Choosing the right wedding dress for your body shape by Chelle Shohet

So you have got the amazing engagement ring firmly on that hand, and you might have even set the special date! Now it’s time to start looking for THE most important dress of any woman’s life the WEDDING DRESS!

Does this fill you with fear or anxiety? Are you nervous and excited at the same time? Well that’s all normal! Every Bride I have ever known has gone through the same feelings!

So let me give you a few tips from my book of stylist tricks! First figure out what body shape you are....

Once you know what Body Shape you’re well on your way to finding that perfect dress!

If you are an Hourglass:
Your shoulders and hips measure the same and you have a narrow well defined waist. So you are in total proportion! So you want to show this amazing figure off!

Wedding dress dos: 
Go for dresses that have a V neck or sweetheart, scoop or box neckline. Show off your balanced figure by going for an A-line style with a slightly longer torso for the slimmer hourglass and emphasize your well defined waist if you’re a curvier hourglass.

Wedding dress don'ts:
Because you’re already lucky enough to be in proportion avoid big bows or fussy frills or any other sort of prominent details as this will deter the eye and make you look out of proportion!

If you really want a statement detail then go for a bow at the waist to emphasize that fabulous waist. Or go for some gorgeous embellishment and detail at the bottom of the skirt.  

If you're a Pear:
Then you have a curvier and fuller hips and bottom and a small chest. But you have a well-defined waist and fabulous
shoulders.
 
Wedding dress dos: 
Go for a strapless style with a nipped in waist or an A-line style. Use spaghetti straps or a halter neck to draw attention to your smaller top half. This will give the impression that you are smaller all over and that the skirt that is fuller not your
hips.

Wedding dress don'ts:
Stay clear of the clingy styles such as fish tail. Also stay clear of the tiered and sheath styles as they will all draw attention to your rounder hips and make you look bigger than you are.

If you're an Apple:
Then typically you will have very little if any waist at all. You will carry your weight around your tummy area. But you will
have amazing legs and a great bust!
 
Wedding dress dos: 
Go for an Empire line with a high rushed waist but only if you have a smaller bust! This will make you look longer taller and slimmer. 
Go for dresses with an inner structured corset that will clinch you in at the waist thus giving you a balanced effect.  A deep V –neck will help create a flattering vertical line and lace detailing around the neck or the side will deter from your fuller tummy.

Wedding dress don'ts:
Avoid  the fishtail and trumpet style as they cling at your fullest and flare at your slimmest and so work against your body shape.

If you're a Strawberry:
Then you have wider shoulders in comparison to the width of your hips. You’re like an inverted triangle, you might also have a fuller bust.

Wedding dress dos:
To make your shoulders appear smaller and more in proportion try a thick strap or a deep V-Neck or even try a lose sleeve. All work amazingly to make your shoulders look smaller.
 If you are blessed with a fuller bust then the Scoop and V-Neck style will help balance you out and keep your bust looking neat and in proportion.
Go for an A-line or a Ball gown skirt to balance out your wider shoulders and smaller hips. If you do want your arms covered then look for slim fitting dresses that are in a delicate lace material.
 
Wedding dress don'ts:
Avoid halter necks, off the shoulder and puffed sleeves as all of them will only make your shoulders appear broader.

If you're a Banana:
Then you’ve a toned angular athletic frame that needs a style that will soften your boyish figure and show off your amazing toned body.

Wedding dress dos: 
Go for a column or sheath style to show off your slim silhouette. You can use a bias-cut fabric to help create subtle curves or go for draping, ruffled or gathered detail to add curves and extra shape.
 
Wedding dress don'ts:
if you have a very small bust avoid the ball gown skirt as it will make you look very out of balance. 

If you have a smallish bust you can pull off high neck lines but remember not to go for harsh straight lines if you want to soften your shape and add curves as this will do the opposite.

So you have the perfect man, you have found the perfect venue. Now you need to find that perfect dress!  If you want an expert to guide you through this extra special shopping trip, help you put together your whole look from your perfect Dress, to your perfect shoes and the perfect accessories. So you will walk down the aisle looking and feeling amazing,
turning heads for all the right reasons.

Give Chelle Shohet a call and get your own Personal Stylist to help you create the look of your dreams!

Call now and have your free no obligation 15 minute phone consultation!
Quoting “Weddings for you by Marie”

CHELLE SHOHET 
Personal Stylist & Personal Shopper 
Mobile: +44 (0)787 2000836 
E-mail: chelle@cstyleuk.com

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