Pear-Shaped Body Type

ballgown dress example, courtesy of colordive, flickr

Picture 2, awesome vintage empire-waist, courtesy of reccabecca24 on flickr

photo 3, a-line dress, courtesy of wickedrice, flickr

Above, example of pear-shaped body type (anna's flickrcorner)

I mentioned awhile back that I'd contribute some info on body types and some great dresses that would look good on them. Well, the first body type I'm introducing is the Pear Shape, above. It's characterized by narrow shoulders and small to medium bust, a great waistline,with most weight on the lower half of the body past the waist(obviously, like a pear).

You should emphasize the top half of your body in the form of decorative beading, lace, interesting neckline or plunging back (love that idea). You don't really need to emphasize your waistline with a corset-top or bustier because it's probably already awesome, and might just add more emphasis to your lower half (if it is figure hugging), which we want to avoid. Also avoid mermaid-style dresses that will make you look way curvier than you really are.

You could also go for an empire waistline that would highlight your top half, but conceal your bottom half. A ballgown is another option for you. This type of dress conceals your hips by because the bottom half of the dress is made up of material designed to poof away from your body (think tulle or ballerina-type). A-line styles give the slightest hint of curves while showing off your top assets and gently skimming around the lower portion of your body. So the game plan is this, pear-shaped girls: Empire, Ballgown and A-line styles are the best type of wedding dress you could wear. Post some ideas too.