It's your special day, and there's no time for fooling around. If plenty of time in the gym and lifting five pound weights at Soul Cycle earned you toned arms, you should show them off [1]. And if you're always collecting compliments on your legs, why not flash them through a slit or opt for a high-low hemline [2]?
Sure, it's your wedding dress, and there's always the pull to go the traditional route. But for a walk down the aisle [3], comfort is key, and showing off your best assets will get you there. Read on for six target areas you just might want to highlight, and scroll to find the dress that'll look the best on your body. Or, if you already know your spot, jump ahead for looks in flattering silhouettes.
- Shoulders [4]
- Back [5]
- Arms [6]
- Chest [7]
- Legs [8]
- Waist [9]
Shoulders
Aim for a sweetheart strapless neckline, off-the-shoulder sleeves, or an asymmetrical silhouette that wraps diagonally across your chest, baring just one shoulder for maximum impact.
Oleg Cassini Tea-Length Wedding Dress [10] ($850)
Jarlo Off-Shoulder Lace Dress With Fishtail [11] ($170)
Mara Hoffman Iris Fringe Gown [12] ($750)
Stella McCartney White Charlie Dress [13] ($3,260)
Versace Knotted Strapless Silk Column Gown, White [14] ($5,200)
Theia Halter High-Low Gown [15] ($995)
Asos Bridal Jumpsuit With Detachable Cape [16] ($255)
Marchesa Zinnia Gown [17] ($4,495)
Oscar de la Renta Strapless Broderie-Anglaise Gown [18] ($7,690)
Monique Lhuillier Strapless Embroidered Lace Gown [19] ($5,995)
Back
Scoopback styles or completely open silhouettes that hang at the shoulders expose the sexiest areas of your back, highlighting your most defined feature.
Jenny Packham for David's Bridal Hand-Beaded Sheath Cap Dress [20] ($1,550)
BHLDN Petra Gown [21] ($1,150)
Reformation Angelina Dress [22] ($278)
Chi Chi London Bridal Maxi Dress With Plunge Front and Keyhole Back Detail [23] ($122)
Vera Wang Micaela Crepe Structural Gown [24] (available at Vera Wang boutiques, $3,990)
Self-Portrait Eva Backless Silk Charmeuse Lace Wedding Gown [25] ($965)
Shona Joy Ambrosia Backless Maxi Dress [26] ($484)
Brunello Cucinelli Embellished V-Neck A-Line Gown, Vanilla/Black [27] ($3,645)
Arms
High necklines attract eyes upward, but completely sleeveless designs spotlight your toned arms. Cap sleeves with frilly details pull attention straight to the bicep. Alternatively, search for a sheer long sleeves with embellishments to create an elongating effect.
Vera Wang Carolina Crepe Collared Mermaid Gown [28] (available at Vera Wang boutiques, price available upon request)
Giambattista Valli Sleeveless Silk Ruffle Gown [29] ($4,195)
J.Crew Juliette Gown [30] ($1,800)
The Row Sista Sleeveless Gown, Rose Cream [31] ($2,050)
BHLDN Dylan Gown [32] ($2,650)
Reformation Julieta Dress [33] ($388)
Jenny Packham Jewel-Embroidered Tulle Illusion Gown [34] ($6,725)
Monique Lhuillier Textured Sleeveless Gown [35] ($898)
Carolina Herrera Cap-Sleeve Tuxedo Colorblock Gown, Black/White [36] ($4,490)
Chest
Deep, plunging necklines showcase your chest or a hint of cleavage, so long as you don't mind making a sexy statement. Search for floral appliqué or off-the-shoulder necklines to strike a balance and give your look a modest touch.
BHLDN Ariane Gown [37] ($1,400)
David's Bridal Tulle Beaded Lace Sweetheart Gown [38] ($599)
Mara Hoffman Star Maxi [39] ($465)
Lanvin Lace Gown [40] ($8,990)
Altuzarra Sleeveless Eyelet-Beaded V-Neck Dress, Optic White [41] ($6,995)
Jenny Packham Metallic-Trimmed V-Neck Gown, White [42] ($3,340)
Fame and Partners Bridal Tiered Maxi Dress [43] ($466)
Marchesa Hyacinth Gown With Plunging Neckline [44] ($5,995)
Legs
Allow yourself to opt for a trendy style, instead of something traditional. High-low designs, slits, or shorter, leggier numbers will let you flaunt your stems proudly. Play up the overall look with a statement heel.
Vera Wang Antonella High-Low Gown [45] (available at Vera Wang boutiques, price available upon request)
Mara Hoffman Metallic Wrap Dress [46] ($228)
Altuzarra Farley Lace Dress [47] ($2,795)
Zimmermann Sueded Balconette Dress [48] ($480)
Halston Strapless High-Low Ball Gown, Eggshell/Black [49] ($725)
Narciso Rodriguez Sleeveless A-Line High-Low Dress, Pearl [50] ($2,495)
David Koma Short Peplum Sleeve Gown [51] ($2,614)
Waist
Cutouts at the sides and A-line shapes draw attention to your mid-section, and while showing a hint of skin might be a bold move, when you've got curves, girl, you should work 'em — especially on your special day. On the other hand, you could always cinch your design with a sparkly belt or go for breezy separates.
Vera Wang Marta Cutaway Ball Gown [52] (available at Vera Wang boutiques, $9,990)
Mara Hoffman Juno Sequin Gown [53] ($1,850)
BHLDN Reagan Gown [54] ($975)
Reformation Harper Two-Piece [55] ($428)
Asos Bridal Maxi Skirt With Puddle Train [56] ($145)
Rosie Assoulin 'La Scarpa' Cutout Stripe Organza Gown [57] ($11,980)
DELPOZO Cutout Cotton Jacquard Dress [58] ($2,021)
Monique Lhuillier Tea-Length Dress [59] ($3,400)