Gown for my body shape? Dress Silhouette? Neckline?

Question

I would like to think I'm fairly up on style but I have never really figured out the whole dress to flatter your body thing. I was wondering if anyone could help me on this. I'm looking for the appropriate sillohette and neckline I shoud look for in a dress. Its a beach wedding (but still on the formal side) and I would like to wear a long dress.

I am 5'3 (Short!) and 120lbs (weight holds in my hips and backend). I am not very well endowed in the chest area but I'm not completely flat chested by any means. I guess you could call me petite.

I'm not very curvey, but I have a small waiste and I look a lot younger than I am (I know I'll appriciate that someday). I want to look a little curvier or at least accentuate what i have. Obviouly a ballgown or poofyness is out of the question for a beach wedding. But meremaids and sheaths are ok. I want something not princessy, more sophicticated. So what sort of shape should I look at? What kind of neckline?

Answer 1

To be completely honest, I've recently learned the very best way to go wedding gown shopping is to try on EVERYTHING. Don't go for a specific cut or shape, my sister did that and she ended up with a dress that she hated...you limit yourself too much when you say you're only going to look for a certain thing... try em' all on and you'll totally know when you see it.

However...if you don't wanna:
a deep v elongates your neck, making you appear taller
a straight cut, mermaid cut, or a-line would probably flatter you most as opposed to those giant princess dresses that would probably make you appear smaller since you are petite.

Answer 2

Your body style sounds alot like mine, although I'm a little taller than that. I have more of an athletic build than a delicate one. My shoulders are wider, and I'm a smaller chested.
To create the illusion of a larger chest size and longer neck, find something with a v- shaped neckline. Not to high, but not plunging. The tip should end about mid-breast. This is what I went with and it works well for me. The waist has cinching on one side and the skirt (not poofy, but not straight), flows gently from the body. This adds height. Try some on, the bridal shops can give you more advice and you can see first hand how they'll look. Here's the link to the dress I bought:

http://houseofbrides.com/product.php?productid=7969

Happy shopping, and best of luck!

Answer 3

The best way to figure out what looks good on you is to go try a lot of things on and look at each one critically. Try on things you've never worn before and see how they look. Take one person whose opinion you absolutely trust. Then trust what that person says.

Sounds as though you may be slightly pear-shaped (not an insult, but the term for the body type you've described) in which case I'd stay away from anything too closely fitted through the thighs, but something that skims that area would likely look good. Princess seams add height and are flattering to most body types. They also can give a sleek, elegant line that looks very sophisticated.

If you're going to be on the beach I would tend to avoid long trains, heavy satins, and too many sequins. Look for lightweight fabrics, simple embellishments.

As for necklines, you don't say anything about your shoulders, neck, face shape, and these are the factors that weigh most heavily in this question. For instance, I have a figure a lot like yours: I'm about half an inch shorter than you, and I carry more of my weight in the lower half of my body. I also have very narrow shoulders, a long neck, and an oval face. I look great in high collars, vee necks, and lots of shoulder detail. I can't wear spaghetti straps because they slide right off my shoulders.

On the other hand, if you have good or broad shoulders, you can wear those spaghetti straps or a strapless dress better than I can....but would do well to stay away from shoulder details. If your neck is short, high collars will make you look as though you have no neck at all, but a deep vee or scoop would help visually extend your neck.

But as I said in the beginning, the very best thing you can do is try a lot of things on and see how they work on you. I'm only giving broad outlines based on your very general description of your body. Your eye and an experienced salesperson will do a lot more to help you find the perfect wedding gown for you.

Best of luck!

Answer 4

I think that your best bet would be to go to a Bridal Salon and try on every style to get an idea; your consultant will help you in your decision and tell you her honest opinion.

However, in what you are describing, I think that something with a corset top would look lovely, as it accentuates and sucks everything in at the waist to show that you do have shape. A great pushup bra (in addition to the corset) will help up top as well.

Answer 5

No mermaids, they'll make your hips look enormous. Go for an a-line with a fitted bodice and something extra at the bustline, such as a drape of chiffon, beading, an organza ruffle or something like that.

Answer 6

How about a beautiful halter, form fitting dress - like out of a gorgeous silk?. You can get those puppies accentuated by the proper inserts or bra.

Answer 7

How about a gown with an empire neckline, it will elongate and add height!?

Answer 8

find an a-line dress. it looks good on everyone.

you just need to try on different styles.
and see what is right for oyu

Answer 9

strapless sweatheart neckline
A-line bodice

Answer 10

I've always liked this dress
http://www.alfredangelo.com/index.cfm/fuseAction/COLLECTIONS.productDetail/fromAdvancedSearch/0/productID/58ebc5de-3fe5-4f2e-9772-a55f696c0963/categoryID/6eb1ddbe-45d0-4d16-93d6-ca5ded5c84d6