What style of bridesmaid dress is best for full framed bridesmaids?

Question

What styles are flattering? Any links to suggestions are appreciated.

Answer 1

Stick to simple styles -- nothing frilly or ruffelly that will add extra material and make her look larger. I generally like to have a little sleeve to hide the backs of my arms. V necks make the face look slimmer. It all depends where she carries her weight - an empire waistline is good for some but others might like something that looks like a jacket and hangs down to cover her tummy.

Answer 2

I worked in a bridal shop and my fuller framed customers felt very beautiful in empire wasted dresses and A-lines - although there were certainly other styles that suited them as long as the cut was right.

An empire waisted dress, fits right under the breast line and falls from there. An A line is fuller at the bottom then the top - again allowing the dress to skim over the hips. Sometimes there is an inbetween a trumpet dress and an A-line where the dress becomes fuller at the knees. This would probably look very nice too.

Example of an empire waist w/ an A-line:
http://www.alfredangelo.com/index.cfm/fuseAction/COLLECTIONS.productDetail/fromAdvancedSearch/0/productID/65b930c7-4e72-4fb5-b12d-057c6c355b0a/categoryID/772F03C9-DE43-4942-BFA0-DA77E21EBD65


A lot also preferred something with a heavier strap rather than spaghetti or strapless (a lot of women felt more comfortable with support for "the girls") or a halter top style is very flattering. And some type of sleeve, shawl, or jacket may help those conscious about their upper arms.

Several of the larger framed girls liked seperates - or girls that had larger tops than bottoms or visa/versa. It just seem with a top and bottom that weren't attached they could get a better fit, yet many looked like a dress when on. (see: http://www.alfredangelo.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/collections.displayMixMatch/categoryId/7ca192cc-0f8c-4474-99fa-6343769b3889)

A deeper V neck or scoop will also draw attention upward and flatter their assets, without making them feel too exposed.

Go with a matte material. And although darker is slimming - with the right cut and fit - any solid color should be able to be worn as long as it is an attractive color.

Bold necklaces and earrings will also draw attention to their faces and complement them nicely.



Good Luck!

Answer 3

As a full-figured "full framed" bridesmaid 4 times over, usually the dresses with an Empire waist line are the most comfortable. They cinch right under the bust rather than at the waist then fall A-line to the floor. We really appreciate sleeves, even if they are just a cap sleeve.

Congratulations and Good Luck on all the planning!

Answer 4

I've looked at some of the answers and i have to say i don't agree with the whole a- line thing, I'm full figured, a-line makes you look pregnant instead look at the designers, full figured comes in different types so why not choose your colours then try a company like davidsbridal which have separates( which is better because it will break that big round look) then have them choose their own style that suits there body type. my bridesmaid range from size 4 to 22 this way everyone can feel beautiful instead of probably making your "size sexy bridesmaid" feel like she has to conform to everybody Else's dress!

Answer 5

I, myself, am a "full-framed dame" and I can tell you that there was not much worse than being a bridesmaid in my sister's wedding party and being the fat girl in the thin girl's dress! Find something with sleeves, even if it's a cap sleeve. Strapless is so bad! A-lines are good, and non-shiny material is more flattering than satin. Darker colours work better than lighter colours. Good luck and congrats!

Answer 6

Black bridesmaid's dresses are really becoming more "in" now. Not only is it flattering on us full figured women, but it really makes the bridal party look classy. They match the tuxedo's, and you can add ANY color ribbon or sash's around their waist's to match your desired color for your theme. Good luck trying to find sleeves, it's virtually impossible! Unless you dont mind spending a pretty penny. For some insane reason strapless and sleevless is in and they even do it for the big girls' dress'. Try to find showl's, something they can wrap around their shoulder's. Thats what we did.

I was married in Dec and had a 6mth pregnant bridesmaid and a 3wk new mommy, so they both really appreciated the black. Plus, you can find a dress that they can wear another time, instead of spending a fortune on a dress you'll wear once.

And try to find any local Bridal OUTLET shops. I found my dress for $60, after a 30% AND 60% off sale. My dress retailed for more than $700 at one point I believe. http://www.jessicamcclintock.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10002&langId=-1

Good luck and congrats!

Answer 7

Something that shows off the neckline and minimizes the waistline. A high waited dress, like right under the breasts, that is lose fitting at the shirt would be lovely on all body types. And at least quarter length sleeves.

Answer 8

NOTHING TIGHT!!! I can't stress that enough. Plus, make sure the dress doesn't break in the middle (like a two-piece outfit). If there are lines in the dress make sure they're vertical. A-line dresses are best. No tube-top type dresses. Dresses with a tank-top type sleeves are the best, or dresses with short or long sleeves. Don't make them bright flashy colors. Try neutral tones or black or dark colors.

Answer 9

Most of my briesmaids are plus sized and have big boobs. I got them a long length halter style dress. The halter style helps lift the breast and it has a sash at the middle. They all seem to love it. I got it from David's Bridal so check them out.

Answer 10

Some full-figured women fell more comfortable in a-line dresses.