The key to a breathtaking gown is to discover one that fits you like a glove. When you walk down the aisle, you want to feel like your wedding dress was made especially for you - and this begins with understanding which dress silhouettes will best complement your body type.

The moment you set foot in a bridal store, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed at the hundreds of dresses on offer. Get the best start by narrowing down your options to the styles that will make you look a million dollars.

To help you on your quest, we’ve put together a guide on finding the most stunning silhouette for your natural shape.

The petite body shape: Flatter a small frame with a simple gown

If you’re relatively short with a tiny frame, it’s best to opt for simplicity to avoid choosing a gown that swims around you. Luckily for you, this year’s runways were packed with bridal styles that would look amazing on you.

Clean, unbroken contours with structure work to elongate your figure, while a dress with too much fabric will overwhelm you. Avoid oversized, princess-style gowns and go for a sleek and minimalist shape, such as an A-line dress. Empire waistlines create the illusion of longer legs and intricate embroidery such as light beading is much more flattering than 3D accents.

The curvy body shape: Celebrate your curves with a dress with flair

Brides with a voluptuous shape can accentuate their waist and show off their favourite parts of their body in a dress with all the right details. A lace illusion neckline is both classical and creates a slimming effect, especially when matched with a cinched-in waistline.

For the bottom half, a sheath silhouette and a small train will make you look leaner. A mermaid or trumpet style dress with a dropped waist can accentuate a balanced, hourglass figure. Almost all gowns that flare out at the knees will look stunning on you, while princess line and basque dresses probably won’t work as well.

The lean or athletic shape: Floor-length gowns for your model-like shape

Create the illusion of curves with a voluminous skirt; a fitted bodice that flows into cascading material in an A-line or ballgown style offers an elegant way to enhance a slim frame. Slim-fitting gowns with a high neckline look amazing, while a sheath or column gown flatters a slender shape.

What’s great about your model-like features is that almost every style looks beautiful on you. This means you can play around with detailed full skirts that add shape or pare it back with form fitting styles that hardly flare at all.

The triangle shape: Draw attention with intricate details

If your shoulders are wide and your hips are narrow, the design of your dress can work wonders in balancing out the body. A v-neck dress or thick straps are slimming for wider shoulders, while intricate embroidery around your waist or bottom half of the dress draw attention to your best assets. Avoid halter styles and off-the-shoulder necklines, as well as puffed sleeves.

A dropped waist hugs your waist and hips and is perfect if you want to flaunt the bottom half of your figure, while a loosely-fitted skirt that skims the body adds some volume to balance out your silhouette.

At Penrith Bridal Centre, we take the time with each and every bride, so they can try a variety of gowns and discover the one they love. Whether this is a dress that is popular for your body shape or you want to break the rules, our experienced stylists will work with you to find a wedding dress that makes you feel amazing.

To make an enquiry or book an appointment, send us a message online.