Hello all you beautiful brides!
As bridal consultants, the fine ladies of The Wedding Tree are frequently asked questions like:
Which dress style is best for my body?
and
What color would you recommend for my skin tone?
Well, I am here today to answer those very good questions :)
I'd like to start out by describing to you a few different styles of dresses by explaining a few of the different silhouettes, necklines, and waistlines.
First up... Silhouettes
As bridal consultants, the fine ladies of The Wedding Tree are frequently asked questions like:
Which dress style is best for my body?
and
What color would you recommend for my skin tone?
Well, I am here today to answer those very good questions :)
I'd like to start out by describing to you a few different styles of dresses by explaining a few of the different silhouettes, necklines, and waistlines.
First up... Silhouettes
A-LINE SILHOUETTEgradually to form a full or slim a-line.
-A-line's disguise the hips, buttocks, and legs
-And are universally flattering for any body type :)
MERMAID SILHOUETTE
The Mermaid Silhouette is a body hugging
sheath that flairs at or below the knee.
-This style is best for tall, slim builds
BALL GOWN SILHOUETTEThe ball gown is generally a gown that
has a fitted bodice with full skirt.
- The ball gown minimizes the waistline,
-Disguises the hips, buttocks, and legs
- And is best for pear shapes, full figures, and tall, slim builds
SHEATH SILHOUETTEThe Sheath silhouette follows the body’s
curves from top to bottom.
- It is usually cut on the bias to
allow fabric to flatter the figure
- It hugs the bust, waist, and hips
- And is best for slim tall builds and
petite figures
allow fabric to flatter the figure
- It hugs the bust, waist, and hips
- And is best for slim tall builds and
petite figures
Next.... Necklines
BATEAU NECKLINE
from shoulder to shoulder.
- It gives good coverage for large bust lines
- and a romantic look :)
HALTER NECKLINE
The halter is a low cut style in which two panels
of fabric are attached at the waistline and meet
at the nape of the neck.
- It gives good coverage for large bust lines
- And a glamorous look
of fabric are attached at the waistline and meet
at the nape of the neck.
- It gives good coverage for large bust lines
- And a glamorous look
SCOOP NECKLINE
The scoop is a “U” shaped neckline.
- It is a universally flattering style
STRAPLESS NECKLINE
Strapless is any style that leaves the
neck and shoulders completely bare.
- It offers the ultimate mobility, but it
- Must be fitted properly for comfort and
- It can be good for a variety of necklines
neck and shoulders completely bare.
- It offers the ultimate mobility, but it
- Must be fitted properly for comfort and
- It can be good for a variety of necklines
SWEETHEART NECKLINEThe Sweetheart begins about two inches inside
the shoulder line and dips into a heart shape.
- It has a heart shaped neckline
- That outlines the cleavage
- for a romantic look.
- Often paired w/ a strapless look.
TIP OF THE SHOULDER NECKLINEThis neckline fits just below the shoulders
with short or long sleeves.
- It allows for mobility and
- Creates a portrait collar look which
- Accentuates the neck and shoulders
- It defines narrow shoulders
with short or long sleeves.
- It allows for mobility and
- Creates a portrait collar look which
- Accentuates the neck and shoulders
- It defines narrow shoulders
V-NECK NECKLINEAs the name implies this neckline features a pointed plunge.
- It can minimize or maximize cleavage
- And it elongates your neckline
Last but not least...Waistlines
BASQUE WAISTLINE
The basque is natural at the hip
and dips into a “v” or “u” shape.
- It elongates torso and
- Minimizes the waistline
and dips into a “v” or “u” shape.
- It elongates torso and
- Minimizes the waistline
DROPPED WAISTLINEThe dropped waist falls from the natural
waistline,and can extend a few inches or
to the hip.
-This waistline elongates the body
EMPIRE WAISTLINE
The empire is a classic style with a waistline
situated directly under the bust.
- It elongates the body and
- Disguises larger waistlines
- It's good for medium to large bust lines
situated directly under the bust.
- It elongates the body and
- Disguises larger waistlines
- It's good for medium to large bust lines
NATURAL WAISTLINEAs the name implies this waistline falls at your
natural waist and can be a gathered or straight
- It minimizes a long torso
Now that you know a little more about different parts of dress shapes, and keep in mind many of these can be combined for a well rounded look, it's time to answer the big questions!
