Shopping for your perfect wedding dress will be a breeze when you know what dress features to look for! Knowing your body type is crucial when trying on and in this blog we will give you everything you need to know about wedding dresses for the apple body shape.
Apple-shaped brides typically have a full chest, narrow hips, and a fuller midsection. They may have a larger bust, broader shoulders in line with the hips, or the hips are smaller than the waist. Slim legs are also generally part of this shape.
Once you have determined this is your overall shape, the next step is to think about the parts of your body that you love and want to feature! Most brides (and women in general) focus on what to hide instead of what to feature, and with your wedding dress, this is the time to show off! It’s easy to do by following this advice.
Balance For An Apple Shape
The upper and lower body need to be in balance with a defined waistline. If you have a full bust, start with a good bra! This will give lift and create more waist definition. A tightly fitted bodice will define and highlight the mid-section. Next, choose designs with waistlines that will pull it in and visually make it appear to be the narrowest part. Avoid excessive fabric and details around the waist.
Silhouettes
A-lines and ball gowns are great for apple shaped body types. These will cinch that waist and add fullness to your lower half. A full skirt with a split can show off your legs, too! Column or sheath style tend to be shapeless on an apple body type, however, if this is the shape you are thinking about, a wide neckline and a detailed bodice or one with a vertical pattern of embellishments will give the illusion of curves and elongate the body. A well structured trumpet fit with a defined waist and a subtle flare will work nicely, one with a V-neck or a sweetheart with off the shoulder straps will provide the perfect balance.
Best Necklines For An Apple Shape
The choice of necklines is very important. The V-neckline (or plunge) is incredibly flattering by creating a vertical line that draws attention away from the midsection. Other great options are scoop and square necklines as they open up the chest, and sweetheart neckline is gorgeous and will make your waist will appear smaller. Avoid a narrow or high neckline (like a halter neckline, middle below) as these will make your waist seem larger.
As you can see in the photos below, the halter neckline thins out the top and will then make the bottom look out of balance. The sweetheart, plunge neckline and V-neck are much more in balance.
Sleeves
A strapless dress is great on an apple shaped figure, as long as you have a supportive bodice or proper shape wear to keep the bust in place. With a strapless, you could add pretty spaghetti straps or light off the shoulder sleeves that will add a perfectly balanced look and draw attention to your upper arms. Cap sleeves are also a great idea, these flatter the arms and draw attention away from the waistline by adding volume to the shoulders. Wider illusion straps on a V-neck will do the same. If you want a dress with a long sleeve, avoid heavy fabric that will add bulk, instead opt for illusion with some light applique and embellishments at the wrist.
In both photos below, the bodices provide a defined waist and openness at the chest, and light and airy sleeves that balance the hips.
Accessories
Your veil should be fingertip or longer (Elbow length will create a line across the waist and take away the definition). Have you considered a belt? A narrow belt will do a lovely job of highlighting the natural waistline without adding bulk! Try different thicknesses on to see the difference. For jewelry, a drop necklace will draw the eye to the upper chest; a choker up to the face. Either will work nicely! Chances are you also have great legs with an apple-shaped body. They go together! This is where you can add a little height and show those legs off with a great shoe. Wedges are always recommended due to stability and comfort, and with a split skirt you can even give a little peek-a-boo!
On your wedding day, you want to feel like a princess. Whatever your body type (apple, hourglass or pear shape), there is a dress with the most perfect features for you. Start with identifying your shape, then must haves in your dress, and the body features you want to show off. Share them with your bridal stylist and let her show you the different wedding dress styles that match your wish list.
Keep an open mind and realize the right wedding gown maybe a style you had not considered!
Our stylists are great at helping to identify the right bridal gown for each body type. Let us know what you think of these styles, and our other blogs as you search for your dream dress. Have a specific question? Text us at 215-491-8500, we will be happy to answer!