With many bridal stores to choose from and hundreds of dresses at each one, shopping for your wedding dress can seem overwhelming. Save time and effort by knowing the best gown cut for your body type before going dress shopping. Rather than trying on dresses that won’t flatter your figure, you can focus on the styles that will look best on you.

Determine your body shape. Stand in front of a full-length mirror get a good look at yourself. Common body shapes include: hourglass (similarly sized hips and bust, with a smaller waist), full-figured (curvy all over or plus sized), triangle or pear (smaller bust with larger hips and bottom) and inverted triangle (larger shoulders and bust with smaller hips and bottom).

Pick the right style based on your body type. If you are hourglass-shaped, show off your curves with an A-line cut. Avoid dresses with overly full bottoms, as they could make you appear bottom-heavy. Beading or a sash around the waistline can accentuate your waist and show off your curves even more.

If you are full-figured, avoid tight dresses and spaghetti straps. V-necks, scoop-necks and halters accentuate curves, while semi-full and full skirts are generally flattering on full-figured women.

With a triangle-shaped body type, draw attention to your upper body with a strapless dress or one that is embellished on the top. A-line dresses also work for this body type, but avoid gowns with pleating or gathered fabric from the waist, since they will draw attention to your hips. If you don’t feel comfortable going strapless, try a halter to accentuate your shoulders and bust.
If you resemble an inverted triangle, look for a full skirt to balance out a large bust and give you more of an hourglass shape. Also, look for dresses that are embellished at the waist or on the skirt.