HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT WEDDING DRESS

Wedding gown shopping can be overwhelming. But knowing basic dress silhouettes and body types and also understanding how they flatter your figure will help. Remember: How you feel in that dress is crucial to finding the right fit

Busty

Petite, plus or average size, you've got a full bust.
Dress dos: Accentuate the positive with an uplifting foundation garment, like a good bra, or a corset. Or minimize your curves by balancing your top with a full skirt.
Dress don'ts: Be careful that your dress isn't too revealing -- you want the focus to be on your face. And don't forget to move around in your gown during fittings to make sure everything stays in place.

Designer to try: Dennis Basso
Dennis Basso incorporates lots of ruching into his designs. Terry Hall, fashion director at Kleinfeld Bridal, says, "Ruching can actually help slim and balance a larger bust."

Broad

You're built like a swimmer, with wide-set shoulders.
Dress dos: Highlight your toned shoulders with a halter neckline, or go for drama in a gown with long sleeves worn off the shoulder. Select a dress with a bodice that highlights your waistline to offset your shoulders and create an hourglass shape.
Dress don'ts: Trying to conceal your shoulders is not recommended, as it sometimes produces the opposite effect. Stay away from cap sleeves, which can add width to the shoulder area.
Designer to try: Amsale, Lela Rose
Amsale is a go-to for Hall when he's helping clients find a halter-style gown. Mark Ingram of Mark Ingram Atelier recommends Lela Rose, however, because her designs are perfect for accommodating broad shoulders.

Pear-Shaped

Though small on top, you round off toward the bottom.
Dress dos: A dropped-waist style or a strapless ball gown will cover your bottom half and put more emphasis on the top. An off-the-shoulder neckline will keep the attention on your upper body, and an A-line gown is always a flattering choice.
Dress don'ts: A sheath can be unflattering, and a V-neck will draw the eyes downward.
Designer to try: Alita Graham
Available in a variety of styles, A-line silhouettes look good on most body types. Alita Graham has an assortment of full A-line options, says Hall.

Full-Figured

You're voluptuous, with a well-endowed bust and curvy hips.
Dress dos: Try a mermaid- or trumpet-style gown, which will have a slimming effect. A high-waisted A-line dress with a low neckline also complements curves.
Dress don'ts: A slim sheath or slinky bias cut will cling and may accent any extra inches; also avoid spaghetti straps because they won't provide the support you need.
Designer to try: Pnina Tornai, Monique Lhuillier
Pnina Tornai is noted for her sensual styling and fitted designs. Many of her gowns have corsets to help define your shape. Ingram recommends Monique Lhuillier for her sexy silhouettes with good coverage.

Boxy

Short or tall, you have a boyish waistline.
Dress dos: Empire-waist gowns are made with you in mind. And a ball gown with a basque waistline, which is a V-shaped dip in the front, will give your waist a nipped-in look for more shape.
Dress don'ts: Steer clear of sheaths and dropped-waist styles, which will make you appear boxier.
Designer to try: Amsale, Pnina Tornai
"Both Amsale and Pnina Tornai have beautiful corset options, which create the illusion of shape by defining your waist," says Hall.

Petite

You're tiny.
Dress dos: The key word here is elongation. It's best to keep it simple. A column-like sheath or an A-line dress works best: These will keep the eye moving and create the illusion of height.
Dress don'ts: Almost all silhouettes will flatter your figure, though a big ball gown or a dress with lots of voluminous fabric may look overwhelming on your small frame.
Designer to try: Monique Lhuillier, Anne Barge
"Both designers have dramatic silhouettes that won't overpower you if you still want a full gown," says Ingram.

Tall

You're five foot ten or taller.
Dress dos: Taller women look great in everything from sheaths to A-line styles and full ball gowns. A long veil is great for you because you can carry it off.
Dress don'ts: Skip gowns with high necklines because they'll draw the eye upward and create more length. And avoid updos and headpieces that add too much extra height.
Designer to try: Any -- have fun!

Bony

Short or tall, you're not a fleshy woman.
Dress dos: Bateau necklines and sleeveless gowns are flattering options for you. A ball gown is a very feminine shape that will balance out your overall silhouette and visually create curves. Try one with a dramatic cutout back.
Dress don'ts: If you're concerned your collarbone is too bony, stay away from portrait, off-the-shoulder or halter necklines. And if you're flat-chested, avoid a bodice with pre-designed cups.
Designer to try: Elizabeth Fillmore Bridal
Elizabeth Fillmore is the ultimate designer for statuesque, sheath gowns.

Pregnant

You've got a baby bump, anywhere from four to nine months along!
Dress dos: Buying a gown while pregnant can be tricky, since you can't predict how big you'll be come the wedding day. An Empire waist is your best bet for its loose structure and relaxed silhouette. For the mom-to-be who wants to show off her belly, a soft, clinging sheath in a stretchy fabric makes a proud statement.
Dress don'ts: Avoid anything that's too constricting or uncomfortable, including tight bodices and ball gowns, which will emphasize your middle.
Designer to try: Kenneth Pool, Lazaro
Kenneth Pool and Lazaro both offer Empire-waist designs that are ideal for a growing belly.

Arm Issues

You're self-conscious about your arms, whether they're heavy, jiggly or too skinny.
Dress dos: Choose long or three-quarter-length sleeves in a sheer illusion fabric, or add a bolero to your look, which can be removed whenever you like! Dress don'ts: Steer clear of off-the-shoulder styles and cap sleeves, which will highlight the upper arms.
Designer to try: Reem Acra, Augusta Jones, Marchesa, Oscar de la Renta
Multiple designers provide sheer overlays -- cover-ups that camouflage arm issues.
Even though certain styles work best on certain body types, don't let the "rules" narrow your search too much. It helps to try on all different kinds of dresses and then decide what shape and style you look and feel best in.
Special thanks to Terry Hall and Mark Ingram!