What dress for my body type? Can anyone help?

[Merandab4]

I am debating between two dresses, and although you can't actually see them, I was wondering if anyone could help decide based on the description of the dresses and my body type. I know that some dresses work well with some body types and not others.
I am very petite and am only 5 foot, two inches tall.

Dress Choice #1- This has a corsett style top that is a halter. The top has a little beading in verticle lines on the bodice. The skirt is Tull. It looks like two pieces but is really only one.
I thought this dress would make me look shorter because with the two different fabrics on the top and bottom it would cut my body in half. But I read somewhere that having a haltered top would enlongate (is this a word..lol) me and make me look taller.

Dress choice #2- This is a strapless gown that is fitted. I think it is an a-line dress. It has a tull overlay. (just one layer). This has beading on the bodice and a little bit down the front and on the skirt part.

Since having a high neck line or halter is suppose to make me look taller, would having a strapless gown essentuate my shortness?

I love both gowns and both are around the same price. Are there any other hints on what styles to stay away from depending on your body type.

What do you ladies think?

 

[Davids-Coco]

I'm 5'1" and I wore a strapless gown. I don't think that it made me look short at all. I would actually think the halter would make me look shorter... but that is just me. I always think that acentuating your neck will make you look taller. so showing off the skin below it lengthens your neckline as does wearing your hair up. I hope that helps some... oh yea, and heels.

 

[Merandab4]

Thats what I thought too. I came across the strapless just by accident. I never thought I wanted a strapless, but when I tried it on I loved it. On the other hand, I've always wanted a halter/corsett type gown. They are both so pretty, I don't know what to do. I asked DF if we could have two weddings...lol

 

[Davids-Coco]

I know that it may be a pain.. but you could either look for a strapless corseted one and compromise, or get the strapless and have a seamstress add the corset back. Of course I am saying this without seeing them. Are they both at the same shop? If so go try them both on and see which one feels like you. If not... which one do you think about more???

 

[Fantasia Sam]

OK Meranda - gut feel - quick answer - you have only one wedding and you can only have one dress which would you pick .......quick ........quick .......... So which one did you answer with ?

Serioulsy is there one that makes you feel more special when you try it on ? Or is there one that is more comfortable?

They both sound great to me I'm sorry but I think you may have a tough decision on your hands.

 

[Ji||s]

This website gives advise about what style of dress suits your shape. It might help a bit.

http://www.confetti.co.uk/fashion/features/dress_for_you.asp

 

[kennancat]

I don't think the top will make as much difference as the overall shape. I'm also 5'2". What I remember reading is that the shape of the dress is the most important part . When you're short (or floor-proximity enabled, as I like to say ) you want to stick to something with either an a-line or sheath shape. Not only am I short, I also have wide hips, so I ruled out the sheath style and looked for a-line dresses. Make sure you stay away from the ball gown style dress. You won't be wearing it, it will be wearing you! Another important thing to remember as a petite woman is not to have too much ornamentation on the dress - what might look good on a dress made for someone who's 5'6" can be overwhelming on a shorter version of the dress.

While it's important that you find the dress you like, it's also important that you don't pick up your wedding pictures five yeas later and say "what the heck was I thinking". One of my co-workers who is also petite did the big ball gown thing, and she now regrets it because it wasn't a good shape for her and doesn't look great in the pictures.

If you do go with the strapless dress, please, please, make sure you get the top altered as late as possible. I can't tell you how many times I've seen wedding pictures where the bride was wearing a strapless dress, and the top is either just too big or too small!

 

[Doctor Tigger]

I have to agree with kennancat, while I'm a lot taller than everyone on this board (so it seems, 5'10") I could wear the huge ball gown and it complimented me so well.........it actually made my waist look a lot smaller!! I could never wear a strapless or even a small strap gown, I tried one or two on but my shoulders are so broad that it just made me look huge!!!

Also keep in mind that you are going to have your dress on for a while so make sure that it is comfortable enough for you.

 

[jennycee]

I am 4"11 and mine is strapless with a HUGE ball gown. I don't feel anything but georgeous in it!

I say go with Sam, what is your gut telling you, what is your first choice and like the most?

I think the strapless one sounds great and elegant personally!

 

[Merandab4]

Well, the decission has been made.
Thanks to all of you who posted your opinion on the dress issue. I just got a call yesterday from the bridal shop and as it may be, The corset top dress is no longer available. I was dissapointed to hear that, but I guess it makes my dress decission easier now. I do like the strapless dress!

 

[Darian-Dawn]

Speaking from experience as a former bridal consultant, every dress does not work for every body. I wanted the dress from the November rain video sooooooooooo bad and I was willing to let my parents pay the 12,000 for it until I tried a similiar one on. Bad idea!!! I am only 5'4 and it did not look right at all. That dress was made for a 6'2 model, clearly not me. Not to mention the fact that my D cups were not too covered. I ended up going with a corsett dress by bonny bridal. I will try to find a pic of it on the site if they still have it and show you. It is stunning. I think strapless and spaghetti straps go well with shorter people. Off the shoulder makes you look bigger than you are and some long sleeve dresses look too 80's. I think you will look beautiful in anything you choose. Try them all on with a veil and shoes and jewelry to get the full effect. Good luck.