Picking out Bridesmaid Dress(es) that work on all body types

[princesswendy720]

I have 4 girls in my bridal party and they couldn't be more different:
- One is 5' 10" and very thin
-One is very petite and 5' even
-One is plus size
-One is average sized, but is a Mommy and has some areas she is self conscious about

My body type isn't similar to any of these, so I'm totally clueless about picking out a style/multiple styles that would work! I'm okay with the idea of people being in different dresses in the same designer/color/fabric - except I can't find more than 2-3 styles that I like. What are some universally flattering styles? How about an empire style dress with thicker straps?

I'm trying to keep everyone's body type in mind so no one feels uncomfortable. Any suggestions?

 

[FutureMrs.B]

I'm not sure about a particular type of style. However my two bridesmaids are different body types. So what we've been doing is they both have been trying dresses that are the same length and material in styles that flatter them. I want them to both be comfortable and feel good in what they wear. My suggestion would be to all go and try different things on especially if you don't need them all to be in the same dress. Also with the empire dress sometimes it can make people look pregnant. At least when my friend has tried it on that's how she feels. HTH

 

[pezaddict231]

The most universally flattering would be an A-line dress, if there is some ruching it will give more definition to the waist, but also be a little more forgiving. Try to pick a heavier material. Satin probably won't show through, but some silky fabrics will show every imperfection.

Have you thought about shopping with all the girls, or at least a few of them? I did look online for styles I liked but really until you see it on someone it's hard to decide. I brought my two MOH's, and we tried on pretty much every dress we liked and then we made a decision from there. It was also a lot of fun and we found a dress that all the girls loved.

I personally don't find the empire style to be very flattering on me. I have a large bust, so that type of style just makes me look heavier than I am, it kind of makes me look like I'm wearing a maternity dress. But that is me, and it could look great on your girls.

 

[MsEsty]

Without knowing the budget, David's Bridal might be a good place. You can give everyone one color/fabric/length. The girls can find something under your basic criteria but that is more flattering to their body style.

 

[sambycat]

if you don't mind different dress idea, then why not just dictate color, length and possibly fabric type and let them choose their own? i mean if you pick like david's or whatever basic line, its doubtful someone can pick some insane dress so why not just let them pick what they think is flattering?

just a thought. good luck!!

 

[angel81uk]

If having them all in the same dress is important then look for something that emphasizes the waist. Almost everyone looks good with a nipped in waist! An a line skirt can also be flattering to a large number of body shapes, it will help hide for those who are bottom heavy and balance out those who are top heavy.

 

[heatherandnick]

if you don't mind different dress idea, then why not just dictate color, length and possibly fabric type and let them choose their own? i mean if you pick like david's or whatever basic line, its doubtful someone can pick some insane dress so why not just let them pick what they think is flattering?

just a thought. good luck!!

This is what I did with my 2 bridesmaids. They were both 60, so finding flattering dresses was tough...they seem to be made for 20 year olds. They looked beautiful and felt comfortable. MHO is that you should'nt try to put the same dress on everyone. Let them express their own style.

 

[chelsrae85]

I don't mean this unkindly, but empire waist and thick straps is about as unflattering as it gets for anyone with a belly: think about the pregnant-but-not-really-pregnant look.

I am with the other girls that suggested that you choose a color and fabric, and length, and let each girl pick the actual cut that flatters her body the best. That way everyone feels beautiful and still coordinates.

I can tell you from firsthand experience that there is nothing more depressing than feeling like the fat ugly bridesmaid because the dress isn't made to flatter your body type. It sounds like you're trying to be considerate of your 'maids. I commend you for that!

 

[princesswendy720]

Thanks for the insight. I'm a little bit of a control freak, so I'd prefer to pick out multiple styles from the same designer in the same color, fabric, length, etc. I haven't been able to find enough style options (in a fabric/color I like - there are about a million different shades of purple and no one has the same) from a single designer...but I guess it just means I have to keep looking!

I've never been a bridesmaid..so I'm trying to put myself in their shoes. Did your bridesmaids prefer long vs short? I always seem to like the short dresses, but if people seem to gravitate towards long, I guess I could look at those too. Too many options!!

