Finding the perfect dress for your body shape

You now have that nice new bling on your finger, and by the time you're ready to start wedding dress shopping, you’ve probably assembled a sizable wish list about your dream gown. However, with limited time during dress appointments, knowing exactly what silhouettes will highlight your best-loved assets and conceal your less favored traits will make your wedding dress shopping experience much more pleasant and efficient.

As you're exploring different dresses and designs to best complement your own style and body type, remember that one category may not fit all -- and that at the end of the day, the dress that you feel happiest and most fabulous in will be "The One!"

HOURGLASS

This shape is charecterised as your bust and hips being well proportioned with a neatly defined waist.

Often seen as a body shape which can wear any style, it’s still best to pick a dress that accentuates your waist as this will show off your best assets. "Fit-and-Flare" are three words you should get familiar with. You have the curves, now you need to show them off! And there is nothing better than the body-hugging mermaid style -- mermaid styles are real showstoppers on hourglass girls and a perfect example of this is the jaw-dropping Kenzi from the 2016 Enzoani collection. Figure-hugging rich satin, with silver beading elegantly wrapped around, accentuates and slims the waistline for a sophisticated but sexy look.

Pictured Above: Kenzi, 2016 Enzoani collection

APPLE

This shape is characterised by rounder shoulders, slimmer bottoms, average to large busts, fullness around the middle -- and a great pair of pins!

Whether you want to create the illusion of a smaller frame or you want to show off your curves, we have it covered.

A corset bodice will redefine your shape, and dresses with a lining also ensure a better, sleeker fit. Opt for a bodice with a lot of texture to it -- think ruche or lace detailing that will camouflage and fit snuggly, creating a corset-like effect. A fantastic example of this is Ipswich from the 2016 Blue by Enzoani collection with its heavily corded lace appliques. Ipswich also features neckline-to-knee embellishments that make this style even more alluring.

Pictured Above: Ipswich, 2016 Blue by Enzoani collection

For "apple" shapes, modified A-Line wedding dresses are another great option; they cinch at the smallest point on your waistline and gracefully flare out to a gradual A-Line skirt. The ultra-romantic BT16-10 from the 2016 Beautiful collection fits the bill perfectly with its lace-up corset back, textured sequined corded lace bodice, and soft tulle skirt.

Pictured Above: BT16-10, 2016 Beautiful collection

PEAR

The "pear" shape is charecterised as your torso and upper body being smaller than your hips with waist definition. Just like the fruit you’re smaller on the top than the bottom, with hips wider than your shoulders.

One way to flatter a "pear" body shape is by drawing attention to the waist in order to create a more balanced silhouette and highlight your gorgeous middle.

An A-line gown can provide the perfect silhouette, as it can complement fuller hips, and highlight the midsection as it floats away from the hips and thighs. The classic A-line silhouette of Kimberly from the 2016 Enzoani collection is a great example for a pear shape with its universally flattering sweetheart neckline, corded lace appliques and scalloped hem lace on a romantic, flowing tulle train.

Pictured Above: Kimberly, 2016 Enzoani collection

For a "pear" body type, traditional ball gowns are another lovely style to consider. They shape and hug the top half of the body, with a gorgeously voluminous skirt below which accentuates the upper body. Fit for a princess, 2016 Blue by Enzoani style Ibanda fits the bill perfectly with its 3D Guipure lace bodice which dramatically cascades down to a beautiful two-tiered tulle and horsehair skirt and eye-catching illusion back.  

Pictured Above: Ibanda, 2016 Blue by Enzoani collection

STRAIGHT-LINED

A "straight-lined" or "rectangle" body type is defined as your torso and upper body being around the same width as your hips with less waist definition.

With a more "rectangular" body type, choosing dress styles to add curves or accentuate more linear lines can be equally beautiful.

Looking to add some extra curves? Go for a gown with added volume and details at both the chest and hips to help create the illusion of an hourglass silhouette. Kylee from the 2016 Enzoani collection is a perfect example of creating curves cinching in at your natural waist and then descending down to a full flowing, voluminous skirt. This can be a great way to both highlight your slenderness and create some interesting drama and fullness.

Pictured Above: Kylee, 2016 Enzoani collection

Looking to accentuate your straighter frame? The classic sheath silhouette of the 2015 Blue by Enzoani style Harlem is perfect for creating a modern, sleek and elegant look with an illusion neckline and bloused bodice.

Pictured Above: Harlem, 2015 Blue by Enzoani collection

INVERTED TRIANGLE

If you are more of an "inverted triangle" shape, the top of your body sits a bit wider, with hips narrower than your shoulders. This shape has broader shoulders and back with a slimmer body.

A-Line dresses can be a gorgeous choice for this body type because they hug you in all the right places. Sleeves are great as an option for both covering up or highlighting wider shoulders and also perfect for colder winter weddings.

Sweetheart and V-necklines also work great for this shape as they draw the attention to the centre rather than outwards towards the shoulders. Scoop and wide necklines also work well; however, try and avoid halter and off-the-shoulder necklines if you prefer to draw less attention to your shoulders.

The classic A-Line silhouette of Beautiful 2016 style BT16-01 works perfectly for several different reasons. A sweetheart neckline and low illusion back are eye-catching, romantic features along with elegant coverage from a ¾-sleeved jacket.

Pictured Above: BT16-1, 2016 Beautiful 2016 collection