So, I have to find a suitable dress for my wedding reception. My wedding is an Indian/Western fusion, so I want something fairly contemporary but still with traditional Indian elements. I sit for hours until my eyes glaze over staring at Indian dress sites and it has gotten to a point now where every dress just looks the same. So, I am going to nut this out in a logical fashion going from body shape analysis to comparing the final options.

Choosing the Right Indian Style for Your Shape

Pear:

If you have a small upper body and more shape from your waist downwards, it would be better to wear an outfit that has strong detailing on the top. I would not recommend a tube top or a lehenga top with a high collar/halter style. Go with a V neck top and a short blouse to accentuate your killer waist or opt for a rushed top to create the illusion of a bigger bust. Lehenga skirt should not be mermaid, A shape would be most flattering.

Apple:

If you have an apple shape, then go for soft fabrics like chiffon and a style that compliments your body such as an Anarkali or Sharara style. These styles draw attention away from a larger upper body through the material flowing outwards as it goes down.

Hourglass:

This is me! I have what is referred to as ‘child bearing hips’, however my bust is not enormous, so I only *just* make the hourglass cut! For this shape a number of styles work well, lehengas with short tops [to show off the waist], anarkali suits [with the material tight in the midsection to accentuate the figure] & sarees look really good [except for banarsi sarees which make you look like a used crusty tea towel]. However, what especially does not work with this shape is mermaid style lehengas which accentuate larger hips/bum and quite frankly look terrible! [been there, done that!].

Petite:

A petite shape should wear an outfit that creates height and does not make them appear smaller. A lehenga showing the midriff would create too much horizontal negative space which would not be the best look. Go for an outfit that is fairly light without too much heavy material or material draped over you. A great look for petite girls is a sharara, choori dar and anarkali suit with long sleeves as it is focussing on the vertical aspects. Avoid heavy dupattas and focus on vertical shapes and U or V necklines.

Slim athletic:

Can basically pull any look off!

The Options for My Dress

As I am an hourglass/petite figure, I have made the below 3 final selections for my dress. What do you think is the best option for me?

OPTION ONE

Pro’s:

Sensational colour against my skin, gorgeous saree, only $600, pre stitched

Con’s:

Too ‘sexy’ around family, already wearing saree for ceremony, doesn’t really fit with the colour scheme of the event

OPTION TWO

Pro’s:

Gorgeous, comes with a lovely dupatta, will match my wedding theming (maroon/gold/white), will match the bridesmaids, elegant

Con’s:

Very pricey

OPTION THREE

Pro’s:

Very affordable, they can make it in offwhite/maroon to match my theme

Con’s:

Unable to see picture of how it will look prior to being made – possibly risky, in the picture it appears to be slightly loose material at the front of the skirt which makes me think the skirt is not as heavy.

Read more....Choosing An Indian Wedding Dress