Flatter your figure

Not just any wedding gown will suit the body structure of every bride. Thorn Mulli brings us to speed on what silhouette is ideal for your body shape

A bride with a sense of style is pleasing to look at. She knows what style flatters her body, accentuating her best features while camouflaging her problem areas and the colour that enhances her skin tone.

Unfortunately, many brides do not know how to go about this. With the help of fashion experts, we have put together a guide that can help you look your best for your wedding day. This is just but a guide as ultimately, you have to decide what looks good on you and how you feel in it.

First, however, you have to determine your body shape. The simplest way to achieve this is by standing in front of a full-length mirror, in the nude. Common body shapes are; the hourglass shown by similarly sized hips and bust, but with a smaller waist; the full-figured shape, or plus sized; pear-shaped with a smaller bust larger hips and bottom.

The inverted triangle on the other hand is where one has wide shoulders and a big bust with smaller hips and bottom.

Hour-glass figure

A bride with an hour-glass figure is lost for choice as the?sheath silhouette will emphasise her curves as will the mermaid silhouette. Show off your shoulders by donning portrait necklines and V-necklines.?Strapless dresses also are your fit. Too much beading and detailing will make one appear heavier than they are as will full or ruffled gowns. So keep them at arm’s length. High necklines minimise the bust and will make one appear disproportional. Puffed sleeves will also achieve the same results, so avoid them.

Full figured

For the full-figured bride, opt for A-line silhouettes, basque waistlines, and open necklines such as V-neck. Ensure you include?a lot of detailing near the neckline to draw attention to your face. Full skirts work best as do long sleeves, which hide chunky arms. Avoid spaghetti straps, poufy sleeves, open clingy fabrics, ruffles and tulle skirts.

Pear-shaped figure

Stick with the ball gown silhouette that accentuates the waist and hides hips. An off-shoulder neckline helps proportion your large hips. A detailed bodice and plain skirt will also complement your pear-shape. Simply avoid bows in the back of your dress at hip level for obvious reasons.

Full hips

For the bride with full hips, it is advisable to stick with A-line silhouette gowns, which conceal fuller hips. Avoid sheaths, which emphasise fuller hips. Overly full skirts should also be given a wide berth, as they tend to make you look heavy.

Thick-waisted

For the bride with a relatively thick waist, empire silhouette gowns that obscure thick waists are your best bet, while avoiding princess silhouette gowns, which as you guessed, draw attention to waist.

Slender

The slender bride is among the easiest to dress as most gowns tend to flow easily. Stick with spaghetti straps, dropped waistlines, flaired skirts, low necklines and ball gown silhouettes, which of course add curves and enhance the waistline.

Petite

Petite women should stick to sheaths and princess silhouette that add length and makes you appear taller. Empire waists, high necklines complemented with short sleeves or sleeveless with long gloves are a good look for you. Like a plague, keep off ball gown silhouettes that make you appear shorter. Also avoid belts or waist seams as well as?detailing at the bottom of the skirt.

Small bust

Accentuate a small bust with a jewel or bateau neckline, which makes the bust look bigger. If you are a “B” or “C” cup, the?V-neckline is for you. Strapless and sleeveless gowns are your look. If you are an “A” cup, avoid V-necklines.

Large bust

For the well endowed bride, stick with A-line silhouette, sweetheart neckline and strapless gowns while taking care to avoid empire gowns. Also stay clear from halter necklines,?spaghetti straps, V-necklines if you have over a “C” cup, and Jewel necklines, which make the bust look bigger.

Broad shoulders

For the broad-shouldered bride, strapless gowns are your safest bet. Avoid jewel, bateau, and off the shoulder necklines, oversized sleeves, which will make shoulders appear larger.