When planning your wedding day, it can be easy to get lost in a haze of minor details and decisions, from finding just the right invitations to picking out favors, choosing the band or nailing down a reception venue. One big decision that deserves some time to relish, however, is finding a beautiful wedding dress. But wedding dresses are not created equally. Read on for some extremely helpful pointers to find the figure-flattering dress of your dreams. Silhouettes Simply put, the silhouette refers to the general shape of your dress’s bodice and skirt. It does not take into account sleeves or neckline, though those features can make a big difference when it comes to finding the dress that complements your body shape perfectly. The following are brief descriptions of the most popular types of silhouettes found in wedding dresses today as well as notes on the body types they flatter best. A-Line The classic A-line gown gets its name because it is narrow at the top and widens toward the lower half of the body, just like the letter A. These gowns are among the most flattering for fuller figured women and can effectively draw attention from problem areas when combined with an eye-catching neck line. Naturally emphasizing the upper body, A-lines are also exceptional choices for women with a pear shape or wide hips. Empire The empire gown (actually a French term pronounced om-peer) is noted primarily for its waistline, which is higher than normal, creating an illusion of length for the wearer. Combined with a detailed neck line, this type of gown draws the eye away from trouble areas for heavier figures. Empire gowns are also ideally suited to short and petite women who wish to create a sense of elongation or height in their bodies. Women with boxy figures may also appreciate the empire’s higher waistline and its effect of suggesting a more hourglass-like figure. However, empire gowns are not a great choice for brides who want to draw attention away from the bust, since they emphasize that area of the body. Ball Gown Perhaps the most romanticized and traditional of styles for a wedding dress, the ball gown conjures images of royalty and is the classic choice of culturally iconic brides from Cinderella to Queen Victoria. This silhouette is characterized by a fitted bodice and a tight waist line that gives way suddenly to a large billowing skirt emphasized by tulle netting. This type of gown is a classic for a reason and is one of the most universally flattering, serving to camouflage the lower half of the body, balancing out pear-shaped figures, giving slimmer brides the elegant look of a ballerina and helping taller brides de-emphasize height by hiding the legs. Dropped Waist Dropped waist gowns, also known as Basque style, feature a waistline that is lower than usual. These gowns are generally forgiving and focus attention on the middle of the body. Thus, they are not the best choice for women with thick waists. Dropped waist gowns can create a dramatic effect for full-figured women, playing upon their natural curves. Slim or Column Slim and column dresses are designed with a sleek silhouette that is fitted throughout, offering a more modern yet still elegant alternative to the â€poofy†ball gown. These dresses are perfect for medium height thin women. Because of their streamlined tendencies, they are best avoided by tall brides who wish to draw attention from their height and can create an illusion of length for petite women. Fit to Flair or Trumpet The fit to flair and trumpet silhouettes take their stylistic cues from the ball gown, but offer a much more subtle effect. These dresses have tightly fitting bodices and gradually widen below the waist, creating an elegant, slimming effect without the showiness of the ball gown’s large skirt. Fit to flair gowns are an excellent choice for women who would prefer to hide a wider lower half while suggesting their hourglass figures. When it comes to wedding dress shopping, having a general idea of what you’re looking for ahead of time is half the battle and can eliminate a good deal more than half the stress. There are nearly as many dress styles as there are body shapes and sizes and for the rare exception, a bit of minor tailoring or alterations can give you the perfect fit. However, for a dress that suits your body type just right, choosing a complementary silhouette will go a long way toward satisfying your needs. In the end, the dress that’s right for you is one of the most personal choices a woman can make and should leave you happy and satisfied on your big day so you can focus on more important things.
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