by Danielle Bouchat-Friedman
PEAR-SHAPED BODY TYPES
Typified by: Narrow shoulders and waist, with wide hips and thighs.
Think: Rihanna and Beyonce.
Try on: Show off your slender upper body with spaghetti straps, a V-neck or a ball gown. An A-line dress with a sparkly waist detail is also A-OK.
Tricky: A bride seeking proportionality and balance may want to avoid trumpet, mermaid and sheath silhouettes.
1. A fairytale princess ball gown brought to life with crystal beading and sparkling tulle.
Mori Lee, style Marigold, $1,499 at The Dress Matters, Media, Pa.
2. Polished and feminine, the delicate pearl beadwork glows throughout this striking, yet sophisticated ball gown.
Allure Bridals, style MJ369, $2,135 at Claire’s Fashions, Wilmington, Del.
3. Light and airy, this stunning organza ball gown with horsehair edging features a plunging V-neck and open V-back.
Mori Lee, style Milly, $1,210 at The Dress Matters, Media, Pa.
4. This vintage-inspired ball gown features lace appliqués over whimsical layers of dotted tulle and organza. Swarovski crystals and beading add shimmer and ethereal texture.
Maggie Sottero, style Meryl, $1,549 at Brides 2 Be By Hope Mitchell, Rehoboth Beach, Del.
EXPERT TIP: Don’t let your size determine your style. It doesn’t matter if a bride is a size 4 or size 24, they can both wear the same style. If a bride is very petite, some of our ball gowns can be ordered with a hollow to hem measurement so the dress is made to the proportions of the bride. —Mary Bowers-Johnson and Pam Leeson, owners, Louis Marie Bridal
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