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	Secrets of Stylish Brides Dear Brides, For each and every woman who is getting married, the hardest part can be finding the perfect dress that will flatter your shape and bring out your beauty. Out of the myriad of styles available out there, it can get confusing and overwhelming if you are looking for the very first time. Let us ease your stress by offering you this worldwide definition of standard silhouettes and shapes. Keep in mind that every woman is individual, and you may fit just one or more styles. Our suggestion is to use this information as a guide to choose what you feel fits you best. This can help you save your time and money in your search. Happy Shopping! IF YOU'RE PETITE AND SLENDER (5'4" and under) Look good in: Column-like sheath or A-line dress. These shapes create a long uninterrupted line. Stick to open necklines like strapless which is usually cut straight across, but it can also peak on the sides or have a gentle sweetheart dip in the center. Stay away from: Ball gowns and dresses with voluminous fabric, as the skirt will make you look like you're swimming in them. IF YOU'RE PETITE AND HEAVY Look good in: We recommend dresses that have a nice, flowing silhouette, like an A-line with vertical lines that will allow you to look taller and slender. A bodice that has lace up will lengthen your body and slim down your waist. Stay away from: Dresses that are sheath style. Gowns that have big trains, like church or cathedral length, will make you appear even shorter. IF YOU'RE TALL AND SLENDER Look good in: A ball gown, or a full skirt will make you look like a princess. It's a very feminine shape that will round out your figure and balance out your height. A gown with a very low back will also look good. Stay away from: Slinky forms and sheath silhouette dresses. These shapes will make you even taller. Also stay away from off-the-shoulder and high necked dresses, which will separate your body and look awkward. If you are flat chested, don't go for dresses with a bodice made of stiff fabric. IF YOU ARE TALL AND HEAVY Look good in: Empire-waist gowns and ball gowns with a tucked in front will wrap around your waist and make you appear more slender. Stay away from: Sheaths, where the skirt falls straight down, and dropped waists, which will make you look like a box. IF YOU ARE BOTTOM HEAVY Look good in: A top with lots of detailing will balance out your proportions by bringing attention to your upper half. Off-the-shoulder neckline will also make your top look more in proportion to your bottom. Stay away from: A sheath, as it will hug your curves and brings a lot of attention to your bottom. A gown where the neckline dips down in the front in a V shape will draw the eyes downward, where you don't want them to go. IF YOU ARE TOP HEAVY Look good in: A halter top, or a capped sleeve, will cut the long line of your shoulders, seemingly decreasing them in size. This manner of top can also diminish the size of your bust by lifting it up. Select a dress that is a ball gown or full skirt to help create an hourglass shape. Stay away from: Dresses with a sweetheart neckline. Also, don't try to hide your shoulders. It will instead emphasize them. High necklines and long sleeves will also accentuate your shoulders, but not in a good way.