Your significant other has finally popped the question and you are filled with joy and sorrow all in the same moment. Happiness abounds, because you are finally getting married and sorrow manages to sneak in there and scream, “You should have kept the New Year’s resolution to get back in shape!”
Without a doubt, the time surrounding your wedding date will be filled with wonderful memories. I am not an advocate of spending this time centered on losing as much weight as possible in order to fit into that perfect wedding dress. Instead, find a dress that is perfect for your body shape, just the way it is.
There are seven different body shape models to choose from when taking advice on dress and clothing cuts. The shapes are organized using the letters, M, Y, S, H, A, P and E and finding your corresponding letter is simple. Visit www.myshape.com and enter your measurements into the shape finder. From there you will be given a letter and on we go to finding the perfect dress.
M if for MAGNIFICENT!
Women who are “M” shaped are softer and more straight than other women. They have a naturally rounded bottom and their lower half tends to be more full than their upper half.
M”‘s should steer toward wrap styles and A line dresses with flared skirts. Keeping designs precisely cut will flatter your shape and choosing deep V, U or scoop necklines will be sure to leave your groom agape at the altar.
Y is for YEAH BABY!
“Y” shaped women are pretty self explanatory. Their upper bodies, like a “Y” are more broad than their lower bodies.
For the “Y” woman the lower half of the dress is going to make it or break it. To balance out a fuller upper body, choose a flared skirt in a pleated or trumpet style. Getting imaginative with the lower half fabrics will help steer the eye away from your broader shoulders bringing an evenness to your shape.
The upper half of the body should be adorned with little or no fabric embellishment. Tightly woven fabrics are best while choosing a soft U or V neckline will again help with balance.
S is for SUPERB!
The “S” shaped woman is curvy and emulates the perfect hour glass shape. She will be fuller on top and bottom with a narrow waist line.
If you are an “S” the sky is the limit. There are few things that will not flatter you. Staying away from bold fabric, which should not be hard when choosing a wedding dress, would be the only negative advice.
All necklines will work for you and due to your soft shoulder presence you can feel free to add a soft collar wrap to your ensemble. Using an empire waist to play up your curvy features will only flatter your look even more.
H is for HAPPENING!
If you are an “H” you are very well proportioned. A small upper and lower body as well as flatter behind will bring everything together into one solid shape.
For “H” shaped women, the dress can be an open canvas. The important thing is to be bold and creative. Sticking to the classic white, simple dress is not needed. Venture out and try new fabrics with patterns and new cuts that differ from the classic themes.
When choosing a dress shape finding one that emphasizes the hip, bust or waist are will help bring movement to your boxy shape.
A is for AWESOME!
“A” women are the opposite of “Y” women. Being fuller on the lower half of the body you will resemble the letter “A”.
“A” is also for accessories. The top part of your wedding dress will be the clincher for you. While other shapes can use a V or U neck to simplify the look, you will go to the opposite end of the spectrum. To balance out your fuller hips and buttocks, you will want a cowl neck or boat neck. Finding these in a wedding dress may not be feasible so looking into wraps and scarves to adorn your gown will help pull together the balance you will be searching for.
The lower half of the dress should be a simple A line with a flat front or small gathering. Keep it simple.
P is for PERFECT!
Women with “P” shapes will be more full in the bust line rather than below the belt line, having larger breasts and smaller derrieres.
“P” shaped women are very similar to Y shaped women in that they will be looking to adorn the lower half of their bodies more than their upper half. Having a fuller bust will lean your dress toward simple unembellished necklines with deep V or other wide open necklines (being sure to keep it sensuous and not too revealing).
The lower half should be where the party is happening. To balance the look you will steer toward pleated looks with paneled and gathered skirts working best. You can even experiment with a wide yoke waist line to add even more fullness to the bottom of the body.
E is for EXCELLENT!
The final shape is the “E” shape. Women defined by this letter have a more full profile with little or no difference between their bust, waist or hip size.
For “E” shaped women, simple is better. Adding simple touches at neck and hemlines will pull the lines of your dress toward your greatest features, your face and legs.
Picking a wedding dress is the perfect task and the most daunting one as well. With all you need to think about during the weeks and months leading up to your perfect day, remember to focus on whom you are and enjoy your time as a fiancee. Instead of trying to mold into someone else’s body shape simply choose a dress that flatters your shape.
