DRESSING THE PETITE BRIDE
First off, in your search, think gown over dress. Why? Gowns are long and lean styles. Always keep in mind those gowns that make you linger and look a little longer than the rest—the ones that really grip your attention. Do you love that empire waist because the model in the editorial looks great in it? Or do you go for the higher waistline because you instinctively know it would look great on you? My best advice here is this: learn to accept and cherish the body you have then train your eye and thinking to embrace styles that compliment your particular assets. Pass up any looks you could wear if only you were taller, bustier, lost twenty pounds, had wider shoulders, etc.? Target your flaws then minimize or camouflage them; always, always heighten your assets.
GO FOR
* a gown with a panel or seam(s) running up the
front. The unbroken lines give you height.
*Empire waists are one of your best options
considering you go floor length. You want to keep that vertical line
going.
* A V or U-neck, it gives the impression of a
longer neck.
*A mermaid. If you’re slim and petite
consider this style. It’s fitted like an evening gown up top and has all
the bounce and swirl of a ball gown below.
*An A-line. Think of it as your very own
scaled down version of a ball gown.
*Sheath and evening gown silhouettes, long and
columnar; they will flatter you.
* length over volume in your skirt
*Sleeves that are long and straight.
* Best proportion is a floor length gown with
veil or train of the same length.
*prints and laces as well as any motifs should be
scaled down and worn on the upper portions of the body. Busy designs below
the waist (even small ones) draw all eyes downward.
*Soft and sheer fabrics like crepe and chiffon
that drape to the body.
PASS UP:
*any ball gown. The volume in the skirts
will consume you.
*heavy, elaborate fabrics like brocade or any
print or design that is large.
*Wide belts, sashes and cummerbunds interrupt the
vertical lines you want to create. If you do wear a sash or belt go thin
(1-1 ½ inches) and as close to the shade of your gown as you can get.
*any design with big puffy sleeves or shoulder
pads.
*Any train longer than a sweep.