 

[redlight]

I think you should poll your BMs to see what they prefer regarding long vs short.

Given that the BMs have such different body types, it might be best for them to have different dresses & to coordinate with you so that their dresses complement. Do you have a MOH?

I don't mean this unkindly, but empire waist and thick straps is about as unflattering as it gets for anyone with a belly: think about the pregnant-but-not-really-pregnant look.

True.

 

[ColeV]

I had two bridesmaids with very different body shapes and styles. I let them design their own evening gowns (they made them), then we picked out a long vintage coat style that they both liked so they would match for the ceremony. I'd say the best thing is to hear their opinions. Show them what you like, but let them tell you what they would be comfortable with. As a costumer, I generally go to the late 1950s for a "looks good on everyone" style, with a true waist seam, a-line or fuller skirt, and a higher neckline. I've found that it makes the waist look smaller compared to the skirt, covers up a larger chest, but doesn't hide a smaller one either. I have a friend who is about 15" larger than I am in bust and waist, but we both have that style of dress and love it!

 

[lpizzuro123]

I had three girls and I let them pick their own dress. It had to be an Alfred Angelo in Claret color. One chose long one chose short with a jacket and one chose from the separates line claret skirt white top with claret ribbon. I was so happy with their choices and I really think they were all comfortable in their outfit.

 

[chelsrae85]

My best suggestion would be either David's Bridal or Alfred Angelo's mixed selections (where you can choose mix and match top and bottoms).

Choose the same skirt and let them pick their top. Skirts are typically not the issue so much as how a top is fitted.

I too have this issue. My bridesmaids range from a size 2 to a 30.

 

[lzimm13]

I went with the dessy collection(alfred sung) and gave the girls a choice of 5 different dresses. They all have a fuller skirt at the natural waist with inverted pleats and they're all made of the same fabric. You can see them in my PJ. We all went to the store together and they all tried all the dresses on and we had a lot of fun! They all picked something different than what they thought they would. You can go to the dessy site and pick a color or a fabric and it will show you everything they make in that color!

 

[puente0629]

Check out this dress, it fits all body types and has many styles...

http://www.dessy.com/dresses/twist-short/

Here are the different styles the dress can take (can be ordered long or short)...

http://www.dessy.com/wrap-dress/

or you can check out www.dessy.com, they have great dresses that fits all types.

 

[princesswendy720]

Check out this dress, it fits all body types and has many styles...

http://www.dessy.com/dresses/twist-short/

Here are the different styles the dress can take (can be ordered long or short)...

http://www.dessy.com/wrap-dress/

or you can check out www.dessy.com, they have great dresses that fits all types.

I LOVE this idea! Do you know if it's easy to do the different styles?

Regardless...my MOH works in the fashion industry, so I think she should be able to take this project on!!

 

[puente0629]

I LOVE this idea! Do you know if it's easy to do the different styles?

Regardless...my MOH works in the fashion industry, so I think she should be able to take this project on!!

Honestly, I don't know from experience but what I have seen on TV, it looks extremely simple. I'm glad you liked it, let me know if you need anything else

 

[lpizzuro123]

Just wanted to show you some pictures of me and my three girls - they all had different body types and I told them to pick out which ever dress they wanted from the Alfred Angelo line. I loved the way it looked and I think they were all happy with their choices.

Good luck with your choices.

Linda

 

[prncess674]

Another vote for the Alfred Angelo mix and match separates. My sister did that and I thought it looked great.

http://www.photoreflect.com/scripts/prsm.dll?PhotoCard?id=7610001646342119064603642840

 

[SheriBerry]

My MOHs and BMs ordered dresses from Dessy. I told them the color and length and they chose what they wanted.

Both of my MOHs selected the Twist dress. I liked it so much I ordered one for my self (in a different color)! It's extremely easy to style and styles can be changed in a matter of minutes. I love it and haven't even worn it out yet!

If you do go with this dress I'd recommend buying garment tape so you don't end up with any "wardrobe malfunctions."