…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.
A beautiful cinderella dress by Ronald Joyce, style name Donna, No. 64008. The bodice is fitted and boned with an asymmetrical swathe of encrusted diamanté and pearl beading with sequins for added sparkle. There is an optional single beaded shoulder strap with pleated flower corsage. The skirt is layered tulle and organza with a flower corsage to one hip and scattered beading throughout. The back closes with a ribbon and loop corset and the train is chapel length.
A traditional wedding dress by D'Zage in taffeta and tulle, style 31072. This is a pretty ballgown with a lightly boned bodice. The neckline is dipped and decorated with silvered bugle beads. The waist is emphasized with a taffeta band accented by a rose, which wraps all around and extends to form a waterfall layer into the train. There is a further rose to conceal the zip at the back. The skirt is ballgown-shaped in tulle from a dropped waist and is formed by many layers to create a fairytale effect.
…Very in vogue for current collections, this is the perfect look for the right girl.
***Perfect fit***
This is a particularly elegant look if you have a long neck, good shoulders and well-toned arms. A strapless dress is a fine opportunity for beautiful jewellery. Strapless looks good with a medium bust.
What to avoid
Don't leave everything uncovered unless it looks great - there are plenty of other styles to hide shorter necks, square shoulders or full arms. If you have a very full bust, strapless is unlikely to be able to give you the support you will need throughout the day.
Halter Neckline
…Halter necks are a little unusual but can look fantastic.
***Perfect fit*** Halterneck tops expose beautiful shoulders and well-toned arms, while the continuity of line makes you look taller if you are petite. The halterneck top echoes the lower half of the dress, so if you have slim hips the halterneck will be an excellent counterpoint. There are many different variations on the halterneck style; collar with straps, single strap wrapping round the back of the neck, covered or exposed V to the bust. A halterneck style can also hide that little underarm "pouch" that we are sometimes prone to!
What to avoid
A halterneck top may over-emphasize your upper body if you have a larger bust, though it will provide good support. It will also emphasize your hips in counterpoint - so if you have larger hips, avoid this style.
Boat or Bateau Neckline
…With a pretty neck and collarbones this can be truly gorgeous.
***Perfect fit*** The wide-necked or off-the-shoulder shape of the Boat or "Bateau" style follows the line of the collarbone, so if you have well-defined collarbones and a beautiful neck, the Boat design will show them off to best effect. Boat is also good for narrow shoulders. This style was made popular by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's.
What to avoid
If your neck is not your best feature, the Boat may not show you in your best light. If your shoulders are broad, keep away from the Boat as it will draw attention to them. If your bust is large, the Boat neckline will make it look bigger.
V Neckline
…Stunning if you have a little cleavage to flaunt, and provides an opportunity to emphasize pretty jewellery.
***Perfect fit*** The V-Line style plunges to the bust and is particularly complimentary if you have a larger bust and would like a little cleavage. Small busts can be uplifted and padded, so make sure you have a good bra
to emphasise what you have got. The angle of the V-Line varies and may be on or off the shoulder, so expose beautiful shoulders but cover them up if they are angular.
What to avoid
Avoid the V-line if you are small busted, as it may draw attention to this.
Sweetheart Neckline
…This is probably second-most popular after a straight strapeless.
***Perfect fit*** This is a pretty and romantic neckline, forming a natural heart shape and giving you a sweet and innocent look. It also works with larger busts as a sexier style, showing a hint of cleavage.
What to avoid
The Sweetheart style exposes a central panel of neck, so if this is not your best feature, you may want to look at alternatives such as a halterneck. Alternatively, a Sweetheart can lend you the romantic look you seek, with a pretty item of jewellery as an accessory to improve the look of your neck.
Dipped Neckline
…With a shaped curve but not so low cut as the sweetheart. Can be shallow or deep and is good to hide fleshy underarms if high cut.
***Perfect fit*** Flattering to any bust size; bigger girls can enjoy a low cut without showing too much cleavage providing that it is not too tight, and smaller busts are flattered by the curved shape.
What to avoid
Boobs spilling out of the top as you can end up with a "double bust" effect, but otherwise a good all rounder.
…Long sleeves may be provided as part of the dress, or as a separate jacket as shown here.
***Perfect fit*** Use long sleeves to draw attention to your upper body, for example if you have fuller hips. Long sleeves will also conceal larger arms, and cover square shoulders, provided that they are loose rather than close fitting. A pretty design will distract the eye from any imperfections. Long sleeves will also save you from getting goose bumps if you have a winter wedding. What to avoid
If you have well-toned arms, flaunt them! It would be a shame to cover them up with long sleeves, however pretty the material might be. Don't use long sleeves if you have a petite figure, because they will make your arms look longer and out of scale with the rest of you.
Short Sleeves
…Short sleeves are ideal if you need to cover your shoulders. A tailored short sleeve can balance your look if you are pear shaped, and can square up rounded shoulders if you use a shoulder pad.
***Perfect fit*** Use short sleeves to show off well-toned arms. They will help balance small shoulders, too. Short sleeves help break up the line, so if you are tall, short sleeves together with a suitable dress shape will make you look shorter.
What to avoid
Keep larger arms covered up by choosing long sleeves, preferably with a looser fit. If you have broad shoulders, this style will emphasize them.
Spaghetti Straps
…Spaghetti straps create a frame for a pretty neck and minimise big shoulders. if you are heavy busted then opt for a thicker strap as thin ones can create an unsightly red mark.
***Perfect fit*** Show off well-toned arms and beautiful shoulders and neck by choosing spaghetti straps. These have a young and modern look and are very attractive. Use a strapless bra
with spaghetti straps so that there are no distractions.
What to avoid
Keep angular shoulders or large arms covered up. Spaghetti straps also emphasize the neck, so be sure it looks good if you choose them. You can also use a necklace effectively to compliment the straps.
