Perfect fit
If you have a slim-hipped figure and a full bust, the Full Skirt shape will balance top and bottom perfectly, giving you that “fairytale bride” look. This style or Princess are generally thought of as the most romantic shapes.
What to avoid
Avoid the Full Skirt if you are not full busted, as it will make your bust look smaller. If you are petite, avoid this option because you will disappear into the dress! If you have wide hips, avoid the Full Skirt because it will over emphasize them.
Empire Line dress
Perfect fit
This is another fairytale look. Starting the waistline beneath the bust works well for smaller busts, and the long line makes petite brides look taller. For the ultimate romantic style, this one won’t let you down. The Empire line with an A-line skirt will also do a marvellous job at concealing wider hips. An Empire Line with a column skirt adds height and balances a smaller bust.
What to avoid
The long line makes tall brides look taller. If you have a marvellous figure and want to show it off, a figure-hugging dress might be preferable, but it is difficult to find too much wrong with the Princess style, which is probably why it is so popular.
A-Line or Princess Line dress
Perfect fit
This is a fitted bodice shape with an A-line skirt. It hugs the waist, so it flatters slim waistlines while making the most of the bust. If you have wider hips, the A-Line will cover them up effectively
What to avoid
If you have a fuller figure, you may choose not to have a dress which hugs the form quite so closely. The tighter bodice will tend to draw attention to a smaller bust.
Bias Cut wedding dress
Perfect fit
If you are slim and want to look very chic, the bias cut is for you. This is the dress for the bride with the perfect figure. The bias cut flatters tall girls, but is also complimentary for a petite figure. The cloth of the bias cut is diagonal, giving a different fit to the Column, described below.
What to avoid
A bias-cut dress hugs the hips, so if you are fuller in the hip, avoid this style. It will show off a perfect curvy figure, but if there are curves where you don’t want them, they’ll show too!
Two-Piece wedding dress
Perfect fit
A Two-Piece dress, as in this picture, should normally be indistinguishable from a complete dress, i.e. the corset and skirt shouldn’t part company at the waist. A better fit can be achieved with separates, especially if you are not stock size. If you would like to show a bare midriff, this will look better if it is well-toned.
Separates help break up lines if you use two different colours or patterns, which is ideal for tall brides who want to look shorter. A corset works well at tapering the bodice in to the waist, and is effective if you want to emphasize your bust.
What to avoid
Separates tend to emphasize the hips because of the corseting, while a gap draws attention to the waistline, so if these are not your best features, separates may not be for you.
Asymmetric wedding dress
Perfect fit
The asymmetric design is an unusual look which on the right figure can be particularly striking. Beautiful shoulders and arms will look their best in this style, while the flaring skirt is good for hiding fuller hips.
What to avoid
Beautiful asymmetric strap designs will distract from square shoulders, but there is a danger that bringing the eye to the unusual diagonal look will emphasize the shoulders too.
Column wedding dress
Perfect fit
Like the bias cut but with a straight weft and vertical seams, the Column dress hugs the figure and looks great on tall, willowy women. This is the one to give you that catwalk look! The unbroken line will also work well for a more petite figure
