Which Dress is Right for Me?
Apples, pears, and hourglasses—oh my!
Apple, pear, hourglass, diamond, rectangle, petite, curvy… If you’re shopping for your dream wedding gown now, you’ve probably heard these words lately, but you may be unsure which category is a good fit for you! The female body is a BEAUTIFUL thing, no matter your shape or silhouette, and there is definitely a “good shape” out there for all women. Knowing this can help shorten the time spent in the dressing room and increase the happiness factor when you try on THE ONE.
What to Look For in a Dress
Your bridal gown will likely be one of the top highlights of your special day. When looking for your dress, choose a flattering silhouette, fabric, and neckline that suits your figure and reflects your taste. Take extra care to ensure the dress aligns with your wedding’s season and venue.
Some things to consider:
Price Point
Be intentional, realistic, and thoughtful with setting a price point before you start your shopping. Budgeting not only aids in financial management but also reduces stress by setting realistic expectations for the gown you may end on. Explore a wide range of dresses that align with your financial boundaries to find the perfect dress without overspending.
Reflecting Your Style
Your attire should reflect your own unique style. Your wedding day is a momentous occasion, and your gown should celebrate who you truly are, so keep this in mind when listening to feedback from friends and family while you’re in the dressing room.
Consider The Wedding Vibe
Selecting a bridal wedding dress based on the overall vibe of the wedding can help infuse your wedding day with your unique and cohesive style. First, let's understand the look you are trying to achieve. Remember your wedding's color palette, fabrics, and textures, whether romantic, traditional, vintage, beachy, or formal.
Comfort is Key
Remember that you will be wearing this dress for upwards of 10 hours, so selecting a wedding gown that is both beautiful AND comfortable is key. Worrying about itchy sequins or ill-fitting straps is the last thing a bride should be focusing on during the wedding!
What Body Type Are You?
Knowing your body type is the first step to finding a great wedding dress that flatters your body type and its unique proportions.
Hourglass
It has a well-defined waist, balanced bust, and hips. Generally, you can choose any dress to accentuate your waist and enhance your natural silhouette.
Pear (Triangle)
This body type is defined as having narrower shoulders and busts with wider hips and thighs. Opt for dresses that draw attention to your upper body while minimizing the hips.
Rectangle (Athletic)
It is characterized by a bust, waist, and hips relatively similar in width. It doesn’t have a well-defined waist, so try dresses that add volume to the hips and create curves.
Apple (Round)
This body type has broad shoulders, a fuller midsection and bust, and narrower hips. Look for dresses that create the illusion of a more defined waist or draw attention upward.
Inverted Triangle (Athletic)
This body type is characterized by the broad shoulder, which is the widest point of the body. It then tapers down from the broad shoulders to the narrower hips. It is an athletic body shape.
Diamond Shape
It has broad shoulders and busts with a narrower waist and hips. Balance your figure with dresses that highlight your lower body and avoid excessive embellishments on the shoulders.
Learn The Silhouettes
There are several wedding dress silhouettes to choose from for the ideal bridal gown. They each offer a distinct style and look that accentuates your body type.
A-Line
This silhouette resembles the letter "A" and is characterized by a fitted bodice that gradually flares from the natural waistline to the floor. This universally flattering body silhouette dress style suits most body types.
Mermaid
It is fitted through the bodice and hips, then flares dramatically at or below the knee. This silhouette gown highlights curves and offers a glamorous, sensual look.
Empire
This silhouette features a high waistline that sits just below the bust, with a flowing, loose-fitting skirt. It’s an ideal choice for dresses for the romantic body type.
Ball Gown
This silhouette gown is the classic “fairytale princess dress”. It features a fitted bodice with a dramatic, full skirt. This bridal wedding dress style is ideal for brides looking to make a grand entrance.
Sheath
It is a classic body silhouette dress known for its slim, straight-line shape that falls from the neckline to the hem. Its sleek, minimalistic look is perfect for brides who prefer simplicity.
Trumpet
It is a style of bridal gown with a fitted bodice through the bust, waist, and hips, gradually flaring out around or below the knee.
Column
It is form-fitting from top to bottom and has a straight, narrow shape. It creates a sleek, elegant look and is the choice for brides preferring modern and minimalist weddings.
Tea-Length
It is characterized by its skirt length and typically falls between the knee and the ankle. It is a great option for outdoor or destination weddings, or for the vintage-leaning bride!
Hourglass girls have bustlines and shoulders that are roughly the same measurement, with well-defined waists.
Pears have equally defined waists with busts that are smaller than the hips.
Girls with Rectangular-shaped bodies can almost draw a straight line from their shoulders down to their hips with less definition of the waist.
The opposite of the Pear, an apple-shaped woman has a larger bust than the hips and a defined waist.
Also known as Inverted Triangle, the diamond-shaped body has a waist that is larger than the bust and hip areas.
Silhouettes and the Shapes
So, now that you may have decided which typical shape your own rockin’ body fits into, let’s discuss which gown silhouette is right for you.
Hourglass
Hourglass-shaped bodies can usually find a flattering fit in almost any of the typical gown silhouettes, including mermaid, ballgown, A-line, sheath, and empire.
Apple
Apple shapes look great in A-lines, empires, and ballgowns—especially if they have a narrow bodice and fuller skirt.
Rectangles
Rectangle-shaped women often lean towards empires, A-lines, and ball gowns to help further define their waists and add a sense of curves.
Pear
Pears are perfection in A-line gowns and ballgowns, bonus if they have corseted features and embellishments!
Diamond
A diamond-shaped woman looks divine in a sheath dress or empire waist, especially those with embellished bustlines to add volume in that area.
Just a Reminder
Again, we at THE ONE Gown truly feel that all women have beautiful bodies, no matter their size or shape. This information is only intended to help you cut down on time looking at the wrong gowns, not to make you feel bad about yourself if you don’t fit into “the right” category for your dream gown. If you feel you need a bridal stylist, reach out to me!
Frequently Asked Questions
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It can weigh anywhere from 5 to 30 pounds! Its weight can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the dress's style, design, and especially the fabric and embellishments. Want a lightweight gown? Avoid dresses with beading and lots of skirting layers.
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The same rule rings true for all brides-to-be, regardless if you’re on a new health kick, or are already the size you will be for the Big Day. Start shopping at least 9 months in advance of the wedding date, but pay special attention to the size you order to ensure the dress can be altered down to whatever size you may be 6-8 weeks before the wedding.
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Yes, you can! All bodies are beautiful and finding a gown that makes you feel confident and radiant is KEY, regardless of what shape or silhouette you may be.