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Saturday, March 12, 2011

Perfect Wedding Styles for Petites

Aside from your very first prom gown, the next item to prove the most expensive will be your wedding dress.   As little girls we grow up with wondrous visions filling our heads created from fairy tale stories read to us since first we were born.  We dream of that Cinderella moment walking down a long aisle amid family and friends where a very handsome Prince Charming awaits to take our hand and share a forever life of love and happiness.  Deep sigh here.  The reality begins, however, when you start searching for a wedding gown out of thousands that was simply made with your body type in mind.  Finding the “one” to fulfill that splendorous dream could prove as laborious as looking for a needle in a haystack. 

Difficult as it may seem, the task can truly prove less taxing if you try and keep it real.  Fairy tales are imaginary.  Being petite is not and knowing what works for you straight out of the gate will make the whole experience of shopping for your dream gown more joyous and memorable.  Here are some details that will help alleviate as much frustration and disappointment as possible.

Styling

Strapless Empire
Empire Waist - suits petite women the best as it follows the natural waistline and attractively suits all body types and hides flaws below the bust line.  A drop waist line, which is seamed just below the waist line and will create an illusion of height, is more appropriate if you have a large bust line, however. 
 
Basque Waistline
Basque – avert this style all together as it will not compliment your body type and emphasizes a V-shaped waistline, that doesn't go well with the petite women.

Sheath with Sweetheart Neckline
Sheath Silhouette - means the contour of the dress hugs the wearer's figure from the bust to the hips and then flows straight down.)  NOT practical if you are a Plus Size Petite.

A-Line
 A-Line - is tight at the bodice and flares out toward the bottom of the dress giving the illusion the height.


Princess

Princess - style is a-line but highlights the bodice by using linear seaming and panels that start from the neckline of the dress and continue to the hem, producing a more slimming effect because the linear panels draw an observer's eye lengthwise down the seams of the dress.  Great for PLUS SIZE and ladies with larger lower bodies.


Necklines

Off –the- shoulder - looks sophisticated and elegant on all petite women. This neckline sweeps across the chest and rests below the shoulders, highlighting the shoulders and collarbone and will compliment a full-chested woman as well. 

Portrait  - Similar to an off-the-shoulder style but made with more fabric, the portrait neckline is characterized by a wide, soft scoop from the tip of one shoulder to the tip of the other. If you have fuller arms and prominent collarbones, this is good for you.

Sweetheart  – a curved neckline featuring two curves over the bust which drop and meet at a point in the middle resulting in a heart-shape that offers modest coverage while still drawing attention to the figure.

Strapless – only compliments those with well toned arms, a great bust line and collarbones to die for.

Jewel - is rounded at the base of the throat and also known as the t-shirt neckline as it sits at the base of the throat and will compliment women who are small in the bust.

Halter/High Neck - halter features a strap that wraps around the back of the neck.  A high neck  will have deep armholes and hug the throat.  Both look best on women with broad shoulders but only good if you stand 5'7" and above.

Sabrina/Bateau - gently follows the curve of the collarbone, almost to the tip of the shoulders and cuts straight across so less of the decolletage shows.  It generally is paired with gloves but this is not recommended and a great style again for women with small breasts only.

Scoop - a u-shaped neckline that is universally flattering on every one.  It can be cut low, and quite often the scoop will continue onto the back.

V-Neck - dips down in the front (and sometimes in back) in a v-shape.  This style is only good for women with a B or C cup ... not larger ... not smaller.

Final Thoughts

Long sleeves or gloves, large or full bouffant sleeves, heavy fabrics and an over-abundance of fills and layers of fabric should be avoided at all costs.  Unless you are in extremely good shape and have a tiny frame, the full bell-shaped skirting of a princess style is not for you.  No matter what style you choose, it should NEVER be heavily adorned in the middle part of your torso as it will cut you in half.

There is no magic in what kind of other sleeves you use.  It all boils down to how toned your arms are.  Giving attention to them 4-6 months before your wedding day with a simple and light weight lifting routine will truly enhance your entire look and give you the feel of confidence and elegance you want.

5 comments:

Maryann said...

Wish I were getting married NOW with all the beautiful dresses specifically made for petite women! Just beautiful!

Sarah said...

Thank you for your warm welcome on MBC! I'm your newest follower, follow me at http://bianchibzz.blogspot.com/

Small Kucing said...

wow! These are gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

Hi there! I got your comment on MBC and decided to come check out your site. I'm actually right at 5'4". Please come visit Random Deals when you get a chance. Thanks.

Cherie said...

Thank you for commenting me on MBC! I'm your newest follower!

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