Every girl has her own unique body type, so you can’t follow others when choosing dresses, what suits others doesn’t necessarily suit you. Choosing a bridesmaid dress that suits your body type not only highlights your strengths, but also weakens your weaknesses, thus bringing out the best in you. Whether you are hourglass, apple, rectangle, pear or inverted triangle, there is always one for you. In this article, we will analyse the characteristics of different body shapes in detail and recommend the most suitable bridesmaid dresses for each body type.
Picking bridesmaid dresses according to body type
Hourglass Body Shape
The hourglass body shape is characterised by a thin waist and a large and roughly equal bust and hip circumference. This body type can usually pull off most dresses, but it’s important to emphasise your curves while ensuring balance and comfort.
1) Sweetheart Neckline
The sweetheart neckline is one of the best options for hourglass figures. It accentuates the natural curves of your bust while drawing attention to your slim waist. This neckline combines modesty and elegance, making it an ideal choice for bridesmaid dresses.
2) Fitted Styles
Dresses that cinch in at the waist show off your natural curves. Consider an A-line or mermaid silhouette dress, as these styles accentuate your figure without making you look too bulky.
Champagne A-Line Keyhole Ruched Chiffon Dress
Apple Body Shape
The typical characteristics of an apple body shape are full bust, a rounded midsection, and narrow hips. The goal for an apple-shaped bridesmaid is to balance the proportions and accentuate the upper body.
1) Corset Styles with Lace or Beaded Details
Corset-style gowns with lace, beading, or jeweled details are a great way to draw attention to the upper body and enhance natural features. These designs create a beautiful focal point around your bust while providing structure and support.
Dusty Sage Sheath Lace Chiffon Dress
2) High-waist or A-line dresses
A-line skirts are a great choice for apple-shaped bridesmaids. The flowing hem helps cover up the middle section, while the high waist helps elongate the body and accentuate the bust. A-line dresses create a beautiful, flattering silhouette and keep you comfortable on your wedding day.
Pear Shape
A pear-shaped figure has a narrower upper body and wider hips and thighs. This figure needs to balance the proportion of the upper and lower body and focus on the top half of the body.
1) A-line dresses or fitted bridesmaid dresses
The A-line skirt is perfect for bridesmaids with pear-shaped figures. It accentuates the top half of the body while slimming the hips and balancing the overall figure. Alternatively, fitted bridesmaid dresses can accentuate your upper body with intricate designs or details, which draws attention to your face and breasts while reducing the focus on your hips.
2) Tops with details
Look for dresses with attention-grabbing details such as beading, ruffles or patterns on the upper body. These design elements help to accentuate your upper body, balance your body proportions, and make you feel confident and stylish.
Rectangular or Athletic Body Shape
A rectangular body shape is usually more upright, with a less pronounced waist and more evenly sized bust, waist, and hips. The goal with this body shape is to create a sense of curves and accentuate the waist.
1) Belted or cinched waist cuts
Dresses with a belt or cinched waist can accentuate your natural waist and create the illusion of curves. Dresses that fit snugly at the waist and fall downward can enhance your hourglass figure.
2) V-necks and A-line dresses
V-necks elongate the bust and draw attention to the upper body, while A-line dresses add fullness and balance to the lower body, making you look more feminine and curvier.
Pistachio A-Line Pleated Stretch Satin Dress
Triangle Body Shape
The triangle body shape is characterised by hips that may be wider than the shoulders. A bridesmaid dress that fits and flares and/or a fitted corset that cinches the waist and comes with a flowing skirt is key.
1) Fitted or Flared Dress
A fit and flare dress with a flared hemline is a good choice for the triangle body type. Dresses that cinch in at the waist and then flare out add balance to the lower half of the body while making the upper half look more flattering and streamlined. In addition, a fitted dress with a subtle peplum or flared skirt can also enhance your proportions.
Inverted Triangle Body Type
The inverted triangle body shape is the opposite of the triangular body shape, with wider shoulders and narrower hips. The purpose of the inverted triangle body shape is to create curves and soften the shoulder line.
1) Square or One-Shoulder Neckline
Square or one-shoulder necklines are great options for bridesmaids with inverted triangle body types. These styles help balance out the broadness of the shoulders while accentuating the face and collarbone. Asymmetrical one-shoulder gowns can create an interesting focal point while making the upper body appear narrower.
Emerald A-Line One Shoulder Stretch Satin Dress
2) Dresses with Volume in the Lower Body
Look for dresses that add volume to the lower half of the body, such as A-line or ball gown styles. A fuller hemline creates a more balanced, proportioned silhouette, making the overall figure appear more feminine and harmonious.
Petite Bridesmaids
Petite bridesmaids need to choose dresses that elongate their bodies and avoid weighing them down. The goal is to create the illusion of height and enhance natural proportions.
1) Sweetheart Neckline
A sweetheart neckline is a flattering choice for petite bridesmaids because it helps elongate the neck and flatter the face. This neckline also adds a youthful, romantic vibe to the overall look.
2) V-neck dresses
V-necks elongate the body and create the illusion of height. V-neck dresses also help define the waistline, making the look taller and more proportionate, especially for petite women.
Broad Shouldered Bridesmaids
The purpose of a wide-shouldered bridesmaid dress is to create a sense of balance by taking the shoulders out of focus and highlighting other areas such as the waist or legs.
1) One-Shoulder Gowns
One-shoulder gowns are the perfect choice for broad-shouldered bridesmaids. The asymmetrical design draws attention downwards, softening the shoulder line and creating a more balanced, feminine silhouette.
2) V-Neck Dresses
Also perfect for brides with broad shoulders, the V-neck design lengthens the neckline and softens the broad shoulders, creating a more balanced and feminine look.
Pregnant Bridesmaids
Pregnant bridesmaids can choose dresses that are both comfortable and stylish. Our goal is to choose dresses that are both flattering and chic.
1) A-line dresses
A-line dresses are a great choice for pregnant bridesmaids as they cover the belly and provide a comfortable and elegant silhouette. The flowing hem also offers great freedom of movement.
Blushing Pink A-Line V-Neck Pleated Chiffon Dress
2) Dresses with imperial waists
The high waist of a dress with a ruffled waist falls just below the bust, shaping the body and making room for a growing belly. This type of dress is flattering and comfortable, making it perfect for bridesmaids-to-be.
Conclusion
Different body shapes suit different dress styles, and the right style will enhance your strengths and work around your weaknesses. Whether you’re an hourglass, apple, pear, rectangle or inverted triangle, Azazie provides perfect bridesmaid dresses for you. By focusing on your favourite features and choosing the right cut, neckline and silhouette, you can ensure you look and feel your best on your big day.