Bride Guide ; Silhouettes

Brides-to-be, get yourselves comfy as we take you through a step-by-step #BrideGuide on all things wedding, bridal wear and beauty. With the very best of insider knowledge and secret tips we are going to be collaborating with industry experts and bringing you all you need to know to get yourselves #weddingready. 

Silhouettes

Part 1 of our #BrideGuide series is all about finding the perfect silhouette for your body shape. We’re here to help you find the silhouette that will highlight your most-loved assets and help conceal those less-favourable ones. 

The best piece of advice we can give to any future Bride that is about to begin her wedding dress search is to know your own body. Know your body shape and what you feel great in day-to-day. Knowing that certain dress in your wardrobe that gives you that special boost of confidence when you wear it is the perfect place to start. The neckline or bodice shape of that dress may form the starting blocks of your very own unique design or may be crucial in helping you eliminate other styles. Knowing your body shape and what you love to wear normally will put you 10 steps ahead when you begin your search. 

Apple

More voluptuous than most, apple shapes have full breasts, a bit of a tummy and a rounder bum and hips.

Deep V-necklines are your best-friend! By wearing a plunge or V-neck you’re cutting in to the midsection of your upper body, instantly making it appear slimmer. These necklines also help to draw the eye upwards to your décolletage so be sure to style your gown with some dreamy drop-earrings or a killer necklace. Pair this bodice with a ball-gown or A-line shape skirt for your perfect silhouette. 

Pear

You’re smaller on top than the bottom, with hips wider than your shoulders.

Full or structured skrits are best for pear shapes as these help to balance out your bottom half. Paired with a fitted or corseted bodice to highlight your teeny tiny waist. The Harriet dress would be your go-to-dress. 

Petite

5’1” and under - you’ve got a tiny frame.

Excessive layers, ruffles or tonnes of fabric can drown petite frames. The most flattering silhouette is one that will help to elongate your body and show off your slim figure. A fishtail, trumpet or fitted A-line would do just this. Go for a high or empire-waist to give the illusion of super-long-legs. 

Athletic

Short or tall, you have a ballerina’s figure, with an undefined waist.

An athletic body shape is one of the only body types that allows a high neckline. Sheath, column dress shapes are also super flattering. With beadwork or embellishment detailing in the right places, you can achieve the illusion of curves. Likewise, a fit and flare dress would help create the look of curves ensuring it was super fitted at the waist and allowed for fluid movement in the skirt. The Emilia Dress would work wonders for Athletic body shapes. 

Hourglass

An hourglass figure is one where your top and bottom halves are perfectly balanced, with a very defined waist.

Seen as the body shape that can pull off anything, it is still best to ensure you highlight your narrow waist, bridal - separates work wonders for hourglass shapes as do, sweetheart necklines and dropped waist fitted gowns. The Sofia dress is the ultimate in hourglass dressing. 

Tall

The height of a catwalk model, you tower above your friends.

Tall Brides can carry off almost any dress so pick your choice ladies! Accentuate your height with a minimalist, linear look achieved by a column or sheath dress. Keep your fabrics crisp and simple, too much lace or embellishment can over power those with a tall frame. The Darcy dress would compliment you perfectly. 

To plan your own design consultation email the team on info@jessicabennettbespokebride.co.uk