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Finding THE wedding dress is a bit like finding your soulmate: you know it's out there, but it takes a bit of effort to find it. And as if choosing between lace or satin, veil or flower crown, wasn't already complicated enough, now you also have to work with... your body shape.
Don't panic, this article is here to make your life easier. Whether you're petite and slim or petite and curvy , there are wedding dresses that will really flatter you. We'll also mention hairstyles that go with backless dresses, because if you're going to look hot, you might as well go all out.
So, ready? Here are the tips, advice (and a little humor), and let's get started.
Before rushing headlong to the seamstress or specialty store, let's lay down the basics: all body types can be enhanced , but not by just any cut. The mistake would be to choose a "trendy" dress that you like on Instagram, but that doesn't flatter your figure at all.
What do we want? A dress that says “Wow” and not “Ouch.” A wedding dress that hugs your curves (or subtly suggests them), that elongates your silhouette if necessary, and above all… that makes you feel beautiful. Because after all, it's your day.
Now, let's get down to business.
Are you part of the mini-model team? Lucky you! Your best asset is a silhouette that's often slender despite your small size, with discreet curves and a delicate allure. But be careful: not all dresses will highlight this.
When you're petite, you have to think vertically. No need for frills that weigh you down or oversized volumes that make you disappear under the dress.
Empire dresses , with a waistline just below the bust, are ideal: they visually lengthen the legs and give an airy look. It's romantic, light, perfect for a delicate bride.
Straight or sheath dresses are also real allies. They hug your figure without overwhelming it, and give you a chic look without overdoing it.
What if you want a little more fairytale flair without looking like you're drowning in tulle? A mermaid dress that's not too busy , hugs the hips and flares slightly, can look very glam.
Forget about XXL princess dresses with oversized petticoats . They shorten your silhouette and make you look like you've lost yourself in the living room curtains.
Ultra-structured bustiers? They can crush your upper body if you have a small chest. Opt for soft, feminine V-necklines that stretch the bust without compressing it.
Favor flowing fabrics like chiffon or silk.
Avoid dresses that are too long and drag, they can swallow you up.
Dare to have a discreet slit on the leg to break the "small frame" effect.
If you want lace, choose it thin, not heavy.
Team curvy, this section is for you. If you're under 5'3" but have a nice curve (and you can be proud of it!), there are dresses made to flatter every inch of you. A simple wedding dress , chosen well, can enhance your figure without having to hide behind layers of tulle.
The ideal here is to balance the silhouette . You want something that accentuates the waist, flatters the hips without overly accentuating them, and visually lengthens the line.
The empire dress is once again a great option: it starts below the bust, avoids molding the stomach and gives a slim effect.
The trapeze or A-line dress is also great. It hugs the upper body, accentuates the waist, and flares gently, creating a beautiful balance.
And if you like dresses that are a little more modern, the wrap cut can be a good choice: it structures the bust and creates a beautiful feminine line.
You can skip straight strapless dresses that "cut off" the bust. Instead, opt for a V-neck or sweetheart neckline , which open up the neckline and soften the overall look.
Dresses that are too tight (like a stiff mermaid) can accentuate what you prefer to hide. Unless you're super comfortable with your curves, choose something that suggests without being restrictive.
And beware of wide belts that don't fit well: they can break up your silhouette in the wrong place. If you want to accentuate your waist, do it with finesse.
Dare to wear three-quarter sleeves or tulle sleeves if you want to cover your arms a little.
A flowing dress with movement (small, well-placed ruffles, light train) brings romance.
Textured fabrics are fine, as long as they're not heavy: think fine lace or crepe.
Because not everyone fits neatly into a box (and thankfully so), here are some bonus tips if you're between sizes or have a so-called 'average' but not very tall figure — especially if you're falling for a country wedding dress , often designed for very specific body types.
The idea remains the same: lengthen your silhouette , highlight what you like (waist, neckline, legs, etc.), and avoid cuts that make you look shorter.
You can try mid-length or midi dresses, especially if you have slim ankles: they give an ultra-stylish retro look. And if you have slightly broad shoulders, play with boat necklines or dropped sleeves.
Ah, the famous backless dress... Sexy, classy, and always a touch mysterious. But it has one requirement: we want to see the back! So the hairstyle has to follow suit.
The safe bet is the bun . Not the granny one, mind you, we're talking about a messy, romantic bun , with a few strands escaping.
Why is it great? Because it frees up your back and draws the eye right where it counts. You can slip in a few flowers, a gold barrette, or even a small integrated braid.
Another option: the crown braid or upturned bohemian braid . You keep a natural look while revealing the nape of the neck.
What if you want a compromise between loose hair and a bare back? A high half-ponytail , a little rounded, is a good idea. You get volume, a glamorous look, and your back remains visible.
If you really want your hair loose, make sure it doesn't completely cover your back . A nice wavy style with a side part, or a cascade over one shoulder, can do it.
Avoid the "curtain hair" look that hides your entire bare back. It would be a shame to hide the star of the show!
A little friendly (but firm) reminder of the missteps we still see too often:
The dress that's too big "to be comfortable" : no, you just risk floating and feeling even worse.
The dress that's too small "because I'm going to lose 3 kg" : bad idea. We choose a dress for our body as it is, not as we hope it will be.
Overloading accessories : let the dress do the talking. A pretty piece of jewelry, a light veil, and that's it.
Shoes that are too high when you're short: yes, heels make you look longer, but choose something comfortable. You'll be walking, dancing, crying, all at the same time. And if you're still wondering about your outfit, here's an article that might help .
Petite and slim, petite and curvy, somewhere in between... No matter your body type, the goal is always the same: to feel beautiful, free, and happy in your dress. On this day, you're the star. So choose a dress that fits your personality and your body, not what people dictate.
And remember: the ideal dress is not the one that transforms your body , it's the one that celebrates it.