Choosing a Dress to Fit this Body

Every body is shaped differently and so are the formals and prom dresses made for them. Formal dresses come long or short, some with beads and sequins and others of simple satin. Lace and tulle make gathered skirts full and dreamy while semi-fitted prom dresses create an elegant, slim look.

But not all dresses look fabulous on all bodies. Some formal wear is specifically designed for curvy women while others are better suited for lean, athletic or petite bodies. What prom or wedding dress style best fits you? You’re about to find out.

Curvy:

• A woman with a curvy body usually has a larger rear and should avoid prom or wedding dresses with an a-line skirt. Curvy women should shop for a dress with a flared or straight skirt because it will cling in the right places and accentuate a shapely curve.
• Women with a curvy body should also avoid fabrics that are too soft and flowing. They’ll stick to the wrong curves and provide an unflattering effect.
• Curvy women should shop for a tailored or fitted prom dress. It’ll show off your waist, especially with a wide satin ribbon or sash.

Small Busted:

• Women with small chests should avoid low sweeping necklines or deep v-necks that will show off what’s not there to fill it.
• Small chested women should also avoid corset prom dresses. The corset-style dress is made to accentuate large breasts.
• To accentuate a small bust, shop for a halter-top prom or wedding dress. The halter compliments a smaller bust while drawing the eye to attractive, exposed shoulders.
• Small breasted women should avoid empire waists and skin tight gowns that will accentuate your lack of bust. Shop for a high neck or backless dress instead.
• Small chested women should consider slim fitting, not too tight, prom dresses with contrasting fabrics or trim near the bust line. Strategically placed gathers can also be attractive, especially when shopping for a wedding dress.

Large Breasted:

• Large chested women can get away with a wider, sweeping neckline.
• Large breasted women should consider shopping for a corset-style gown or prom dress. The fitted middle will make your waist look extra small. Just make sure the top of the bodice is not too tight across your bust or you’ll look like you’re about to overflow.
• Large busted women should avoid any formal with a halter neckline! It’s very unflattering to a woman with a large bust. Instead look for a wedding dress with a sweetheart or rounded neckline.
• Larger busted women should avoid spaghetti straps also. Spaghetti straps will only enhance the size of your upper bust, including shoulders and arms.
• If you’ve got a large bust, also take into consideration the size of your arms, if you have large arms, you will definitely want a prom dress with sleeves.

Pear Shaped:

• A pear shaped body can pull off a separate top and skirt nicely. A fitted top with a low waistline will disguise larger thighs and may be the perfect dress style for a pear shaped body.
• A-lines are ideal for a pear shaped body! They hide the trouble area beautifully while still fitting to accentuate the waist.
• A pear shaped body should completely avoid a straight or fitted skirt. They’ll cling to the wrong curves and the results will not be pleasant.

Tummy Trouble:

• Obscure your pudgy belly with a flowing formal that hides your tummy, avoiding any prom dress or wedding gown that clings to your body.
• A-lines, empire waists or elegant jackets all work well to distract from your tummy. Another option to disguise your tummy is a low waistline on your dresses.
• Vertical seems and layered fabrics also help minimize the size of your tummy.

Thick Legs:

• If you're a woman with thick legs, avoid a skirt that ends mid-calf or they'll make your legs and calves look bigger. Stick with a skirt that ends just above the knee or a gown that skims the floor to accentuate your legs.
• Thick legged women should choose a shoe that will elongate legs and make them look shapely such as an opened toed shoe with a chunky heel. Avoid straps about the ankles. They’ll only make your ankles look hefty. Too thin a heel will also make your calves look disproportionately large.