"But What do I Wear?!" Finding the Right Wedding Dress Silhouette for Your Body Type
- mimisbridalmontana
- May 16
- 3 min read
Your wedding dress should make you feel confident, comfortable, and completely you. But with so many styles and silhouettes out there, it can be tough to know where to start. Whether you’re curvy, petite, tall, or somewhere in between, the right silhouette can highlight your favorite features and give you the confidence you deserve to have on your special day.
Here’s a guide to the most popular wedding dress silhouettes and how they flatter different body types—plus tips from our expert stylists at our premiere bridal boutique in Kalispell, Montana.
1. The Ball Gown
Best for: Most body types, especially pear-shaped and taller brides. The ball gown silhouette is the classic princess shape—with a fitted bodice and full, voluminous skirt.
Why it works:
Defines the waist beautifully
Balances out wider hips or fuller lower halves
Hides bloating (so you can actually eat that delicious catered dinner you paid for)
Creates a romantic, dramatic entrance
Mimi's Tip: This silhouette can overwhelm petite brides unless the fabric is soft or layered—ask us for airy ball gowns or flowing a-lines that don’t weigh you down!
2. The A-Line
Best for: Every body type! The A-line flares gently from the waist down, resembling the shape of an uppercase "A".
Why it works:
Elongates the body
Flatters curvy and straight figures alike
Hides bloating
Comfortable and easy to move in
Mimi's Tip: A-line gowns are perfect for outdoor Montana weddings—classic, breezy, and flattering in any setting.
3. The Mermaid (& Trumpet)
Best for: Hourglass, athletic, or confident curvy shapes. These fitted styles hug the body through the bust, waist, and hips, flaring out at or below the knee.
Why it works:
Accentuates curves and creates a sultry, dramatic silhouette
Ideal for confident brides who want a striking silhouette
Mimi's Tip: Trumpet gowns offer a softer flare than full mermaid styles—great for brides who want to walk and dance with ease.
4. The Sheath
Best for: Petite, slender, or tall brides. The sheath (fitted/column) silhouette is minimal and elegant, gently skimming the body without a full skirt or dramatic flare.
Why it works:
Adds height and elongates your shape
Great for destination weddings or minimalist styles
Can be glam with beading or lace—or sleek and modern in satin or silk
Mimi's Tip: Sheath gowns are a popular choice for Glacier National Park elopements or outdoor ceremonies with a natural, unfussy vibe.
5. The Fit-and-Flare
Best for: Hourglass, pear-shaped, and petite brides. A happy medium between the trumpet and the sheath, the fit-and-flare style hugs the body through the bodice and hips before gently flaring at mid-thigh.
Why it works:
Shows off your shape without uncomfortably restricting movement
Balances curves beautifully
Easier to walk in than full mermaid silhouettes
Mimi's Tip: Try a fit-and-flare with lace details or illusion sleeves for a classic-meets-modern look. Or, for that "wow" factor, try a fit-and-flare with a long, dramatic train.
How to Know What Works for YOU
Trying on dresses is the best way to discover what makes you feel comfortable, confident, and stunning. You might be surprised—many brides end up choosing a silhouette they never expected to love!
What Our Stylists Recommend:
Keep an open mind—our stylists are trained to know which silhouettes look most flattering on which body types. We've seen a lot of brides in a lot of dresses! If your stylist suggests something different from what you had in mind, it's probably because she knows you'll look STUNNING in it!
Focus on how you feel in each dress
Once you find the silhouette that works best for your body type, try to stick to it. Trying on tons of dresses in every silhouette might sound fun, but it usually just ends up confusing the bride.
Book Your Bridal Appointment at Mimi's Bridal in Kalispell, Montana
At Mimi's Bridal, we help brides find the dress that fits their body, their style, and their vision. We carry everything from dreamy A-lines to curve-loving mermaids from top designers in the industry. Let’s find the silhouette made for you so that you can feel confident when you say YES. Call or book your bridal appointment online today!
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