It goes without saying that you want to look and feel your best on your wedding day. But if you lack confidence about certain areas of your body, choosing the right wedding dress can be a minefield. Luckily, Linda Davey of No. 9 Bridal Couture gives her advice for making the most of your body shape, helping you to show off your best features whilst skimming over any flaws!
Q. With huge boobs and slim hips I’m always in danger of looking cartoonish. How can I look chic when I walk down the aisle?
A. Firstly, lucky you! But if you feel self conscious, you can easily restore the balance by adding volume to your lower body to create the perfect hourglass silhouette. You can really live every little girl’s dream and look fantastic in a fairytale or ball-gown style wedding dress.
Image by No.9 Bridal Couture
Q. I’m really self-conscious about my batwings. How can I keep my flabby arms concealed without looking too trussed up?
A. Don’t be afraid to wear sleeves on your wedding day. A clever cut will look beautiful – not ‘trussed up’ at all – and will definitely give you confidence if you’re worried about your upper arms. Choose a loose sleeve rather than close fitting as this will also work hard to cover broad, square shoulders.
Image by James Melia
Q. I’m often complimented on my figure as I’m tall and slender, but actually I’ve never got over that teenage gawky feeling. How do I look elegant on my wedding day?
A. Tall, slender frames look fantastic in a column dress which skims the figure and has a real catwalk feel. A fitted style with a straight skirt will give you a statuesque figure, ensuring you look sleek and anything but gawky. For a really feminine look, you could opt for a lace overlay, or a beautiful row of buttons down the back of your dress.
Image by Rob Booker
Q. My body is really out of proportion – I’m about 5ft 5in and have a really short torso but long legs! What styles would you suggest for my wedding dress?
A. You should try a couple of styles with a fitted, drop waist and a shorter skirt. The drop waist will lengthen your mid section, whilst adding definition and giving you feminine curves. Don’t feel like you need to cover up your killer pins, in fact you really should show them off – even on your wedding day! Plenty of brides are opting for shorter styles, which can still look really bridal, especially if they’re lovely and full, in soft, feminine fabrics like layered tulle.
Image by No.9 Bridal Couture
Q. I’ve got a really boyish, straight up and down figure. How can I soften my look for my wedding day?
A. Empire line gowns are soft, feminine and otherworldly. Gathering and detailing below the bust – with a little help from some gentle padding – will create shape, whilst delicate fabric and an unstructured waist will flow over your frame, hinting at curves. With your type of figure the likelihood is that you have lovely arms and shoulders, so show off your toned limbs with a strapless dress. Alternatively, opt for a slightly scooped boat neckline and delicate lacy, elbow length sleeves, for an oh-so-pretty look.
Image by James Melia
Q. I’m really curvy with boobs, a tum and hips. I’m planning on losing a few pounds before my big day, but I’m never going to be a Skinny Minnie. I’m at a loss as to what type of wedding dress to go for, what do you think?
A. Structure is the order of the day for you! A-line or princess-line dresses are very popular, as they suit everyone, and are fantastic figure fixers. In your case, with its fitted bodice and softly flaring A-line skirt, the princess dress will ‘create’ a waistline nipping you in where you need it, whilst skimming flatteringly over your hips. Add interest around the bust with a sweetheart neckline, which will enhance your best assets.
Image by No 9 Bridal Couture
Linda Davey founded award winning No 9 Bridal Couture to bring her dream of making couture, bespoke dresses attainable for every bride. With designs starting at just £400, No 9 Bridal’s sumptuous gowns are created to specifically flatter the bride’s body and celebrate their individuality.
Modern Vintage by Alfred Angelo – Autumn 2015 – Style 8531
Select your ideal shape of bridal gown in our dresses & style/Wedding Dresses and ask your own question to our expert at Ask Kate.
