Show Off
Your Assets
How to pick a gown that puts your best parts on display.
Okay, quit your body-bashing. Aren't there a few parts of
your physique that look fantastic? Are you arms totally taut?
Is your back view simply beautiful? Or is your whole lower
half lanky and lean? If you answered yes to any of these,
congratulations! And don't be shy about sporting a wedding
dress that makes the most of your formidable figure. Here's
how to flaunt...
Toned arms
For some a great body is a gift from God. Unfortunately, most
of us have to work our tails off for the perfect physique-which
is all the more reason to show it off.
Defined arms are one of the easiest body parts to spotlight.
Janine Posa, a custom-gown designer and founder of JP Couture,
says, "A girl with toned arms can wear anything, but I wouldn't
recommend sleeves." For the daring, Cathy Weiss of Priscilla
of Boston suggests strapless gowns, which is a current trend
that highlights definition in both arms and shoulders. A halter-style
bodice also makes the most of a sleek upper body, as do spaghetti
straps and deep v-necks with wide-set straps.
Lean back
For those who know they look best from behind, showing a little
skin or choosing a gown with intricate details on the rear will
cause the eye to wander to your best feature-your back. Again,
halter or strapless gowns are appealing options. Posa says,
"If someone has a great back and wants to accentuate it, I would
bring the neckline up higher and have the back plunge really
low." And adding some ornamentation, like flowers or beading,
to the little material that does cover your back will make it
look even more spectacular. This style of gown also puts a long,
Gwyneth Paltrow-esque neck on display. Posa explains, "Thin
straps, a slight scoop neckline, with a drop back and hair up
makes the neck look that much longer and more graceful and feminine."
Small lower-body
While most gowns hide the lower body, sheaths and slip dresses
cause the eye to wander directly to shapely legs, trim hips
and small waists. Silk charmeuse, a crepe-backed fabric with
a satin face, feels amazing but is avoided by most brides-to-be
because it's clingy. Posa suggests a sheath of this material
with an overlay of delicate embroidery. Weiss also recommends
gowns with a cummerbund and basque waist to highlight a slender
midriff. And hey, there's no law that says you can't wear a
mini!
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