What You Need to Know About Silhouettes When Buying Wedding Dresses

What is a silhouette? The silhouette describes the shape of the gown and how it fits the body. The reason this is important is that different silhouettes are said to compliment different body types. Whether petite, pear, apple, slim, or hourglass figured, there is a dress that will show off your best assets and de-accentuate your flaws (or at least what you perceive as flaws). Let's take a moment to discuss the most common body types and the silhouettes the experts say are the most flattering to these figures.



Petite

Small with delicate body features and subtle curves, you tend to also be a little bit shorter than most. An average size bust and naturally toned body means that proportion is key. A simple sheath wedding dress can be very classic, or to elongate the frame a tailored empire or A-line wedding dress can work wonders.

Pear

With curve on the bottom half, pear shaped girls will often have a smaller bust paired with a slimmer torso and waist. On the bottom half, pear shaped girls tend to have shapely hips, butt and thighs and usually carry little weight on the back. For pear girls, you'll want to choose a wedding dress with a bodice to elongate the trunk, full sleeves to balance out the body, or a Princess like dress that will shrink hips. Avoid dresses that are very full, heavy ornamentation near the hips, sheath wedding dresses, or high necklines.

Apple

Shapely slim legs and delicate shoulders are some of the key features of an apple shape. With a larger bust, wider torso and a full waist you have a curvy and feminine figure. Tea length, empire or A-line dresses tend to flatter apple figures a lot as they re-proportion the figure and draw the eye up towards the bust. A-line dresses again add balance while a dress that cinches heavily at the waist can help create a more hour glass figure.

Hourglass

Tall or short, hourglass girls' bodies are defined more by their typically curvy frame. If you are an hourglass you'll have a naturally thin waist with a medium to large bust and smaller shoulders. Small waists and curvy figures mean that often hourglass girls have more defined hips. Hourglass girls may focus on an a-line or princess dress with a drop waist. Using a sweetheart or plunging neckline (not too revealing) will accent the bodice. Strapless is another option. Avoid using too much detail on the bodice or skirt.

Slim Athletic

Thin and tall, your straight and narrow frame may not have a lot of curve. Small around the bottom and the bust, your typically thin or toned frame can benefit from a little pomp and frill. A straight sheath or mermaid dress can add curves and enhance your figure all on its own. And with the addition of beading around the bust or ties at the waist it can create a feminine form. A ball gown with its full skirt will instantly fill out your frame while an empire line dress can help create shape on your top half.