Your Body – How to flatter your shape.
What is your best asset? Your sleek upper body? Your small waist? Your bountiful bottom? Whichever it is, flaunt it and make it scream!
If you love your:
- Neck, collarbone, back, arms, or decolletage (chest) area – Fitted and open should be your motto. Styles that show off your upper body such as halter spaghetti, strapless or one shoulder – basically any style with an open neckline or back – will do the trick. If you are narrow on the bottom..anything goes, yes even mermaid style. If your fuller on the bottom avoid pleats and any style with gathered fabric at your waist, hips and thighs. A-line or full skirts are best.
- Bust - There are two paths, full or small. If you have a full chest, open up your necklineand show off your shoulders, v-neck or sweetheart neckline are great. Just be sure that “the girls” are covered and contained. You don’t want to lose one out on the dance floor! As for the skirt, keep it narrow, so you have balance – you don’t want to be big on the top and the bottom. If you are small-chested a halter, one shoulder or straight across strapless work effortlessly.
- Small waist – Styles that fit through the rib cage and waist are best. A fuller skirt such as an A-line will even make your waist appear smaller. A sash, ribbon, or embellished belt at your waist adds greater drama and effect.
OK…what do do if your Petite or Plus?
- Petite - A-line lengthens your body making you appear taller. Open necklines and hair-up add to the illusion of a longer, taller frame. Be sure your skirt isn’t too full as that could throw off your proportions and make you appear bottom heavy.
- Plus – A-line or empire is great, as they conceal fuller waists and hips. Open necklines pull the eye up and create balance. But whatever you do, please DO NOT wear a baggy tent. You will actually look – much – better in a fitted gown. If you want more coverage add a sheer shawl. It will skim and drape your frame while allowing your sexy, silhouette to peek through.
Remember details and embellishment draws the eye. so make it work for you…bring attention to your assets with beading, lace or other accents. Be creative and show your personal style. How about a cluster of vintage pis on the waist of a simple A-line or empire waist gown? Or a large fabric flower on the bodice of a strapless gown, very Carrie Bradshaw-ish.
Special Tip: Undergarments – the right ones that is, will smooth and sculpt your luscious bod! Please use them.
Critical Tip! Find a fabulous tailor! Think of it this way, even the most expensive, exquisite dress will look like it was make by a two-year-old if tailored poorly. Fit is CRITICAL!
But my best advise of all…Try on as many dresses as you can! All styles, cuts, and fabrics. Go outside your safe zone; try on…try one…try one. You will find the “this is it!” dress, I promise. But do be true to you. If you’re typically conservative or daring – stay that way. Don’t go for a deep plunging neckline you’ve never tried before.
And remember this is your day…Take It In, Hold It Dear and Remember It Always.
Tricia
Bride, February 2000
To read my entire Bridal article please visit: http://www.southlakestyle.com/imag/February2009/start.htm
