistband will create more curves. A softer SHEATH style dress will accentuate your ‘column’ shape whilst appearing minimal and stylish.

| Inverted Triangle |

If you are broader across the shoulders and bust you may want to balance the body shape with styles that create the illusion of softness/hips on the lower half. Try an A LINE style to create curves and structure. A HALTER NECK style will show off your assets, whilst a FIT and FLARE will also add definition to lower half.

Good Luck

XX Nat

P.s If you think you could do with a professional helping hand, I do personal styling sessions. Shoot me a message and together we will find the perfect dress for your big day.