The Journal · Stylist’s guide

How to choose a wedding dress for your body shape — a stylist’s guide

Here’s the first thing we tell every bride who walks into the boutique: there are no rules, only starting points. This is our honest guide to the six silhouettes, the same six on our Find Your Fit scroller, and who tends to fall in love with each.

A-line: the great equaliser

Fitted through the bodice, flowing gently away from the hip in the shape of a capital A. If silhouettes had a diplomatic service, A-line would run it, it flatters virtually everyone, which is why it’s the shape we often reach for first. It skims rather than clings, balances broader shoulders or fuller hips, and gives you room to dance, eat and breathe. If you’re overwhelmed by choice, start here and branch out.

Fit and Flare: for the bride who wants curves

Sometimes called fishtail, mermaid or trumpet, the fit and flare hugs from bodice to knee, then flares dramatically. It celebrates curves, it doesn’t create them so much as turn the volume up on what’s there. Hourglass shapes adore it, but so do slimmer brides who want shape and drama. One honest note from Gill: practise walking. We’ll show you how at your fitting, and you’ll glide by the second lap of the boutique.

Fitted: modern, minimal, quietly confident

A clean column that follows the body from shoulder to hem, think liquid crepe, bias-cut satin, very little fuss. Fitted gowns love tall and athletic frames, and they’re a dream for elegant city weddings and sleek venues. They also photograph beautifully from every angle, which your photographer will thank you for.

Ballgown: the fairytale, fully committed

Fitted bodice, full sweeping skirt, zero half-measures. Ballgowns cinch the waist and hide everything below it, which makes them surprisingly forgiving, and they make petite brides look taller, not swamped, when the proportions are right (that’s our job). If you’ve pictured yourself in a princess dress since you were seven, don’t let anyone talk you out of at least trying one. The twirl alone is worth the appointment.

Sleeves: romance, coverage, character

Not strictly a silhouette, but so many brides come in asking for sleeves that we gave them their own chapter. Sheer lace sleeves add romance without weight; structured long sleeves bring winter-wedding drama; detachable balloon sleeves give you two looks in one day. Sleeves are also wonderful if you’d simply rather not think about your upper arms all evening, you deserve to think about nothing but the day.

Short: for the bride who dances first

Tea-length and mini styles are having a real moment, for second dresses, registry office ceremonies, and brides whose whole personality says “let’s get to the party.” Short dresses show off great shoes, suit playful and vintage themes, and make for the best dance-floor photos of the lot.

The only rule that matters

Read everything above, then hold it lightly. Almost every week a bride tries on “her” silhouette, nods politely, then falls helplessly for the shape she swore she’d never wear. The mirror knows things the guides don’t, which is why we’ll always encourage you to try one wildcard at your appointment.

Browse the full collection filtered by silhouette, or see what’s waiting in our outlet, and when you’re ready, come and meet the mirror.