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The Best Silhouette for Your Shape Find the dress to make you look extra glamorous on your big day 
For most brides-to-be, dress shopping and dieting often can derail the euphoria of their engagement as they stress and toil seeking (and hoping to fit into) the über-gown of their milestone event. Before they try to radically alter their figure in the name of the trumpet dress, they should take heart in knowing that gowns come in every shape and style, and that certain silhouettes can work their magic on that larger bustline or those Rubenesque hips. On the Weight Watchers Web site, couture designer Amy Michelson dispenses some comforting tips on how to select the right gown for your needs. For fuller figures, Michelson suggests sticking to V-necks and sweetheart necklines that display attributes to the best advantage. A-line silhouettes can do wonders in masking below-the-waist trouble spots. Smooth lightweight fabrics also minimize bulk, so opt for organza, chiffon and charmeuse instead of less-forgiving brocades and embroidered satins. Those with pear shapes – smaller chests and heavier bottoms – can try a strapless ballgown that disguises below-the-waist imperfections and draws attention upward. An off-the-shoulder neckline will give the illusion of balance between the bride’s top and bottom. If a larger bust line is causing angst, not to worry. For the top-heavy bride, Michelson says to accentuate the positive by choosing a sweetheart or halter neckline. Avoid bateau and jewel necklines, which cut across the bust, or high-collar styles that create a bulkier finish. Bustier brides can benefit from fitted looks, like a bias-cut sheath that enrobes the body and flatters more than a stiffer fabric. Even mermaid looks, which flare out just below the knee, can do wonders for a curvaceous figure. The key, then, in finding that dream dress is demonstrating a little flexibility when it comes to the possibilities, not an easy exercise for most brides-to-be. Fortunately, bridal retailers are professionals who can help their customers navigate the emotional roller coaster of the dress-buying event. “Most brides come in with the idea of buying something they shouldn’t be wearing,” says Marianne Shearer, owner and designer at The Dresser, a bridal boutique in Fullerton, Calif. “So, we give them what they like and they say, ‘Oh, this isn’t so great.’ We then steer them to Plan B and they’re happy.” |
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