Since I was a young girl, like many other fashionistas, I’ve looked forward to the latest wedding magazines to do a little “dreaming.” However, this fall, I watched the bridal runway presentations with a mission: to see what shapes, trends, and styles would best suit the curvy bride in general, and my very good friend in particular.
What a daunting task, finding the perfect dress, no matter the size! But, let’s face it, being anything bigger than a size 14 is a challenge, especially when it comes to special occasion wear.
I wondered, can a full-figured bride dare to go a little bare? The answer is a resounding YES! Designers in the past decade have begun to get the message that we curvy girls don’t always want to cover up everything––and I mean everything––when it comes to walking up the aisle.
Five Things to Keep in Mind
1. Consider staying away from voluminous styles that overwhelm your figure—bigger is not better, trust me! My bride-to-be friend and I learned that we curvy girls need to pay close attention to what both fits and flatters our curves. Finding a body-skimming silhouette to enhance your female form is still the best way to go for your special day. It’s a matter of showing off your assets to their fullest—no pun intended!
2. It’s so important to try on different gown silhouettes. Don’t be afraid to reach for a certain style because you think curvy girls can’t wear it. Try EVERYTHING on. See what you like.
3. Flatter your shape. Feeling overwhelmed by the many varieties of necklines, bustlines, and dress silhouettes? See To Know Your Shape is to Love Your Shape for my tips on wading through dress terminology to know and choose a style that flatters—or doesn’t flatter—you!
4. In choosing a style, you should represent your style. My friend Suzanne started her search by revisiting clippings she had kept from magazines since high school. She had lots of images, some great, and some we crumpled immediately! Keep a scrapbook of images that inspire you, move you, and represent you. I have a Donna Karan image that I ripped out of Vogue of an infamous cream jersey dress created in 1989. As far as I’m concerned, this is the dress for me. Why? Because it has this incredible deep V-tuxedo collar neckline, a small train, and when I came out of the dressing room at Bloomingdale’s—just had to try it on of course!––a group of men walking through the designer area turned to look at me and just smiled … enough said!
