Selecting the Best Gown Style for Your Figure

You definitely want to find a wedding gown with the perfect fit and style to enhance your figure. Selecting the most appropriate silhouette for your body type is easy with our online guide!

First, let's take a quick look at the basic gown silhouettes.

1. Princess or A-Line. A-Line or princess silhouette has seams starting at the bust or shoulders and flowing down to a flared skirt. The top of the dress gracefully blends into the skirt.
   
2. Sheath. This silhouette closely follows the line of the body.
   
3. Ball Gown. The ball gown silhouette is similar to the A-Line; only it has a much fuller skirt and typically features a full bodice that is distinctly separate from the skirt.
   
4. Empire. The Empire silhouette has a high waist look, often with a seam under the bust line and typically a slimmer skirt.

Now take a look at which silhouettes work best for each body style. Remember these are basic rules and can be broken. It is best to try on all the silhouettes to see which looks best on you.

If you have an hour-glass figure, small waist and larger hips and chest:

Try- an A-Line gown paired with a v-neck or scoop neck to fully flatter your figure.

Avoid- the Empire silhouette, which may hide your figure or make it look disproportional. A ball-gown, if the skirt isn't overly full, can also be a good choice.

Short-Waisted and Petite Figures:

Try- An A-Line gown can elongate your waist and make you appear taller. Since the top of the dress gently blends into the flared skirt, it often provides a long and lean silhouette.

Avoid- A large ball gown can make you appear smaller.

Tall and Thin:

Try- A ball gown or a Sheath silhouette.

Avoid-You can wear any silhouette. If you want to appear less tall or thin avoid the A-line or Sheath.

Pear Shaped:

Try- Selecting a gown that will draw attention to the upper half of your body. The Silhouette isn't quite
as important as the neckline you select. Flatter your shoulders and chest while drawing focus away from hips.

Avoid- The Sheath silhouette, it draws attention to the hips.

Full Figure and Plus Size:

Try- An A-Line will flatter practically any figure.

Avoid- Sheaths, thin straps, and sleeveless gowns. Consider a scoop or v-neck to flatter your chest and neck.

Necklines that Flatter

The neckline of your gown can play an important role. Selecting the best neckline to compliment and enhance your beauty is easy just follow these helpful hints. Remember that these are guidelines. You should always try different styles to determine what works best for you!

Off the Shoulder, Portrait or Bateau
An off the shoulder neckline rests below the shoulder and typically has sleeves that cover a small part of the upper-arm. This is great to show off nice shoulders and collarbones. Will pull the eye away from pear shaped figures and will make the top appear more in proportion with the bottom. Not a good choice for full arms or long necks.

V-Neck
A V-Neck style creates a deep v-shape cut to flatter and show cleavage. Will make your neck appear longer. This is great for A, B or C cup sizes but may not be a good choice for larger women.

Sweetheart
The Sweetheart neckline is pretty, delicate, and found on many gowns. Its distinguishing look is the heart-shaped top. Works well to flatter larger chests, and short necks

Halter
Halter necklines typically feature straps that wrap around to the back of the neck. It can have a high jewel neckline or straps and features very deep cut armholes for a dramatic and sexy look! Good for broad shoulders lean backs and arms.

Scoop
Scoop necklines are a classic that is great on most figure types!

Jewel
Jewel necklines are great with pearls but not for short necks. Consider if you are very large chested and want to look smaller.

Tank
More of a square cut; the Tank neckline flatters most body styles.