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Every design element of the perfect gown, from the neckline to the train, should flatter the wearer’s body type in the most spectacular manner. The gown’s waistline is one such design element which when chosen correctly will accentuate your best features. However, the wrong waistline can make you look undesirably shorter or wider, taking away from the beauty of the rest of the gown. Choosing the right waistline may seem like a daunting task to those who are unfamiliar with the design terminologies, to help you out, we have broken down all the information you need to know about gown waistlines in a simplistic manner. Here is our gown waistline guide to help you choose your waistline wisely as per your body type
Fashion is architecture: It is a matter of proportions
-Coco Chanel, French Fashion Designer
Importance of Waistline for a Gown
Theoretically speaking, the waistline is the line of demarcation between the bodice and skirt of the gown. While it may sound like a trivial element of the design, visually speaking, the waistline is what balances the two halves of the gown and complements your height and figure in the most appealing manner. As per your best features and problem areas, you can pick a waistline to highlight your curves, to give the illusion of more height, or to balance the lengths of your torso and legs. Hence, choosing the right waistline for your gown is as important as choosing the right neckline, silhouette, or sleeve style
Here is a list of the popular gown waistlines along with how you can take advantage of these to highlight your favourite features of your body
Image Source: ahelpfulguidetotheperfectwedding
1. Empire Waistline
Source: hugecollectionfashionabledresses
An Empire Waistline is a raised waistline that rests right below the bust with the gown flowing down from the waistline to the hem. This waistline is often paired with an A-line silhouette and draws attention away from a wider waist or hip region. It is, therefore, suitable for pear and apple body types. Those with an hourglass figure should avoid this style as it will mask their best feature aka their curves. Also, those with an inverted triangle figure should avoid an empire waistline because it will drown out their narrow hips
2. Basque Waistline
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A Basque Waistline sits a couple of inches below the wearer’s actual waistline and dips in the centre of the bodice to create a U or V shape. It is often found in party wear gowns with a ball gown or mermaid silhouette. This waistline creates the illusion of a narrower waist and flatters the curves of those with an hourglass figure beautifully. It draws attention to the lower part of the stomach, so you may want to avoid this waistline if you are not comfortable flaunting that region of your body
3. Natural Waistline
Source: TheKnot
As the name suggests, a Natural Waistline follows the natural shape of your body and sits at your actual waistline, which is the narrowest part of your torso between the ribs and the hips. A natural waistline is often paired with a ball gown silhouette to create a harmonious balance between the tiny waist and the fuller skirt. This waistline suits women of all heights who have a narrow waist. Those with an apple body type should avoid gowns with a natural waistline because it will draw attention to the wider waist region
Pro Tips From Our Designers
Dress Code
Do keep in mind the dress code for the occasion as well, because a basque, dropped or asymmetrical waistline may not be suitable for events with a conservative dress code
Embellishments
Consult your gown designer on adding trendy embellishments such as belts, to further accentuate your waist. See some inspirations here
Personalization
If you wish to draw attention away from a fuller waist then you can opt for a statement embellishment on the shoulder of the gown to make the waistline less prominent
4. Dropped Waistline
Source: BelleTheMagazine
A Dropped Waistline sits at the bottom of the torso, more than 3 inches below the natural waistline. It gives the illusion of a longer torso and is suitable for those who have longer legs and wish to create a balanced proportion between their upper body and lower body. This waistline can be paired with both flowy and structured skirts, and with all silhouettes ranging from ball gown to mermaid and A-line silhouettes. It looks especially flattering on tall women and can be used to add a modern touch to Christian wedding gowns
5. Asymmetrical Waistline
Source: Jeca Bridal
An Asymmetrical Waistline runs diagonally across the waist area and is higher on one side than the other. This waistline adds a statement look to the gown and is perfect for those who wish to add a modern element to their outfit. This waistline has a slimming effect on the lower half of the body but is best avoided by shorter women as it may take away a few inches from your height. An asymmetrical waistline can be paired with all silhouettes and can be made more dramatic by adding ruffles along the waistline
6. Princess Waistline/Seam
Source: Madame Bridal
The Princess Waistline is essentially an invisible waistline, with no horizontal seamline between the bodice and the skirt and vertical seams instead that follow the curves of the body. Princess seams pair well with fitted sheath silhouettes as well as A-line silhouettes. This waistline has a slimming effect and suits most body types. It is a popular waistline choice for evening gowns for special occasions due to its flattering nature, and is particularly ideal for those with an hourglass figure who wish to flaunt their curves
While each waistline can be customized and paired with an appropriate silhouette to flatter your body type, if you are looking for the ideal match for your figure and height then refer to these charts to make a foolproof choice.
Remember, the best gown for you is the one that you feel the most comfortable in. So, identify the features of your body that you feel the most confident about and let your gown’s waistline celebrate the same. With the useful cues from this waistline guide, you will surely be able to choose the most befitting style as per your requirements!
