Body type and Wedding Dress worries (with pics!)

Hello YLF socialites!

Firstly, thanks in advance for the joy you bring to my day. Reading your posts everyday brings a smile to my face each morning, and I'm truly impressed with the fashion IQ of the members here.

Secondly, here's my reason for my first attempt to post my pics here: I need advice on my body type, and whether or not the dress I'm wearing (my wedding dress) suits me or not. I think I'm between a straight RULER and HOURGLASS shape - can you please let me know if you agree?

Here's the background: I am getting married in October '08, and have recently purchased my wedding gown. The pictures you're seeing were taken this past weekend at my first fitting. I have already paid for my dress, and won't be able to get a refund so the dress is a sunk cost. But I'm not entirely sure that the alterations that I'm making (ie: making the dress into a mermaid shape) is the most flattering to me. I can still make modifications to these alterations (ie: let the dress out looser) if you YLF'ers think I should.

I'm 5'2" and weigh about 103 pounds. My approx measurements are: 31 bust, 24 waist, 35 hips

Any help you can offer - be that body type advice, dress alteration advice or just confirmation that I made the right dress selection for my body type would be much appreciated. I'm really panicking that I made the wrong choice.

Here's the front:
http://s425.photobucket.com/al.....0_3438.jpg

http://s425.photobucket.com/al.....0_3436.jpg

Here's the back:
http://s425.photobucket.com/al.....0_3435.jpg

Here's the side:
http://s425.photobucket.com/al.....0_3433.jpg

Thanks again YLF'ers!
T

16 years ago

theresa

Active Member

Oh, the last thing I should mention is that my dress has pins all over it to indicate where they will remove fabric, and a big elastic band under the bust (which will be removed). They will be sewing where the pins are in the pictures, and the elastic band will be sewn INTO the dress to hold the top up, the elastic band won't be visible on the outside of the dress.

And I'm very open to Constructive Criticism feedback.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

First of all, congratulations on your upcoming marriage! I can say that I've never been so happy as I have in these last two years since I married my husband.
I think your dress is stunning. The fact that you're having it professionally fitted means it will fit you perfectly.
And the most important thing is that you love your dress. Once I found "my dress", nobody could talk me out of it.

minivanmom

I think it looks absolutely gorgeous on you! LOVE it!

Anonymous

This dress on you is stunning!! You have made a perfect choice. You look so good.
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.

Thanks so much sarbear, minivanmom & san. Can you let me know what you think my body type might be?

shell

looks good to me! i'd say it's a keeper

Theresa, I'm still new at the whole identifying someone's body type, but I think to determine this we would need to see a photo of you in jeans and a form fitting top. I can't tell if you have curves or your dress gives you curves, etc.

shiny

First of all, congratulations, and second of all, RELAX. I know getting married is stressful!!

Can you explain what you mean about the elastic band? I am not sure if this is what I'm seeing, but it does seem like the waist part bunches up a bit - a few inches below the waist. I'm not sure this is the elastic you are talking about; I think it may be that you have a tiny waist, so it's bunching funny and a fit issue that needs to be addressed?

I'm surprised they put the pins on the outside. Usually with such alterations they have you try the dress on inside-out, and put the pins in that way. But oh well... maybe they didn't want you to get stuck by a pin!

I love the mermaid idea for you, and think it plays up your gorgeous shape.

However, I would be concerned about having two seams at the back. I'm afraid the seams will compete with the buttons that go down the middle. A few shorter darts in the back - no problem. But these are very long darts.

My question for the tailor would be: is there anyway you can get the same effect, but by taking in at the side seams (with perhaps a few smaller, strategic darts in the back, where you need it to define your waist), instead of making such long darts all down the back?

But I may just be super duper ultra picky and/or have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about.

Ana

Hmm...it's hard to tell from the dress, but I think you're an hourglass that tends toward an inverted triangle.

Gorgeous dress, congratulations!

Nicole

I think you have the body (hourglass, IMO) to wear a mermaid dress. It can be very discouraging watching the alteration process. You have to be able to imagine the dress with flat seams and no wrinkles, and all the excess material removed. If you are having the dress altered at the bridal shop, then go ahead and ask them what kind of experience the seamstress has under her belt. Ask for some references and don't be afraid to call on them.

The dress shop should be willing to put their reputation on their seamstresses--so I bet she or he is very talented and seasoned. If you don't like anything about the final appearance of the dress, speak up. It's their job to make it perfect in your eyes.

So long as the alterations are done properly, the dress will look stunning on you. BTW, I think it's normal to have second thoughts about your dress as you get to this stage.

Theresa - you definetly should not have second thoughts about this dress - it's beautiful on you, and very classic (so you won't have the problem of cringing 20 years down the line when you look back at your wedding photos... )

Tanya

You look stunning in that dress Theresa, and I agree that the shape is right for you. I'd guess that you are a hourglass.

anne

Thersa,
I agree with Ana that you are "an hourglass that tends toward an inverted triangle" - as far as we can see from that dress.
It looks fabulous and the mermaid shape is lovely

Thank you so much for your help ladies...You have no idea how much I appreciate your advice. I've been staying up nights thinking about this, and I think I'll be able to get some rest now Nicole & Shiny I'll take your alteration advice to my next fitting and be sure to ask all the right questions.

Thanks again!

Sihaya

Theresa - congratulations. Fantastic choice. You look gorgeous in the dress. I have no clue about sewing so will defer to Nicole and Shiny's advice there. You look like an hourglass to my untrained eyes. If you need help with the rest of your wedding outfits (shower, rehearsal dinner, etc.) just let us know what we can do!

cindygaga

Member

You look fabulous!

13 years ago

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