Beauty
Figure Fixers
Women come in all shapes and sizes and we want to give brides-to-be of the South East the best tips on how to flatter their figures for their most special day. Whatever your shape or figure there is a perfect dress out there for you, you’ve just got to know how to flatter your natural assets. Of course a bridal design shop or dressmaker will be able to help you choose a syle, but there’s no harm thinking about what kind of dress might suit you best before you go out and buy it. Here’s a look at the most common body shapes with their ideal wedding dress designs.
Pear shape
Pears tend to have a relatively thin upper body, often small breasts, a well-defined waist and heavier lower body. Pear shaped women are often described as ‘bottom heavy’ but their real asset is their well-defined waist.
Pears should wear tops with a broad V neck to emphasise shoulders and draw attention away from hips. Skirts which are flared accentuate slim calves and draw the eye away from your hips, and slits up the sides are also good.
Best wedding dress: Ballgown
This is a dramatic dress that’s perfect for hiding big hips and thighs. It flares dramatically below the waist so it shows off a defined waist.
Apple shape
Apples have slender and shapely legs, narrow hips, large breasts and a relatively large waist. They should avoid clingy fabrics and blouses with fancy details and ruffles, and clothes which have very defined waistbands as these will bring the eye to the waist. Instead go for sleeveless tops which flatter good arms.
Best wedding dress: A line
A fluid A-line cut will gracefully skim curves and a bandeau style top will show off toned arms – good for women who want to hide their not entirely flat tummies
Tube shape
Tubes have similar width bust, waist and hips. Their undefined waist makes the body look shorter or wider than it really is. They usually have a relatively flat chest.
Best wedding dress: Princess
The Princess has thin shoulder straps and a plunging neckline. The dress then flares out from below the bust and gives tall slim women a bit of curve.
Best wedding dress: Sheath or Slip Dress
Usually made with fabric that hangs straight, the sheath is unforgiving for generous figures and suits women with slim and toned arms and legs. A very straight slip may have a knee high slit to help the bride walk.
Hourglass shape
This shape has similar width shoulders and hips. The chest is full but not necessarily large. Hips are reasonably wide and bottom is generous. The hourglass’s best feature is their well-defined waist.
Best wedding dress: Draped a-line
This dress has a fitted corset-style top which accentuates the waist. It flares out dramatically at the hips with layers and ruffles. Good for women who want to show off their small waists and play down their hips.
