Q: I am having a difficult time finding a dress that looks good on all three of my bridesmaids. I don't want each to wear a different style, but *is* there a dress that'll look good on three different figures: tall and slim, boyish, and thick-waisted?
A: You are one considerate bride! Relax. Finding a style that suits each maid's shape isn't so tough. Some styles are universally flattering. Concentrate on dresses with A-line (also called princess) silhouettes as well as empire (high) waistlines. These shapes tend to be more figure-forgiving and look good on a wide range of body types. Also, to help out your "boyish" bridesmaid, look for a dress with curved lines at the waist or neck. Curves on the dress will create the illusion of curves of the body beneath.
Q: I'm in love with gloves, but they won't work with my large upper arms. I have a muscular build, a large bust, and I'm only 5'2". Is there a dress out there that will flatter my arms?
A: The good news is that there are several dresses out there that will flatter your arms. The bad news: Gloves are not your best option. Since you are less-than-average height, you have to keep in mind that your arms are of less-than-average length. Wearing gloves will make them disappear — not to mention that they'll also emphasize your upper arms. Stick to short sleeves with a slight scoop or V-neckline or bodices with off-the-shoulder necklines. Both do a nice job of covering the upper arms and minimizing a large chest. To add the illusion of height to your 5'2" frame, stick to sheaths or A-line silhouettes with minimal fullness.
Q: What's the difference between these silhouettes: princess (does this look like a wide A-line or like a ball gown or neither?), A-line, ball gown and sheath (are these always form-fitting)? What else is there? Am I forgetting something? I'm so confused!
A: Princess and A-line are the same silhouette -- there's really no difference. Both have side seams that run vertically from the underarm to the hem. A-line/princess shapes tend to be the most figure-friendly. The ball gown is the most traditional wedding-dress silhouette. The bodice is fitted through the waist with a full skirt -- think Cinderella (before midnight!). Sheaths are typified by their slim, body-hugging shape. And, yes, they are always form-fitting. The mermaid shape is a variation of the sheath -- the skirt flares out below the knee. And the one you forgot: the empire silhouette. It has a high waistline, right below the bust from which a slender skirt falls (think Emma).
Q: I'm a size 20. Will I ever be able to find a beautiful wedding dress that flatters my body? I only have six months until my wedding and doubt that I'll be able to lose much weight before then. What should I do?
A: First of all, forget the diet idea. You have more important things to think about. I always encourage brides to eat healthfully and exercise, especially before the wedding (can you say stress buster?) and the D-word just creates stress.
Fortunately, designers have caught on to the fact that not everyone is a "perfect" size 8. They realize that there are lots of just-as-perfect size-20 brides out there too, and they've created some beautiful, figure-flattering designs to fit you. Not only does your dream dress exist, it's available in your size! Look for dresses by the Diamond Collection, Jasmine, Alfred Angelo, Jim Hjelm and Sweetheart. These are just a few of the many designers whose lines include size 20. Some even go up to size 44 -- ask your bridal salon for details on specific designers. Don't fret, you have terrific options!
No comments:
Post a Comment