Your Gown ... Your Way

What is the best suited style for your body?

We spend hours of our time standing in front of a mirror looking at our
body in different styles of clothing so you would think that picking out a
wedding gown would be a walk in the park. WRONG! Buying jeans or a
comfy pair of track pants is a far cry from choosing the “perfect dress”
for your wedding day.

So to help you to determine the shape of your body we have supplied
you with some examples. Using this guide will help you feel more comfortable
in your dress as well as having you look more beautiful than you expected.

Here is a list of your basic gowns. Determine which one will work for you
and then use our guide to determine your shape.

Ball Gown
The most traditional, the ball gown has a fitted bodice and a waistline
that leads to a very full skirt.

Empire
This gown has a high waistline (right under the bust), which falls to
a slimmer skirt.

A-Line or Princess
Features vertical seams flowing from the shoulders down to a
flared skirt (creating and inverted V -- or A -- shape.

Sheath
The slim sheath silhouette closely follows the line of the body.

What type of body do you have?

Hourglass
You have a body like Dolly Parton, very chesty with hips that won't
stop and a tiny waistline. (better explained as having, curves in all
the right places).

Your style : An A-line dress or a gown with a dropped waist will
show off your figure; pair it with a sweetheart neckline to exhibit
your chest.
Not for you : A ball gown or empire waist silhouette may make
you look less tailored.

Short Waist
Your body has a small distance from your ribs to your hips.

Your style : A-line or princess fitted at the bodice and opening up
gradually to a full skirt elegantly elongates your figure; if you love
your shoulders, try a portrait or halter neckline.
Not for you : A sheath will make your short waist more obvious.

Thick Waist
Instead of a short waist, yours is undefined: The line from your
shoulders to your hips is straight.

Your style: An empire-waist gown will give you a long, lean look
while taking the attention off your waistline.
Not for you : A-line or princess will draw too much attention to
your middle.

Full Figure
Full breasts, a little pouch of a tummy, round hips and butt.

Your style : A ball gown will accentuate your great features while
hiding the features you are not so fond of , or an A-line style which
looks great on everyone.
Not for you : A sheath will make you look heavier than you are;
avoid spaghetti straps or strapless.

Pear Shape
Narrow shoulders and works its way out as you follow down to
your hips (like a pear).

Your style : A-line or princess waist or strapless ball gown will
cover your bottom half and focus on your top half; an off-the-shoulder
neckline will show your top more in proportion to your bottom.
Not for you : A sheath,would be totally unflattering, and a V-neck
will draw the eyes down.

Thin
Short or tall, you are just very, very tiny.

Your style : Though a ball gown will make you look like a
beautiful ballerina, the sheath was designed for you.
Not for you : Almost all silhouettes will flatter your figure,
but if your collarbone stands out you should stay away from
portrait, off-the-shoulder, or halter necklines.

Petite
Almost as tiny as thin yet you have more meat on your bones,
you are generally in the lower 5' area.

Your style : Go simple! when you're small, most times a big,
elaborate gown can look as though it is wearing you rather than
the other way around. A sheath or A-line will work well.
Not for you : Most styles will flatter your figure, except a big ball
gown, it could be overwhelming.

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