Hourglass Gowns, Fashion Advice from OurWeddingDay.com

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Hourglass Gowns

A Guide to Wedding Dresses Which Accentuate a Bride's Curves

The hourglass gown, recalling fairy tales like “Cinderella” and “Enchanted,” is one of the most romantic fashion statements a bride can make. It also accentuates the archetypical figure of a woman—fuller chest, smaller waist, voluptuous hips. While some other bridal looks come and go, the hourglass is a classic cut that never goes out of style.

Curvy chic.
Whether it’s the look for you is another story altogether, one that depends on your figure and style of wedding. Should you have similarly sized shoulders and hips, the dress will enhance you in all the right places—think Marilyn Monroe’s body shape and you’ll get the idea. It’s also a look that works wonders at a formal ceremony; hourglass dresses are not typical at cocktail parties, social events, baseball games—and bridal fashion always mirrors other fashion trends. Since hourglass gowns have a lot of material, including a built-in bustier, they’re not the best bet for summer engagements.

In general, the more romantic the affair, the more appropriate it is to don an hourglass gown. People associate hourglass looks with castles and beautiful gardens; it’s a dress that connotes another time, or fantasy. If your planning includes a sophisticated reception hall or fancy hotel, it may be the perfect way to make you feel like a Southern Belle, or princess marrying her prince.

Like with all dress cuts, consider which features you want to highlight on your body. If you’re small-chested or very thin, an hourglass gown might not be the most flattering for you, and if you’re big around the waist, it might exaggerate exactly what you want to downplay. On the flip side, if you’re still determined to wear this cut, puffy sleeves and full skirts conceal large arms and stocky legs.

Like every outfit you’re considering, take one good friend with you to the shop, and make sure she gives you an honest opinion. A saleswoman can be very helpful, but there’s nothing like your oldest friend in the world to tell you if something works or if you should simply pass. After all, any good princess knows not to surround herself with yes-men (and women)!

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