http://www.ribbonsandpearls.co.uk/
A-Line or Princess Line Dress
…The ideal dress, most popular because its suits everyone.
***Perfect fit***
This is a fitted bodice shape with an A-line skirt. It hugs the waist, so it creates a slimmer waistline and flatters the bust. If you have wider hips, the A-Line will cover them up effectively and if you have narrower hips the cut of the skirt will give you some shape.
What to avoid
The tighter bodice will tend to draw attention to a smaller bust so it will be more flattering if you add a little padding to balance the look. This can be with secretive padding added to the dress or a good bra
. A heavy bust will need some structure - often this support is already built in to the bodice, but if not then boned corsetry is a must.
Full Skirt or Ballerina Dress
…Sometimes known as Ballgown or Fairytale, if you want a “Big” dress then this is the one for you, lots of volume and thoughts of Cinderella!
***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 and the 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.
Column Dress
…Fitted but with a straight skirt, this can be soft and floaty as in a Grecian style or fitted and structured with a straight skirt.
***Perfect fit***
The Column dress hugs the figure and looks great on tall, willowy women. This is the one to give you that catwalk look! It will also work well on a more petite figure.
What to avoid
The Column shape sits quite close to the body, so if you have fuller hips, this will tend to emphasize them, and is quite clinging so avoid it if you do not have a smooth outline.
Empire Line Dress
…Underbust detailing and seaming with an unstructured waist so that it falls in a virtually straight line past the hips and into the skirt.
***Perfect fit***
The body of the dress falls from beneath the bust, which is great if you have a broad waist and a small bust. The long line makes petite brides look taller. Thinking of Jane Austen, then this is the one to create the perfect romantic look.
What to avoid
The long line makes tall brides look taller. Avoid it also if you have a heavy bustline because it will make it appear bigger.
Mermaid Dress
…Also known as hourglass or figure-hugging, the mermaid shape is tightly fitted to the body and flares out from mid thigh or knee.
***Perfect fit***
The mermaid shape is ideal for curvy girls with balanced hip and bust measurements - this dress will bring out the Marilyn Monroe in you. If you want Hollywood glamour, this is undoubtedly it.
What to avoid
Just make sure you can sit down in it before you buy it or you may spill out, and if it is not boned then make sure that you have good supportive underwear
. Careful if your curves are all in your bottom as it will emphasis it, and avoid if you are straight up and down, apple- or pear-shaped.