SPECIAL REPORT PROVIDED BY: REFLECTIONS BRIDAL Shapes, I ... · Ball Gown The Ball Gown The ball...
Transcript of SPECIAL REPORT PROVIDED BY: REFLECTIONS BRIDAL Shapes, I ... · Ball Gown The Ball Gown The ball...
IIShapes,silhouettes,
stylesandH OW T O K N OW W H I C H D R E S S W I L L F I T YO U B E S T
THE SEARCH FOR YOUR WEDDING GOWN CAN BE AN OVERWHELMING EXPERIENCE IF YOU’RE NOT SURE WHAT TO
LOOK FOR. YOUR CHOICE WILL BE MUCH EASIER WHEN YOU KNOW THE FOUR SILHOUETTES OF WEDDING GOWNS
AND WHICH ONE WILL LOOK MOST FLATTERING ON YOUR FIGURE. WEARING THE RIGHT CUT OF GOWN FOR YOUR
BODY TYPE CAN DRAW ATTENTION TO YOUR BEST FEATURES AND MINIMIZE THOSE YOU’RE CONCERNED ABOUT.
BY JOY SALYARDS
I 4018 iBall Gown
The Ball GownThe ball gown has a form-fitting bodice with a full skirt. It
is the most traditional of all wedding gowns. Ball gowns
can have several types of waistlines. These include:
• Basque features a fitted bodice with an
elongated triangle beneath and at the front and
center of the waistline. This style diminishes the
width of the dress at the waist.
• Natural waistline for this dress is between
the hip and the ribcage
• Asymmetrical features a change in
waist height from one side of the dress
to the other
• Dropped falls several inches below the
natural waistline. This style of dress elongates
the torso.
SPECIAL REPORT PROVIDED BY: REFLECTIONS BRIDAL
II
The four silhouettes (ball
gown, empire, princess
cut and sheath) all create
varying visual effects on different
body types. If you haven’t tried
on wedding dresses before, it is
recommended that you try on at least
one dress in each silhouette. This
will allow you to see which cut best
complements the look and feel you
are trying to evoke at your wedding.
The SheathThe sheath is a form fitting dress that closely follows the line of
the body. The skirt has either a slit in the front, side or back of
the dress or can flare out into a trumpet or fishtail style to make
walking easier.
The Princess Cut or A-LinePrincess cut or A-line gowns have an A-shape, created by vertical
seams running from the shoulders to a flared skirt, and are
characterized by their narrow-at-the-top, wider at the bottom
shape. This style of gown is designed to elongate the lines of the
body, adding a classic elegance and an illusion of length. This
dress doesn’t have a defined waistline. It fits through the torso
and then flares out from the waist.
I 4099 iSheath Cut
I 4040 iPrincess Cut
The Empire The empire has a high waisted seam just below the
bustline that falls into a sheath or A-line skirt. The skirt
begins 2 or more inches above the natural waistline and
has a slender fit. This waist-minimizing cut allows extra
room for brides who have tummy issues or are pregnant.
Here are several suggestions for consideration when
trying on these silhouettes based on your body type.
Remember these are generalized recommendations, and
you will still want to try on the different styles to find out
what fits you best and what you feel prettiest in. Body
shapes can vary tremendously and there is no one size fits
all approach. Talk with your bridal consultant about what
fits best for you.
I 40124 iEmpire
Figure Type Things to Consider Things to Avoid
Hour Glass Figure (small waist, full hips and bust)
Princess cut gown with a v-neck or scoop-neck is flattering.
Empire silhouette may hide your figure or make it look disproportional.
Short Waisted and PetitePrincess cut elongates a short waist and lengthens the torso.
A sheath will make your short waist more obvious.
Long Waist A basque waist ball gown will give you the appearance of a shorter waistline.
A princess cut will elongate you and make your long waist more obvious.
Boxy (undefined waistline-the line from your shoulders to your hips is straight)
An empire-waist gown will de-emphasize your waistline and give you a long, thinning look. Horizontal detailing will draw the eye across the body and combat vertical body lines, and oversized shoulders and sleeves will add width to your top and shape to your overall appearance.
A princess cut or sheath will draw too much attention to your middle.
Pear-Shaped (smaller on top, heavier on the bottom)
Choose a gown that will draw attention to the upper half of your body. The silhouette isn’t quite as important as the neckline you select. An off the shoulder neckline will flatter your shoulders and chest while drawing focus away from your hips.
A sheath will be unflattering. The neckline is important here – but avoid a V-neck that draws the eyes down.
Full Figure / Plus Size
The ball gown is full and will hide many figure problems in the lower areas. Minimize a thick waist with an empire waistline. A princess cut will flatter practically any figure.
A sheath will make you look heavier than you are.
Joy Salyards is the owner of Reflections, Virginia’s #1 choice for brides, located at 141 South Carlton St. VA 22801. She can be reached at 540-432-8700 or by visiting www.reflectionsva.com.
I really don’t want what happened to Jessica and other brides who make this choice to happen to you. Please come visit us at our store so we can help you find the perfect dress as you prepare for your memorable day.
Joy Salyards
3 | reflectionsva.com
141 S. Carlton St.Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540-432-8700www.reflectionsva.com
Monday-Friday 11 AM to 7 PM Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM
Open on Sunday 1pm-5pm from Labor Day to Memorial Day