Being a bridesmaid can be tear-jerking, especially when a close one prefers you to be next to them on such a special day. However, it can also be stressful due to your duties of supporting the bride, helping around and, most importantly, keeping the energy up!
But choosing the perfect dress may be the most challenging. You want to look good but not outshine the bride. You may want to go for a chic look, but also consider comfortability. The dress should also match your body type, which may not fit the fast-fashion standard.
So, panic sets in. The clock is ticking, and nothing seems to drape decently on you. Worry not!
We’ve got a brief guideline on the best dress types for every body type. Let’s dive in.
Athletic Figures: Show off Your Waist
Women with athletic figures have similar measurements for the hips and shoulders and an evenly distributed weight across the body. Therefore, the curves and waist aren’t well-defined, so they might make you too self-conscious compared to curvy bodies.
There are two types of bridesmaid dresses that will help you accommodate a curvy shape. First, dresses with belted or accentuated waistlines will create a great outline of your body and bring out your features while showcasing a balanced figure. On the other hand, A-line dresses with V-neck models can flatter anyone, so look for a fitted body with a flowing skirt.
Apple Bodies: Find Balance
The inverted triangle shape, or “apple” body type, consists of shoulders or busts larger than the hips. Many women find this shape challenging because it places too much attention on the upper body, and dresses can sometimes accentuate it.
Therefore, bridesmaids with this body shape should also wear V-neck dresses, which accentuate the chest while elongating the neck and creating a balanced silhouette. In addition, one-shoulder dresses can bring balance to women with broad shoulders.
Pear Bodies: Emphasize the Upper Body
Women with pear shapes have their hips larger than the shoulders and the bust, so it’s the opposite of the apple body. While this shape is approachable, some women would like to showcase better balance, especially since their arms tend to be slim.
Of course, some of the best bridesmaid dresses include A-line dresses that define the waist and fit the hips just fine. Wrap dresses are also fabulous, but you may want a dress with puff sleeves to balance the body wonderfully.
Diamond Shapes: Keep Things Simple
As a girl with a diamond-shaped body, your waist tends to be wider than the shoulders and the hips, so you may find it challenging to achieve an hourglass look. However, your body is gorgeous, and you can highlight it with suitable bridesmaid dresses.
First, keep things simple around the waist, as details or puffed materials can add up to the waistline. For example, an empire dress moves the waistline up a bit below the bust, elongating the frame. In addition, choose draping fabrics with an uneven hemline or flowy.
Hourglass Bodies: Focus on Natural Proportions
The hourglass body shape is the most appreciated because it seems the easiest to dress. However, if you’re not paying attention, you might disproportionate your figure by choosing dresses with straight lines and boxy cuts, so it would be a waste not to wear something that embraces your figure.
With a well-defined waist and symmetrical proportions of the hips and bust, bridesmaids can wear wrap dresses, sneath dresses, and A-line dresses. Look for anything fit-and-flare with a belted waist to accentuate your body beautifully.
What about Flattering Necklines?
While you may choose a dress that best suits your body shape, it can happen that the neckline doesn’t match the overall look, as well as your figure. Sometimes, the bride has specific requests for the bridesmaids’ dresses or other details. However, in most cases, you’ll have the freedom to choose any dress you like but in a specific color.
Here’s what the neckline dress can do for you:
- Boat necklines are great for women with small busts or pear-shaped bodies
- The square neckline creates the illusion of a higher neck, so they are best for short necks and narrow shoulders
- The sweetheart neckline brings balance to broad hips while drawing attention to the collarbone
- Strapless dresses are fabulous for smaller busts and bring balance to broad shoulders;
- The surplice neck is best for large busts and curvy figures
Get Ready for a Bridesmaid Dress Fitting
If you want to ensure the dress will look perfect on the big day, you’ll need a dress fitting. Or more. For that, you’ll need to bring the following:
- Extra undergarments, including different bras for various dress types
- A few pairs of shoes to try with the dress to determine the hemming required
- The jewelry you intend to wear on the wedding day
- A hair tie or clips to see how the dress will look with different hairstyles
It’s best to allocate some time for the bridesmaid dress fittings and pack some patience. You’ll need to discuss the outfits and accessories with the seamstress and change them several times. Attitude matters most, from the fitting moment to the wedding, and keeping the spirits up is essential.
As a bridesmaid, your duty before, during, and after the wedding is to ensure everyone is feeling alright, especially the bride, and you cannot do that if you’re uncomfortable in the dress or are self-conscious about it. Therefore, invest as much time as needed in picking the dress that makes you confident.
Are You Ready to Choose Your Bridesmaid Dress?
Being a bridesmaid is both beautiful and stressful, no matter how many times you do it. Choosing a dress is also exciting and unnerving because there’s a lot to do.
So, start slow by assessing your body type and sticking to a dress model that emphasizes your shape but doesn’t stress your insecurities. In the end, the bridesmaid fitting will offer the final touch that will make you look flawless.
