Callista
Gone are the huge gypsy style gowns that swamp the fuller figure rather than showcase the silhouette and, in their outdated place, is a new wave of high fashion that flatters, fits and flaunts every womanly curve with classy and sassy style.
If you're a larger lady seeking a modern yet flattering gown, you should start your quest by identifying your body shape and personal style, and then coordinating the two to achieve a dreamy and highly individual vision of bridal perfection.
White Rose
Let Wed's guide to dressing for your body shape - in all its curvaceous glory - solve your wedding wardrobe quandaries.
Pear-shaped: One of the most common female forms, comprising a narrow waist and slender shoulders with wider hips and legs.
Top tips: Balance out your lower half by adding volume to your top half; consider asymmetric or halter-neck styles, built-in shoulder pads, statement jewellery or big, voluminous hairstyles, elaborate headpieces or flowing veils.
Go for cap or puff sleeves. Alternatively, conceal arms with billowing or sheer fabrics or a bolero jacket for a classic, flattering look.
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Nikki Flynn
Best dress shapes: Empires, fitted bustiers with tiered or multiple skirts, A-lines.
Callista
Kathy Ireland by 2be
Apple: Apples tend to have slim legs and arms with a thicker waistline and rounder middle.
Top tips: Avoid cinched, waist skimming numbers and maximise your assets with sleeveless or strapless gowns or even shorter hems.
Draw attention to your decolletage via keyhole or sweetheart necklines with extra detail such as embroidery and beading.
Vertical lines and high waistlines have a narrowing effect.
Callista
Best dress shapes: Mermaids create extra curves and ensure a heavenly hourglass, while dropped waists add greater definition. Tea-lengths are great for flashing toned pins and sleeveless options show off slender arms.
Kathy Ireland by 2be
White Rose
Hourglass: Arguably the epitome of feminine form, combining a fuller bust and hips with a slender waist.
Top tips: Scoop, keyhole or V-necks tone down a bigger bust, and consider built in underwear and structured styles to support your cleavage and avoid overspill or uncomfortable pinching.
Cinched waists or details such as belts, corsages, ribbons and beading draw the eye away from less desirable areas to your lusted-after waistline.
Private Label by G
Best dress shapes: Goddess gowns, structured columns, bodices with fitted skirts.
White Rose
PLUS SIZE POINTERS
Lengthen shorter and more petite frames with princess and A-line gowns that flare at the hips to create an illusion of added length. Avoid separate pieces such as suit styles and top and skirt combinations, which only serve to effectively 'cut' you in half and can shorten your appearance.
A longer veil can elongate your body, as can a range of cuts and necklines (plunge, V-neck), while heels, of course, can instantly boost height.
Conceal the tummy area with empire gowns made from fluid materials such as chiffon that flow out from the waist over your midriff.
Subtle ruffling and ruching - especially in the bodice - can give a slimmed down effect, but overkill can make you appear frumpy, so avoid too much material that adds unnecessary volume.
Choose light fabrics that move naturally rather than cling to your body, and avoid heavy, multiple layers and puffy styles such as organza, satin and velvet.
Body-con styles are generally best avoided; instead opt for fitted features such as boned bodices, strategic flaring or nipped-in waistlines depending on your body shape.
Consider your accessories. A strategically positioned sash or brooch will draw attention to the smallest part of your body.
Good corsetry is a must, particularly for big-busted brides.
words Hannah May
Copyright WED Magazine 2012
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