In the first part of our expert guide to plus-size wedding dress shopping, we shared general tips for a stress-free shopping experience. For the second part of the guide, we will focus on how to find your dream wedding dress.
Fabrics matter
From duchess satin to polyester silk, there are endless fabric choices available, making it difficult to choose. Picking choice fabrics not only alters the dress price, but also makes a big difference to the dress silhouette. For a more streamlined silhouette, taffeta is a great option as it smooths out easily, instantly elongating the body. Thicker fabrics such as organza add structure and maintain the dress silhouette while free-flowing fabrics like charmeuse help hide the hips and waist.
Flattering silhouettes
A-line: Undoubtedly the most universally flattering silhouette, the A-line dress features clean lines that flare at the hips, creating a narrower and more elongated torso. The A-line is also very versatile when it comes to fabrics, so whether you decide on free-flowing chiffon or a more structured organza, the A-line silhouette will adapt well to any fabric. For a more svelte look, we recommend having an asymmetrical or off-shoulder top to further trim the torso and enhance your shoulders.
Princess: The biggest advantage of the princess gown is that it easily hides the stomach and hips while instantly creating an hourglass figure. However, most princess gowns have voluminous skirts, which can be unflattering for short brides. To pull off a princess gown regardless of your height, the key is all about balancing your proportions, such as going for a V-neck or thin spaghetti straps to lengthen a short torso.
Mermaid/Trumpet: The mermaid/trumpet silhouette works best for those with hourglass figures, as it features a tight cut that flares at the knees, accentuating the stomach and hip area. We recommend adding some ruching on the bodice and considering a corset back to further enhance your natural curves.
Empire: The empire dress features one of the most relaxed silhouettes, with a skirt beginning under the bust, flaring out and flowing smoothly. This silhouette conceals problem areas such as the stomach and hips, while showing off a fitted bust and high waist. The empire style can flatter or downplay your assets, depending on what you favor: square necklines add coverage to larger breasts while sweetheart necklines draw attention to your chest.
Sheath: Most plus-size brides tend to shy away from the sheath gown, which features a narrow silhouette that fits tightly against the body and shows all your curves. However, sheath gowns can be more flattering than other dress styless, especially when worn with proper shapewear. For a leaner silhouette, we suggest pairing your sheath gown with a high or illusion neckline to lengthen the torso.
