Empire
What it is: The empire waistline starts just below the bust and the rest of the dress drops straight down. The dress is not overly full.
Looks best on: Short-waisted women, tall thin women, heavy-set women with apple shapes — it will create a slimming affect.
More: 25 Printable Wedding Checklists for the Type A Bride
Not so good on: Women who are fall somewhere in the middle of thin and curvy extremes
For women with an apple shape, wardrobe stylist Melissa Bessey recommends, “Look for dresses with an empire waist and pair them with a bra that offers good lift.”
Mermaid
What it is: Modern, sleek style hugs your body to the hips and then flares out at the knee.
Looks best on: Tall women and shapely, curvy women with hourglass or petite figures.
Not so good on: If there are any parts of your figure that you like to minimize, this is not the dress for you. If your ceremony requires kneeling, this dress may not work for you either.
“Fitted dresses are great for women with hourglass shapes because they accentuate your natural curves,” says Bessey.
Princess
What it is: Not as close-fitting than a mermaid or sheath, the bodice has vertical panels of fabric and then the skirt flares out gently — an elegant style.
Looks best on: Almost everyone.
Not so good on: It’s a classic, feminine look that may not suit everyone’s taste.
Morrill advises, “Princess gowns are for brides with a romantic, formal style who also value comfort. Again, be sure the train has a sturdy bustle. I also recommend avoiding princess gowns if you have a lot of bridesmaids, or if you want to have custom seating (like a vintage chair) as the gown takes up a fair amount of space.” Bessey points out that a gown with a V-neckline can also lengthen a shorter torso.
Next Up:Sheath
Leave a Comment