#1- Which shape suits my body type best?
For the petite body shape we recommend a strapless gown that is either sheath or a-line with an empire waist. It is best to keep it simple and avoid allowing the dress to overwhelm you!
For the tall bride sheath or a-line gowns with a fitted bodice will do the trick. And a halter or open neckline will accentuate your collarbone.
For the bride with a bit of a pear-shaped body it is best to go with a strapless A-line or ball gown to accentuate you gorgeous top half and cover your bottom half.
For those of you with an hourglass shape, depending on whether you wish to accentuate your curves or cover them up, you will want to go with a fitted bodice and a-line or full skirt.
For the full-figured bride an a-line or ball gown with a halter neck and and/or basque waist will create a lovely slimming effect that will leave you extra gorgeous on your big day!
For the thin body shape it is best to stick to sheath silhouettes, mermaids, or a slim a-line to show off your slender body.
For the broad-shouldered we recommend that you expose your shoulders with a beautiful halter or off-the-shoulder neckline and a narrow bodice.
#2- Which color will look best on my skin tone?
If you have pink or yellow, light skin tone then it is best to stick to a Diamond White dress that won't wash you out or pale you even more.
If you are of the olive or medium complexion then again, a Diamond White or Ivory is the best color for you.
If you have a dark skin color then, depending on your hair color, you would look best in Diamond White, Ivory, or even white.
You may have noticed that white does not come up often :) That's simply because it is not considered a flattering color, and in fact several dress makers no longer use white, however, I understand that tradition will have girls wear white and I've seen some absolutely gorgeous white bridal gowns so don't let this discourage you if you had your heart set!
#3- What if I had my heart set on a style that you recommend I stay away from?
Don't let me discourage you! I always encourage my brides to try on lots of styles! Sometimes you may absolutely love a dress that is not your "ideal" fit, but you know what, if you love it there are always ways to make the dress work for you :)
I hope I was at least a little bit helpful and I can't wait to see you when you come in the store so call and make an appointment and...
Become a Wedding Tree Bride Today!
~Kacia
#1- Which shape suits my body type best?
For the petite body shape we recommend a strapless gown that is either sheath or a-line with an empire waist. It is best to keep it simple and avoid allowing the dress to overwhelm you!
For the tall bride sheath or a-line gowns with a fitted bodice will do the trick. And a halter or open neckline will accentuate your collarbone.
For the bride with a bit of a pear-shaped body it is best to go with a strapless A-line or ball gown to accentuate you gorgeous top half and cover your bottom half.
For those of you with an hourglass shape, depending on whether you wish to accentuate your curves or cover them up, you will want to go with a fitted bodice and a-line or full skirt.
For the full-figured bride an a-line or ball gown with a halter neck and and/or basque waist will create a lovely slimming effect that will leave you extra gorgeous on your big day!
For the thin body shape it is best to stick to sheath silhouettes, mermaids, or a slim a-line to show off your slender body.
For the broad-shouldered we recommend that you expose your shoulders with a beautiful halter or off-the-shoulder neckline and a narrow bodice.
#2- Which color will look best on my skin tone?
If you have pink or yellow, light skin tone then it is best to stick to a Diamond White dress that won't wash you out or pale you even more.
If you are of the olive or medium complexion then again, a Diamond White or Ivory is the best color for you.
If you have a dark skin color then, depending on your hair color, you would look best in Diamond White, Ivory, or even white.
You may have noticed that white does not come up often :) That's simply because it is not considered a flattering color, and in fact several dress makers no longer use white, however, I understand that tradition will have girls wear white and I've seen some absolutely gorgeous white bridal gowns so don't let this discourage you if you had your heart set!
#3- What if I had my heart set on a style that you recommend I stay away from?
Don't let me discourage you! I always encourage my brides to try on lots of styles! Sometimes you may absolutely love a dress that is not your "ideal" fit, but you know what, if you love it there are always ways to make the dress work for you :)
I hope I was at least a little bit helpful and I can't wait to see you when you come in the store so call and make an appointment and...
Become a Wedding Tree Bride Today!
~Kacia
Photos by TheKnot.com, Descriptions taken from the Kleinfelds Page :)
