The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Dress Styles for Your Body Shape

In an endless sea of dress cuts, styles, fabrics, lengths, and so on, narrowing down your fated wedding dress is no easy feat. Despite the million things to consider when picking your dress, it’s up to you to determine which features matter most. Is it the comfort of the dress? The luxuriousness? How well the dress goes with your theme? Or perhaps how flattering it is on you?

 

Whatever your preferences are, remember that it’s your big day, and you’re entitled to a gown that makes you feel like royalty. Needless to say, any dress that you love will look beautiful on you.

 

But if choosing a wedding dress that flawlessly compliments your figure is something you want to consider in your dress-shopping journey, Poshfair Bridal's experienced bridal consultants will help you select a dress in the perfect style and fit for your figure.

 

Some dress fits will give that immediate WOW factor, while others will have you scrunching your brows in puzzlement. It all has to do with your unique body shape and selecting a dress style tailored to those specifications.

 

Keep reading to learn which body shape you align with and which dresses will have jaws dropping and heads turning at your wedding.

 
 
A Guide to Body Shapes
 
 

Rectangle Body Shape

Also referred to as a “straight” or “athletic” body shape, a rectangular-shaped body has evenly balanced proportions with little to no curves at the bust, waist, and hips.

 

The measurements of these parts are relatively similar in size, creating a more straight-lined overall silhouette.

 
 
 
 

Inverted Triangle Body Shape

An inverted triangle, “V-shaped,” or “upside-down triangle” shaped body is characterized by broad shoulders and narrower waist and hips.

 

The top part of the body appears wider than the lower part of the body.

 

The bust may also be well-defined and proportionally larger than the waist and hips.

 
 
 

Pear Body Shape

Pear-shaped or “triangular” bodies have a narrower upper body and curvier hips and thighs.

 

The hips are the widest point of the body, with a slimmer waist.

 

The bust is usually smaller in proportion to the hips.

 
 
 
 

Hourglass Body Shape

An hourglass body shape has balanced proportions between the bust and hips, with a well-defined waist.

 

The hips are proportionally aligned with the bust, creating a curvy lower body silhouette similar to the shape of an hourglass.

 
 
 
 
 

Apple Body Shape

An apple, or "oval" body shape, is characterized by carrying more weight around the midsection, particularly in the abdomen, waist, and upper body.

 

The hips and legs are often more slender in comparison to the waistline.

 

The bust may be well-defined and proportionally larger compared to the hips.

 
 
 
A Guide to Dress Styles
 
 

Ball gown

A ball gown wedding dress is a classic and romantic style of bridal gown known for its full, voluminous skirt and fitted bodice. It's the quintessential "princess" dress, often chosen by brides who want a dramatic and elegant look for their wedding day.

 

With its fitted bodice, full skirt, and versatile neckline, ball gown dresses suit the following body types:

 

- Pear

- Hourglass

- Rectangle

- Inverted triangle

 

A-line/Princess

An A-line or princess wedding dress is a universally flattering bridal gown style that combines a fitted bodice with a skirt that gradually flares out in the shape of an "A."

This silhouette is versatile and suits various wedding styles and body types. The A-line shape creates a balanced and elegant look, making it a popular choice for brides seeking a classic and timeless gown.

 Suits all body types.
 

Mermaid

A mermaid-style wedding dress, similar to (though not the same as) trumpet dresses and fit-and-flare dresses, is a form-fitting gown that hugs the body closely from the bodice down to the hips and thighs and then flares out below the knees, resembling the silhouette of a mermaid's tail.

 

A trumpet dress is streamlined until the midthigh, then flares out in a circular, flouncy shape. A fit-and-flare dress flares just past the hips. They’re very similar and give the same curve-hugging effect.

 

This style is known for its sultry and elegant look, often chosen by brides who want to showcase their curves. Suits Hourglass and Pear bodies.

Empire

An empire wedding dress is a style that features a high waistline that sits just below the bust, with a flowy and often floor-length skirt that falls loosely over the rest of the body. The skirt of an empire dress typically falls in an A-line or slightly flared shape, draping gently over the body without clinging to the hips and waist.

 

The high waistline draws attention to the bust and upper body, making it an excellent choice for brides who want to emphasize this area. This design creates a graceful and elegant silhouette, which is perfect for brides who want a romantic and timeless look.

 

Suits all body types.

 

Sheath

A sheath wedding dress is a sleek and minimalist style that offers a straight and narrow silhouette, closely following the body's natural shape. Its simplicity and understated sophistication characterize this elegant and modern design. Typically, it has a fitted bodice and hangs vertically from the shoulders to the hem. It does not have the dramatic flaring or fullness of other gown styles.

 

Suits Hourglass body types

  

Finding the perfect dress for your wedding vision is a process that takes careful time and consideration, but is ultimately worth it in the end. When you start your journey, pick a bridal boutique with plenty of options. Poshfair Bridal offers in-store wedding dresses, custom wedding dresses, wedding dress alterations, and free dress steaming for all customers. Book your appointment today to lock in the wedding dress of your dreams.

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