CYA Cover Your Assets: Timeless tips for hiding your “imperfections”

by Mia Bolaris-Forget (Staff Writer)

It’s your wedding day and you’ve always dreamed about being the most beautiful blushing bride….but you’re not likely to want an embarrassing fashion faux pas to be the cause of your rosy cheeks.

While you may know what you want, your dream dress may not make you look quite so dreamy. A good rule of thumb is ruling out what looks good in the magazines and on models….and ruling in what looks good on YOU. Start by looking at your basic wardrobe and taking note of the shapes and cuts of your favorite items or outfits. What areas do they accentuate and which do they attenuate. Apply these basic principles to buying your gown and make sure you select a dress that suits your taste and your shape.
Experts offer these timeless “tricks’ for dressing for success.

Ample Arms: Ugly arms may have you up in arms at the though of exposing them. Zaftig arms may have a tendency to be “flabby” If you’re a winter bride, your solution is fairly simple, choose a gown with long sleeves. Fall, spring, and summer brides may feel they have fewer options. Experts suggest gowns with quarter length or sheer sleeves. Brides who don’t want the additional coverage may opt for a shawl or a wrap. This offers the option to either cover up or not.

Cleavage: Too Much or Too Little: The objective here is not too go over the top. If you’ve go it, flaunt it ladies,…and even if you don’t got it (or if you don’t have that much) flaunt it, but do it tastefully. Consider some additional support that will literally make your march down the aisle and uplifting experience. Experts suggest avoiding too much of a good thing, including too much padding. If padding your assets is not your cup of tea, fashion professionals recommend a bateau (boat) neckline.

For ladies with larger busts, experts remind airing on the side of caution. They remind brides that this is a wedding, not and “expose”. Strapless or V-neck gown may look beautiful on brides with B and C cups, but may be too revealing for those with larger busts. Professionals point out that sexy doesn’t always mean revealing and you may want to consider a more “conservative” neckline.

Tummy Troubles: If it’s your middle that’s giving you heartache, and the crunches just aren’t working, you may want to choose a dress that draws the eye upward or at least away from the problem area. If possible choose a dress with a neckline that enhances your features from the waist up (such as a sweetheart neckline) and also look for a drop waist. Fashion gurus note, this design acts like a “cover up” with a figure-flattering seam that “drapes” over your area of concern.

Longing For Curves: While being tall and thin certainly has it’s advantages, like a great presence when entering a room and the ability to wear conventionally chic sheath gowns, many women long for a more well-rounded figure. Curves have always maintained a feminine appeal (especially to men), and many statuesque brides want to enhance their assets. Besides showing off the curves you “DO” have with form-fitting fashions, you may opt for a traditional ball gown that offers the illusion of hips and curves. Experts also suggest a dress with box pleats and a “soft” neckline.

Hippy Bride: If you want to de-emphasize your hip and thigh area consider you may want to avoid a dress the clings. Consider instead gowns with wider, fuller skirts that hide a multitude of sins. For the most “natural” effect, professionals suggest choosing a skirt that wider than your shoulders.

Bear in mind that extremely full skirts may overwhelm the petite bride, and it’s (for them) to consider semi-full skirts. Additionally, skirts that stop directly at the waist, elongates the torso and gives the illusion of height. Full-figures brides are advised to invest in figure-enhancing undergarments including a corset, which will singe in the waist and taper the bust. They should also ensure that the dress they choose provides enough coverage up front, but should not hesitate to expose a bit more (but not too much) in the back.