Sometimes it can be hard to visualise what will suit you when you start shopping for a wedding dress. Lots of people tell us the choice is overwhelming - there are so many silhouettes and necklines, and even more fabric options and finishes.
We don’t like putting women in boxes (hourglass/rectangle/apple/triangle etc - it all feels too uniform when our body shapes are so different) but as we are often asked for our advice, we thought it might be helpful to share some of our experience. Of course it is not an exact science, and there is a lot of crossover when it comes to styles - when designing we lean into dresses that celebrate the female form in all its different shapes and sizes - so lots of them work for lots of different body types.
Everyone has something on their body that they like/dislike - so here are some of the things we are asked by customers (and the advice we give them).
WHAT TO WEAR IF // YOU WANT TO SHOW OFF YOUR WAIST
Waist cinching silhouettes flatter most body shapes - look for an a-line cut. The defined waist contrasts the flare of the skirt and creates a beautiful hourglass silhouette. A-line shapes are sometimes disregarded by brides looking for more modern styles as they associate them with more traditional gowns. In our opinion it all depends on how they are designed and styled - you can find some beautiful modern, sleek a-line shapes in our collection that tick the right boxes.
We recommend ...
STYLE 020 // Amalfi slip, STYLE 045 // silk sleeved top paired with STYLE 011 // a-line skirt, STYLE 031 // crop wrap paired with STYLE 011 // a-line skirt
WHAT TO WEAR IF // YOU WANT TO SHOW OFF YOUR SHOULDERS
In our experience your shoulders and collarbone are often one of the most flattering parts of a woman's body. Halter necks and deep 'v' necklines are often best when it comes to showcasing your shoulders.
We recommend ...
STYLE 035 // slip with seam detail, STYLE 040 // one shoulder, STYLE 034 // pleated halter
WHAT TO WEAR IF // YOU WANT TO SHOW OFF YOUR BACK
We love a statement back - it’s a design feature you will find across our collections. We cut lots of our pieces in such a way so as to really flatter the back, so lots of them are diamond cut or graduate into a curve or deep v, to create a slimming effect. One thing to flag when it comes to backless styles - lots of people worry they can't wear them because they need to wear a bra. Wrong! There are so many clever underwear solutions available to try. We always say start with the style you like and find underwear to suit it (not the other way around.) Annie from The Pantry Underwear says, "Backless solutions from A-H cup are a thing! From our invisible low back body with shorts which offers control and a rounded cup whilst maintaining a super low back to the "Strapless Lift Solution" that lifts your bust to the height as though you are wearing a bra without actually being a bra."
We recommend ...
STYLE 039 // backless slip, STYLE 006 // crepe bias slip, STYLE 027 // asymmetric back
WHAT TO WEAR IF // YOU LIKE SLEEVES
Dresses with sleeves are a popular choice for people who prefer to keep their arms covered. If they are getting married in the summer they often worry that sleeves are less appropriate - but we always say - don't rule it out, as it totally depends on the fit and fabric of your dress. For example, our beautiful wrap dress ‘STYLE 021’ is made from a beautiful lightweight silk crepe and the fit on the sleeve is loose and relaxed, which is perfect for hotter (and colder months) - in fact we’ve had brides wear it in the Provence heat and say it kept them nice and cool. An alternative is pairing an organza overlays with a slip dress. It gives you the flexibility of having a sleeve that you can remove for dancing later.
We recommend...
STYLE 047 // silk organza with tie, STYLE 021 // silk crepe wrap dress, STYLE 023 // 1930s bias gown
WHAT TO WEAR IF // YOU WANT TO ELONGATE YOUR SILHOUETTE
Halter necklines are ideal if you want to give your body the illusion of being long and lean. The halter style draws the eye to your body in a vertical way, which provides you with the appearance of being taller. Dresses with an empire line that cut under the bust have a similar effect.
We recommend...
STYLE 017 // satin halter, STYLE 028 // backless halter, STYLE 003 // sequin column
WHAT TO WEAR IF // YOU WANT TO SHOW OFF YOUR LEGS (OR SHOES)
We love a raised hem when it comes to a wedding dress - a classic mini or ankle length dress are incredibly unique and chic anti-bride styles. Alternatively, if you are looking for something full length but still want to show off your legs and shoes, try one of our styles with a slit (STYLE 011 or STYLE 020 are two beautiful options!)
We recommend ...
STYLE 036 // silk midi, STYLE 024 // dancing mini dress, STYLE 009 // silk brocade mini