Wedding gown shopping can be overwhelming. But knowing basic dress silhouettes and body types and also understanding how they flatter your figure will help. Remember: How you feel in that dress is crucial to finding the right fit.
Busty
Petite, plus or average size, you've got a full bust.
Dress dos: Accentuate the positive with an uplifting foundation garment, like a good bra, or a corset. Or minimize your curves by balancing your top with a full skirt.
Dress don'ts: Be careful that your dress isn't too revealing -- you want the focus to be on your face. And don't forget to move around in your gown during fittings to make sure everything stays in place.
Designer to try: Dennis Basso
Dennis Basso incorporates lots of ruching into his designs. Terry Hall, fashion director at Kleinfeld Bridal, says, "Ruching can actually help slim and balance a larger bust."
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Broad
You're built like a swimmer, with wide-set shoulders.
Dress dos: Highlight your toned shoulders with a halter neckline, or go for drama in a gown with long sleeves worn off the shoulder. Select a dress with a bodice that highlights your waistline to offset your shoulders and create an hourglass shape.
Dress don'ts: Trying to conceal your shoulders is not recommended, as it sometimes produces the opposite effect. Stay away from cap sleeves, which can add width to the shoulder area.
Designer to try: Amsale, Lela Rose
Amsale is a go-to for Hall when he's helping clients find a halter-style gown. Mark Ingram of Mark Ingram Atelier recommends Lela Rose, however, because her designs are perfect for accommodating broad shoulders.
Pear-Shaped
Though small on top, you round off toward the bottom.
Dress dos: A dropped-waist style or a strapless ball gown will cover your bottom half and put more emphasis on the top. An off-the-shoulder neckline will keep the attention on your upper body, and an A-line gown is always a flattering choice.
Dress don'ts: A sheath can be unflattering, and a V-neck will draw the eyes downward.
Designer to try: Alita Graham
Available in a variety of styles, A-line silhouettes look good on most body types. Alita Graham has an assortment of full A-line options, says Hall.
Full-Figured
You're voluptuous, with a well-endowed bust and curvy hips.
Dress dos: Try a mermaid- or trumpet-style gown, which will have a slimming effect. A high-waisted A-line dress with a low neckline also complements curves.
Dress don'ts: A slim sheath or slinky bias cut will cling and may accent any extra inches; also avoid spaghetti straps because they won't provide the support you need.
Designer to try: Pnina Tornai, Monique Lhuillier
Pnina Tornai is noted for her sensual styling and fitted designs. Many of her gowns have corsets to help define your shape. Ingram recommends Monique Lhuillier for her sexy silhouettes with good coverage.
Boxy
Short or tall, you have a boyish waistline.
Dress dos: Empire-waist gowns are made with you in mind. And a ball gown with a basque waistline, which is a V-shaped dip in the front, will give your waist a nipped-in look for more shape.
Dress don'ts: Steer clear of sheaths and dropped-waist styles, which will make you appear boxier.
Designer to try: Amsale, Pnina Tornai
"Both Amsale and Pnina Tornai have beautiful corset options, which create the illusion of shape by defining your waist," says Hall.
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Petite
You're tiny.
Dress dos: The key word here is elongation. It's best to keep it simple. A column-like sheath or an A-line dress works best: These will keep the eye moving and create the illusion of height.
Dress don'ts: Almost all silhouettes will flatter your figure, though a big ball gown or a dress with lots of voluminous fabric may look overwhelming on your small frame.
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