Bosom Buddies
Far left: A well-endowed bride can look fantastic in a sexy frock. The key to
pulling off this look is choosing a style with wide, supportive straps, like this Alençon lace and silk-organza halter gown featuring a mermaid skirt. Bonus: The neckline narrows broad shoulders. Amy Michelson, about $7,470, amymichelson.com.
Near left: Sometimes barer is better—completely covering an ample chest will make you look even bigger; the square, open neckline on this embroidered gown with beaded English net overlay slims and looks elegant, not exposed. Christina Wu, about $1,200, christinawu.net.
Divine Necklines
Far left: One of the best ways to minimize a large chest is with a strapless bodice—the interior boning offers solid support. Here, the full pick-up skirt provides balance. Oleg Cassini for David’s Bridal, about $1,000, davidsbridal.com. Comb, Sara Gabriel, saragabriel.com.
Near left: Styles that flatten don’t flatter. Opt for a crossover look that boosts your bosom while keeping cleavage in check. The deep V-neck and fitted bodice of this satin A-line gown with crystal trim creates a seductive shape—and the illusion of a smaller bustline. Henry Roth, about $1,900, henryroth.com. Headpiece, Regina B, reginab.com.
Waist Land
Far left: For a silhouette that skims and slims, slip on a slinky satin bias-cut gown. The angled skirt creates a fluid line from hip to hem; beaded crisscross straps and a cowl neckline accent the draped bodice. Amy Michelson, about $3,290, amymichelson.com. Headband, Regina B, reginab.com.
Near left: If you’re more comfortable keeping your bottom half hidden, go undercover in a figure-forgiving A-line. This silk-satin style with hand beading and embroidery has a skirt with a natural waist that sits just above the hips; inverted side pleats are extra slenderizing. Lazaro, about $4,970, lazarobridal.com.
Skirt Tales
Far left: Celebrate your voluptuous shape in a chiffon frock that floats over your figure. The softly pleated skirt camouflages hip and tummy issues, while the strappy Empire-waist bodice—with a brilliant brooch accent—draws the eye upward. Sincerity Bridal, about $775, 845-369-7768, sinceritybridal.com.
Near left: Good news for gals with pear shapes: An A-line gown will balance and conceal any below-the-waist imperfections. This full, princess-line satin dress features a lace overlay with a vertical pattern that adds angled elegance to the slimming skirt. The Empire-waist strapless lace bodice with satin edging trims your torso. Mariano, about $1,200, 866-921-5560, jordanfashions.com.
Fresh Cropped
Far left: A chic way to camouflage skinny arms is with a short-sleeved bolero. This beaded lace style is worn over a silk-shantung gown with a pleated sweetheart bodice and a flared skirt with a chapel train. Bolero, about $500; dress, about $2,238, James Clifford Collection, jamescliffordcollection.com.
Near left: Add dimension to Olive Oyl limbs with a detachable tulle shawl that drapes across the shoulders. An embroidered vine motif embellishes the bodice of the matching gown; asymmetrical draping and a chapel train decorate the A-line skirt. About $999, Anjolique Bridal, anjolique.com.
Long Stories
Far left: One solution for heavy arms: keeping them completely under wraps in a long-sleeved, silk-taffeta coat with a shawl collar. A bustier gown is worn underneath. Coat, about $425; dress, about $325, Donna Ricco Collection, donnaricco.com.
Near left: A high-necked lace top with long sleeves creates the illusion of taut arms; it buttons onto a strapless silk-organza gown featuring a pleated Empire bust, a gathered waist, and a ruffled floor-length skirt; about $4,650, Manuel Mota Pronovias, pronovias.com.
For more inspiration, check out our Dress Gallery.
