Shape:
Your wedding dress is one of the most important pieces of clothing you’ll ever buy. And I bet you’ll want it to be the most flattering thing you’ve ever worn.
So think about your bodyshape to work out what’ll suit you. Are you straight up and down and would you like to add some curves? Are you pear shaped and want to balance out your hips? Or are you top heavy with a slim bottom and legs?
Even if you are thinking of having your dress made especially for you, book some appointments to try on some gowns. This will help to give you a good idea of the shapes that you like and dislike, and which flatter your figure the best.
Here are some tips on what to look for when shopping for a wedding dress:
Temperley London
* Top heavy
Minimize your top half by creating vertical lines with deep v-necks, seaming, vertical panels on a corset, and draping. Choose lower necklines and steer clear from extra detailing across the bust area.
An empire line will also be flattering and skim across the tummy area. Keep the bottom half relatively slim fitting to show off your slim hips and bottom.
A fishtail hem fanning out at the bottom will balance you out beautifully.
If you’re planning on wearing a necklace, choose a longer line one, which will also bring the eye down and lengthen the neck.
Marchesa
* Pear shaped
Choose a dress with some detailing, or embellishment on the top half and a full or a-line shape skirt which will skim over your hips.
Temperley London
Strapless styles look great and can be teamed with a beautiful necklace that sits higher. Or add a lace shrug or stole to enhance your shoulders.
* Straight up and down
Coast
Add the illusion of curves with draping and detailing, and diagonal lines to divert the eye. Avoid anything too full in the skirt if you are thicker around the middle and opt instead for a gently draped skirt, and some detailing at the top.
Or a skirt with a bustle will add curves to your bottom.
* Hourglass
A fitted dress with a fuller skirt will disguise heavier hips and thighs. Or an off-the-shoulder style will bring attention to your shoulders and make your waist look tiny!
Angelina Colarusso
Blue by Enzoani
Colour
Obviously, white is the classic choice. If this is your chosen colour, think about which shade of white best suits your colouring: will it be a pure bright white, a softer ivory or rich cream?
The fabric will also make a difference to the intensity of the shade. The colour will look brighter if it’s in a shiny fabric, while sheer fabric will diffuse the colour and make it softer. And a heavy brocade style will make the colour deeper.
Bridesmaids
Bridesmaids with different colourings can make it really tricky to find something to suits them all. Luckily, there are a few colours that suit most people, so whether they’re blonde, brunette, raven haired or a redhead, they’ll look fabulous!
Choose from periwinkle blue, a deep purple, or a coral pink shade.
Style Personality
Of course you want to look like a beautiful princess on your wedding day, but take into account your own everyday style, otherwise your husband-to-be may think there’s a stranger walking down the aisle to greet him!
Here are some examples of different types of styling to suit your personality:
* Sporty/Natural
If your normal style is sporty and au naturel, look for stunningly simple styles with minimal detailing. Keep your hair and make-up fresh, and natural looking and go for a beautiful healthy glow.
Look for plain, matt finish fabrics, such as heavy crepe, and raw silk or natural textured fabrics.
A beach or garden wedding would be perfect for you and give you the opportunity to wear something a little more informal and flowing.
Avoid too much lace, frills, bows, and ruffles.
Melissa Odabash
Monsoon
* Dramatic
If you’re normally dressed in the latest trends and want your wedding dress to make a big style statement, go for it!
Look for a dress that is either angular and ultra simple, or very elaborate and ornate. Add one statement accessory and you’ll pull off a stunning look.
If you’re having a less formal wedding or a second wedding, then a beautifully cut trouser suit would look fabulous.
Have fun, but be careful that you don’t choose something you’ll hate every time you look at the photos in years to come!
Make sure your outfit choice is the perfect shape for you and your hair and make-up are strong enough to complement your outfit.
Yves St Laurent
Marchesa
* Romantic
If you consider yourself quite a girly girl, then this is your chance to shine!
Lace, bows, ribbons, chiffon and frills… you love them all! You could choose a vintage lace style or a more bohemian look as long as it is feminine and romantic.
Be careful your dress and the detailing don’t swamp you if you’re petite.
Have your hair softly curled, and your make-up pretty with a delicate flush.
Flower or feather accessories will finish off your look perfectly.
Lanvin
One Vintage
Accessories
* Shoes
There are many beautiful shoes around, so you don’t have to resort to awful “wedding” shoes. LK Bennett have a great selection that are fantastic for weddings.
Look for silver or gold tones or embellished sandals. Make sure you can walk in them and they’re comfortable enough to wear the whole day. A bride with sore feet is not going to be looking or feeling good!
LK Bennett
Dune
* Headresses
Flowers, fascinators, and feathers are a gorgeous alternative to the traditional veil. Or a headband can look very simple but beautiful.
You could also try a beautiful piece of vintage lace twisted or plaited into your hair, or a 30’s/40’s style hat with veiling.
Jennifer Behr hairclip
Accessorize hairband
The Vintage Wedding Dress Company hair accessory
* Jewellery
Depending on how detailed your dress is, choose your jewellery to complement it. You could team one statement piece with a simple dress, or opt for some classic pearls if you prefer a more timeless look.
Don’t overdo it, one simple small piece may be all you need to finish off your look.
Where to buy
* Net a Porter: has a section dedicated to weddings – with wonderful but pricey wedding dresses! Look here for inspiration and unusual ideas.
* Amanda Wakeley: gorgeously simple dresses. Choose from off-the-peg which can be altered to fit, or have something made especially for you.
* Ghost: a great choice for a casual, understated wedding (maybe on a beach). They have beautiful flowing dresses in unstructured shapes.
* Coast: A great budget conscious choice for a shorter dress or a structured and understated look. Also good for shrugs and cover ups if it gets chilly.
* Monsoon: A fabulous high street alternative which carries a good selection of wedding dresses in different styles.
* Vintage: For a truly original look, seek out an authentic 20’s, 30’s, or 40’s style, and then have it altered to fit you perfectly.
* Brides’n’bumps: A great website for maternity wedding dresses.
Create a moodboard for your wedding, and add styles and colours of dresses that you like. This will help you to get a clear idea of what you want so that you don’t get swayed by over zealous shop assistants.
Another tip is to take a look at what the celebrities are wearing on the red carpet, and use their shapes and styles to inspire you.
If you want to know what suits you and how to look gorgeous every day with minimum time and effort, call us on 0845 045 0858. Tell us what you’re looking for and discover what a professional one-to-one consultation with an experienced Personal Stylist could do for you.
Kind Regards,
Nina Cooke
