The era of Rachel Green ugly pink bridesmaids dresses is finally over, and we are immensely grateful for that. The bridesmaids of today are actually meant to look stunning. Brides finally realized that all eyes will still be on them. And that their best gals deserve to look amazing as well. That brought many changes in the entire bridesmaids’ dress universe. Not only do we now have more flattering cuts, but different body shapes and types are taken into consideration, too. Even though there is a sense of uniformity thanks to the same color palette used on all the dresses. The cuts and designs have become more versatile. Mostly due to the realization that one cut doesn’t actually do justice to every kind of body. And that is what brings us to today!
Today is all about curvy and plus size girls. We know that the fashion industry still has a long way to go when it comes to catering to the style needs of real women, but luckily, these dresses are custom made, so as a bridesmaid you have a say in the thing. We’re just here to offer a helping hand and show you some of the options that will actually do your silhouette justice and present it in the best light. After all, in a way, this is your day as well, and you ought to look radiant, confident and striking.
There are certain fabrics that are unforgiving, and others that make every woman feel like a goddess. When you consult your bride on the choice of fabric, avoid sating, taffeta, and essentially anything from the ‘shiny’ family. Instead, go with something along the lines of matte chiffon and lace. Not only are they gorgeous, but they give you the freedom to play with necklines, cuts, length and all those other design details that should result in gorgeous dresses.
Precisely because real curvy women have different parts of their body they would rather not emphasize, and some that they do want to show off is why every bridesmaid should get to choose the type of dress she wants. For instance, if your arms are a source of insecurity, ask for a dress with sleeves – they could belong sleeves made of tulle, kimono, cap or butterfly sleeves, as all of these do a wonderful job at concealing this ‘flaw’.
If on the other hand, you’re concerned about your torso or tummy area, the best type of dress is the one featuring a high waist. This allows you to create an illusion of a slim waist. The skirt that starts off high should be a voluminous A-line cut, which aside from the belly also does wonders with concealing wide hips and thighs. Fitted dresses can look incredible as well, as long as there is the ingenious soft draping ruching that serves to hide the things you don’t want to be emphasized. Keep the bodice nice and tight to visually minimize the torso, and you will look absolutely striking.
The V neck is always a winner, but if you’re looking for something with a more pizzazz to it, you can always go with a keyhole or sweetheart neckline. Of course, there are tons of gorgeous plus size clothing items out there now, which means you can always find the perfect dress that fits the bill and save yourself the hassle that comes with fittings and alterations. There are some truly amazing ready-to-wear dresses out there, especially if we’re talking about a more casual summer wedding, but even hunting for a more formal one won’t be a problem.
Of course, since almost all rules are out the window, the bridesmaids don’t even have to rock the same length. If you want to show off your legs, go with an above the knee A-line dress, although a flowy floor-length gown would also look incredibly chic and elegant, especially if this is an upscale event.
Patterns were rarely invited to play when it came to bridesmaids’ dresses. And pastels are out of the game after decades of dominance. Some of the most popular colors now include the chic and esoteric burgundy, navy or royal blue, and even black. Not only are these colors the epitome of chicness and elegance, but they are also incredibly flattering on all body types. So consult your bride and figure out which of these gorgeous shades will be the winner. Don’t forget, there are skin tones to take into consideration as well.
Never underestimate the power of great undergarments as they have the power to make or break a look. You don’t want a non-supportive bra, Spanx that are too big or too small. You don’t want anything either slipping or poking into your skin and creating unwanted lines, so before you even try a dress on, invest in great bras and undergarments first.
Mia Taylor is a fashion and beauty enthusiast from Sydney and writer for www.highstylife.com. She loves writing about her life experiences. Traveling and enjoying other cultures and their food with her husband is a big part of her life. She is always on the lookout for new trends in fashion and beauty. Additionally, she considers herself an expert when it comes to lifestyle tips.
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