QuestionOh my gosh.. I never fathomed how complicated picking the right wedding dress style could be! I have reviewed many websites that tell me if my body looks like this or this, I should and shouldn't wear that and that. It seems I am running out of styles my body type could pull off, and I need help! I have broad shoulders. My shoulders are a few inches wider than my hips, although I am small busted (small B#. My waist is not well defined after having two children, and my hips are full in comparison to my bust. On top of all that, I am short #under 5'). I am very confused as to which style I would look best in, as the information seems to contradict itself when looking for styles that suit my height compared with my shape. If you could help, it would be great. Thank you!
AnswerHi Holly! Congrats on the upcoming wedding!!
I know how exasperating gown-shopping can be. Not to worry.. I know exactly what you need...
You gave me some very key information about your build, thank you for that. It's always awkward to ask someone how they're built! :)
Because you have wide shoulders you will definately look the absolute best in a sweetheart neckline (shaped like the top half of a heart... curves up over each breast and dips down between..) Wide shoulders are always amplified by halter styles, straight across strapless and some capped sleeves... so avoid those.
Because you have a mom-waist (I have one too!)try to avoid any dresses that have a seam that runs straight across the waistline horizontally.. You could go with either a princess waistline (dips down into a V shape at the bellybutton area), an empire waistline (goes upward in an upside down V), a dress that has an asymmetrical waistline (off to one side) or an A-line dress with no seam at the waist.
Stay away from full skirts as well.. they will shorten you even more.
Basically, you want a dress that gives the illusion of vertical height.. so... lines that dip between the breasts, vertical lines to the dress (not too puffy).. try to avoid anything that cuts you horizontally. There are some great dresses out there too, that, sadly, the designer felt obligated to stick yards and yards worth of crinoline underneath. It can easily be removed if you like the dress but don't like the puffiness.. so keep that in mind if your finding yourself stuck. At minimal, a good seamstress can easily eliminate even some of the layers for you.
White or off white.. depending on your skin tone.. If you're very pale naturally, I would stay away from the stark whites.. there's a million shades of 'white' out there...
Here are some examples of what you could wear.. (might need to copy and paste into a new window)
http://images2.fanpop.com/images/photos/4300000/wedding-dresses-weddings-4302931...
http://www.easyweddings.com.au/wedding_dresses/images/683_1.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kkA0HtO5Ef0/SRWPvoeF-rI/AAAAAAAADqY/_WNnM5INIyE/s320/M...
http://www.weddingdressonlineshop.co.uk/1066-1887-large/chiffon-beaded-sweethear...
http://www.fadswedding.com/images/wedding_rayliadesigns/0041.jpg
http://www.romance-fire.com/pictures/Cheri%20Gown%20Mon%20Wedding%2002.jpg
VERY IMPORTANT: Once you find the dress you love, be sure to TAKE IT WITH you to buy a good bra! Go to a store the specializes in bra fitting.. they can help fit you with one that will enhance your bustline and make your dress look amazing. Be sure to do that BEFORE getting any alterations done! You may even consider a bra-corset piece that helps smooth out any areas that may be of concern. Don't get all hung up on how you look in the wedding dress if you're not wearing proper undergarments.. those annoying little bumps and pouches are easily fixed with proper gear underneath.
Hopefully this will help you make this decision..If I can be of any further help, please don't hesitate to ask again!
Warmest Regards,
Melanie
