Choosing Wedding Dresses for your body shape

Every bride deserves to feel confident, radiant and truly themselves on their wedding day. One of the best ways to ensure that feeling? Finding a gown that compliments your unique body shape and enhances your natural beauty.

At Dotty Bridal, we believe there’s no such thing as a “perfect body” only the perfect dress for your body. 

Here’s our expert guide to body shapes, ideal dress silhouettes and fabrics that will make you feel like the very best version of yourself.

First, lets start by finding your body shape>

The inverted triangle body shape - defined by broader shoulders or bust and narrower hips.

Benefits from dresses that creates balance and softens the upper body while enhancing the lower half. Ideal dress silhouettes include A-line, fit-and-flare, wrap, peplum, and empire waist styles, all of which help add volume to the hips or define the waist for a more proportional look. Fabrics play a key role as well—soft, draping materials like chiffon, to flatter the upper body, while structured yet lightweight fabrics such as tulle to enhance the skirt area. To further flatter this shape, opt for V-necks, scoop necks, or halter styles that elongate the neckline, and choose raglan or flutter sleeves to avoid emphasizing shoulder width. 

Our top picks for Inverted triangles : Portia by Abella, Infinity by Justin Alexander and R3756 by Allure Romance

The image showcases the Portia wedding gown in an outdoor garden setting. The dress features a strapless sweetheart neckline with beautifully ruched fabric that accentuates the bodice. The gown flows into a full, A-line skirt that includes a dramatic thigh-high slit, adding a bold, contemporary flair to the classic design. The bride stands gracefully beside a tree, with her hand gently touching her neck, exuding an air of elegance and confidence. The natural light filtering through the foliage enhances the gown’s luminous white fabric, creating a soft, romantic atmosphere. A model poses in a Justin Alexander wedding dress, featuring a sweetheart neckline and a fitted bodice. The gown has a voluminous, multi-layered tulle skirt that cascades into a long, flowing train. The model's elegant posture is accentuated by her hands gracefully placed behind her head, and the backdrop of an ornate, classical painting adds a touch of sophistication. Bride in a strapless white gown walking gracefully on a brick pathway, holding a small bouquet of flowers with arched structures in the background.
Pear Shape- Smaller upper body with wider hips and thighs.

The best silhouettes for a pear-shaped figure are; A-Line, Ballgown and Empire waistline. Tulle, Chiffon and Organza are the fabrics we find the most flattering on a pear-shaped body. The goal with this body shape is balance and that is why these silhouettes and fabric work! A-line and ballgown styles skim over the hips and create harmony by adding volume or interest at the bodice. Soft, flowy fabrics like tulle or chiffon float gracefully, giving a romantic and flattering finish without clinging to the lower half.

Our top picks for pear shape : Dove by Wona Concept, Amani by Justin Alexander and Aurora by Disney

A bride stands gracefully in front of a grand, weathered stone archway, wearing a voluminous gown inspired by Disney's Aurora. The dress features off-the-shoulder sleeves and a structured bodice that accentuates her silhouette, flowing into a dramatic, long train that cascades behind her. The muted tones of the ancient stone and the delicate, romantic design of the dress create a timeless and enchanting atmosphere. The bride's soft curls frame her face as she gazes forward with an air of regal elegance, perfectly embodying the spirit of a modern-day princess.
Rectangle Shape- Straight silhouette with similar bust, waist, and hip measurements.

The best silhouettes for this shape are; sheath, ballgown and fit-and-flare. We would also recommend lace, embellished tulle or Mikado fabric for this body shape. These options work well because, you can create curves with the texture, structure or volume of the dress. A detailed bodice with lace appliqué or embellishment can add visual interest, while ballgowns provide contrast at the waist. At Dotty we carry several gowns that use fabric layering and design lines to softly sculpt a curve-hugging effect!

