Formal

Semi-Formal

Informal

Daytime

White/Off-white Long gown, train, long veil. 
Gloves are optional.

White/Off-white/Pastel Long gown, short or no train, short veil. Gloves optional.

White/Off-white/Pastel/Soft Pattern 
Short or Tea-Length dress, cocktail dress or suit

Evening

White/Off-white Long gown, train, long veil. 
Gloves are optional.

White/Off-white Long gown, short or no train, short veil. Gloves optional.

White/Off-white/Pastel/Soft Pattern/Brights 
Long dinner dress or simple gown, short cocktail dress or evening suit

A-Line or Princess

Empire

Ballgown

Sheath

Mermaid or Trumpet

Great on almost every figure.

Helps add height to petites. May also be combined with A-Line skirt.

Great on busty brides. Often combined with a Basque waist.

Often have a detachable train.

Similar to a sheath. Great for showing off your curves!

Petite

(under 54")

Think Gwyneth Paltrow, think Room with a View, think long vertical lines. Go for a high neckline, empire waist (if you're slim, try a full-length sheath) with short or no sleeves. No train. Add elbow length gloves and a veil no longer than floor length Try a pouf veil for more height. The long lines will add inches of visual height.

Tall
(over 59")

Unlike the petite bride, you'll want to break up your natural vertical. Go horizontal. Look for a drop waist. Maybe a wide belt, ruffles or trim that wraps around your gown. Lower necklines and off-the-shoulder. Fuller sleeves also can help. Try a hat or fantastic veil, but don't go for a pouf veil.

Average Height & Weight
(55" to 58")

Your parents were right when it came to average grades, but thank your lucky stars you're considered average here! Most dress designers style the majority of their lines for you. Look to your Grooms height. You may want to follow the guidelines for Tall or Petite Brides to help balance your height to his.

Slim

You have two options, play it up or visually fill-out. If you want to play it up follow the guidelines for petite or heavy brides. You can visually fill-out by going with a heavier fabric (velvet, damask,), full skirt, slim waist and sleeves. You may consider a blouson bodice as well.

Plus-Size

Generally, add height. Read the guidelines for the Petite Bride. Go for a high waist or A-Line. Run from flouncy ruffles, clingy fabrics and big sleeves.

Busty

You probably have already learned that you don't look your best in empire, A-Lines or cinched waists. They only add to your bust. Try a V- or high neck. You may even find an attractive keyhole neckline. You may also consider limiting the amount of beadwork on the bodice as it would draw attention to your bust.

Hippy

The most dramatic way to solve this figure flaw is to go Elizabethan. Try a broad collar. Two other ways to solve this are balance or camouflage. To balance, try a hat or big, pouffy sleeves. To camouflage, go with a flared skirt, A-Line or a skirt which obviously requires a lot of petticoat.