First off, in your search, think gown over dress. Gowns tend to be long and lean styles. Dresses generally have a pouf somewhere--at the waist, hips, shoulders, hem, or sleeves. The idea is to keep the eye flowing upward. 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 complement 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.
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| The empire |
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| The V-neck |
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A continuous line from head to toe
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| Just a hint of a sweep train |
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-neckline, 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 a 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.
*Soft and sheer fabrics like crepe and chiffon that drape over 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, ruffles or shoulder pads.
*Any train longer than a sweep.
Some imagery in this post has been artistically adapted to explore variations in silhouette, fabric, and color.
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