Best wedding dress for your body type

Written By Eila Mell, Creative Director
Best wedding dress for your body type

People say that every bride is beautiful, but we all know it takes some work! The biggest statement you can make on your wedding day is the dress you choose. There are many options, so let’s break it down.

 

A-Line

A-line wedding dress silhouette. Extends from the waist and flares slightly over the hips to flatter every figure.

An A-line dress is a sure bet for anyone, It is the most universally flattering shape. It’s defined by a hem which is wider than the shoulders, and looks like the letter A. This style will make anyone’s waistline look smaller than the rest of the body. It deemphasizes the pooch and hips area without adding bulk. 

 

Ball Gown

Ballgown wedding dress silhouette. Classic princess style silhouette, cinched bodice and wide full skirt to accentuate natural waistline.

A Ball Gown has a fitted bodice and a full skirt. It is the classic princess dress so many of us grew up seeing. It hides a pooch and creates a slim waist. If you want to de-emphaszie your hips this may not be the best choice. If you’re petite this may be overwhelming. The similarly shaped A-Line may be a better option.

 

Mermaid

Mermaid wedding dress silhouette. Sexy and bold silhouette, a tight bodice and flare at the knees gives an enhanced hourglass shape.

A mermaid dress hugs the body and then flares at or below the knee, which suggests a mermaid’s tail. This shape emphasizes the boobs, waist, butt and hips, so if you love yours this is the way to go. Keep in mind that because the dress is narrow in the thighs it can be harder to walk or dance in. 

 

Slip Dress

Slip dress wedding dress silhouette. Traditionally cut on the bias, with spaghetti straps. Looks like an undergarment, but intended to be seen.

A Slip Dress is typically cut on the bias, has spaghetti straps and looks like a slip. It was most popular in the 90s and was the choice of Carolyn Bessette at her wedding to John F. Kennedy, Jr. The slip dress' comfort and and simplicity are unmatched, but keep in mind it shows off the body’s curves, so if there’s anything you want to de-emphasize skip this style. 

 

Sheath

Sheath wedding dress silhouette. Column silhouette that flows with the natural body line and can add length for petite brides.

A Sheath dress features a narrow silhouette which fits close to the body. The most famous sheath of all is the one worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.  This style works especially well on both hourglass and athletic figures.

 

Trumpet

Trumpet wedding dress silhouette. Sexy silhouette with a straighter fit at the bodice than mermaid with a subtle flare out mid thigh.

The trumpet shape has a snug fit at the waist and flares out mid-thigh. This style will show off your natural curves and emphasize your hips and butt. If you have a pooch issue this might not be the best choice. 

 

Please keep in mind that there are no rules, and no two bodies are the same. If there is a dress you love try it on regardless of the style!

Eila Mell, Creative Director

Eila Mell has worked with many of the top names in fashion including Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan, Naomi Campbell, Fern Mallis, Ralph Rucci, Heidi Klum, Rachel Roy, Kenneth Cole, Narciso Rodriguez, Nina Garcia, Ariel Foxman, Glenda Bailey and Andre Leon Talley.

Eila has been tapped for her expertise on the fashion industry by The New York Times, Marie Claire Magazine, Glamour, People StyleWatch, The Huffington Post, ELLE Canada, Zink Magazine and many more.  She has been featured on over 100 television and radios shows including CBS’ The Insider, The Better Show, Hollywood 411, The Mark and Brian Show and The Morning Jolt.  Eila has been a contributor for many of the top rated fashion websites including Tyra Banks’ typef.com. Eila is a contributor to Runway magazine, as well as the on-camera correspondent for Runway TV. 

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