Our top picks for a rectangle shape : Huntleigh by Jane Hill, Hopkins by Pronovias and Kari by Nori Ivy

The image shows a woman wearing a white, strapless wedding dress with a sweetheart neckline. The dress is fitted through the bodice and hips, flaring out into a flowing train that spreads elegantly on the floor. The woman stands with a neutral expression, her arms relaxed at her sides. The background is simple and plain, with a light-colored wall and a dark floor, drawing all attention to the dress and the wearer. A woman is standing in an ornate, historical architectural setting, wearing a strapless white ball gown. The gown features a deep sweetheart neckline and is adorned with an intricate pattern of small, delicate floral appliqués. The fabric is textured and creates a voluminous, floor-length skirt that adds to the elegance of the dress. The background includes detailed stone carvings, arches, and a tiled floor, enhancing the luxurious and regal atmosphere of the scene. The overall ambiance is one of timeless sophistication and elegance.
Hourglass Shape-Balanced proportions with a defined waist.

The best silhouettes for this shape are; Mermaid, fit-and-flare and sheath. Once you have your shape picked its time to focus on fabric! Fabrics to love if you are an hourglass include; Crepe, silk and stretch satin. Why do these shapes and fabrics work on an hourglass figure? Hourglass figures are naturally balanced so dresses that hug the curves and highlight the waist are incredibly flattering. Structured, smooth fabrics like crepe or satin enhance your shape without adding bulk. Fit-and-flare gowns are especially popular at Dotty Bridal for hourglass brides seeking drama and elegance and we have a huge variety! 

Our top picks for Hourglass shape : Piper by Madi Lane, Avonia by pronovias and Onyx by The Dotty Collection. 

The image shows a woman wearing an elegant and fitted white wedding gown. The dress features a deep V-neckline with delicate straps, creating a sophisticated and stylish look. The bodice is intricately adorned with lace and floral appliqué detailing, adding texture and visual interest. The gown follows a slim, figure-hugging silhouette and flares out slightly at the bottom, giving it a mermaid-like shape. The lace detailing continues throughout the length of the dress, enhancing its romantic and refined appearance. The woman's hair is styled in loose waves, cascading over her shoulders, complementing the elegant and timeless design of the gown. The overall effect is one of classic beauty and modern elegance, perfect for a stylish and contemporary wedding. A woman is standing in a minimalist architectural setting, wearing a stunning off-the-shoulder white mermaid gown. The gown features a fitted bodice with a sweetheart neckline and a dramatic mermaid silhouette that flares out at the knees into a full, sweeping train. The fabric is smooth and has a subtle sheen, emphasizing the elegant and glamorous design. She is standing in a doorway or archway with soft, diffused light casting gentle shadows, enhancing the sophisticated and modern ambiance of the scene.
Apple Shape- Fuller midsection with slender arms and legs.

With an apple shape figure we would always advise to head towards the empire waistline, A-line or plunging V-neck dresses that are made in crepe, tulle or soft satin. These styles work the best because, Empire waistlines elongate the torso and draw the eye upward, while plunging necklines create vertical lines that slim and flatter. Look for breathable fabrics that drape gently rather than cling. Our stylists often recommend crepe gowns with structured seams to provide definition and movement.

Our top picks for Apple shape : Aggie by Justin Alexander, Lissy by Madi Lane and Faith by Nori Ivy

An elegant off-the-shoulder wedding dress with long, bishop sleeves and a sweetheart neckline, featuring a fitted bodice with pleated detailing and a flowing A-line skirt with a high slit for a touch of modern sophistication.


At Dotty, we know that dress shopping can feel overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you're curvy, petite, tall, athletic or somewhere in between we’ve got the dress that will make you feel as amazing as you’ll look. Before your appointment we ask you to fill in a ‘look book’ of dresses from our website. Doing this gives you and the stylist more knowledge of what you are drawn to. We can then work alongside this and your body shape to create your perfect bridal look! 

So what you waiting for...Book your bridal appointment today!!!

Our team of passionate bridal stylists offer expert advice based on real experience and a careful analysis of what suits your shape, your style, and your wedding vision.

Can't wait to find your dream dress,

lots of love

Team Dotty

xxx

 

COMING SOON TO 2025

We are beyond excited to FINALLY announce we are moving to a much BIGGER premises ready to take on the Dotty experience to the NEXT LEVEL. 

Watch this space for more updates coming soon!