How to find the wedding dress for your shape

Danielle Wilkins shares the golden rules for finding the right wedding gown for your figure

♥ Hourglass (shoulders and hips in line, a nipped-in waist)

DO: Embrace your curves and accentuate your waist. Bias-cut gowns work well for hourglass figures as they fall over the natural curves of the body. Show off your best asset with a gown that nips in at the waist.

DON’T: Wear a design that gathers at the waist. Instead, choose a skirt that lies flat against the hips and flares out lower down, otherwise it could add bulk to your bottom half and make you look bigger than you really are. Avoid empire lines and large ballgowns that will only hide your figure.

♥ Triangle (shoulders wider than the hips)

DO: Balance your shoulders by adding width to your hips. Try a gathered skirt with a nipped-in waist. Soften the shoulders with pretty chiffon sleeves and opt for gowns with detail on the lower half to draw the eye downwards.

DON’T: Wear spaghetti straps or a halterneck gown, these will only make you look broader. If you want to draw attention away from an ample bust, steer clear of heavy embellishment around the neckline.

♥ Boyish figures (shoulders and hips in line, an undefined waist)

DO: Create the illusion of balanced curves by adding volume to the hips and shoulders and choose an A-line skirt with a gathered waist. Delicate beading in the right places can also create curves. Slim brides are the few who can pull off sleek designs by the likes of Jenny Packham and a 1920s silhouette would also work.

DON’T: Opt for a column gown if you want to look curvier. Off-the-shoulder styles can also make you look even slimmer if you have a bony collarbone or shoulders.

♥ Pear-shaped (shoulders narrower than the hips)

DO: Bring the balance back by choosing an A-line skirt with a high nipped-in waist, so you can’t quite tell where your legs begin and your waist ends. If you’d love a slim 1930s silhouette, add gathered sleeves to balance your shoulders.

DON’T: Opt for thin straps or halternecks; these will make you look bottom-heavy. Avoid tiered gowns and trumpet shapes.

♥ Apple shape (a rounder tummy and hips) 

DO: Choose pretty empire lines, which will nip you in at your narrowest point, giving you a leaner look. Wear a gown that fl ares from underneath the bust. A-line skirts will also work, just be sure to balance the shoulders with a voluminous cape.

DON’T: Opt for column gowns or fi gurehugging fishtails. Basque dresses will also draw attention to your middle.