Chiffon, Your new Best Friend.

Imagine a fabric that is soft, floaty, stylish and comfortable, as well as timeless, lightweight and flattering to your figure. Impossible you say? Chiffon is your answer! Whether it’s for your wedding gown, ball dress or any other special occasion, then a beautiful dress made from chiffon is going to be a definite winner every time. Not only does it look good in person and feel nice but photographs beautifully, capturing both shadows and light. Nearly every design made in this fabric creates the illusion of soft curves and silhouettes, perfect for that romantic look we all want at our wedding.

Now it’s all very well me saying everyone would look and feel amazing in a well constructed chiffon dress but it may help you more to know which kind of chiffon dress would work best for your body type. For instance, if you are an apple shape (heavier torso, smaller legs) then I would recommend an empire chiffon dress with a semi A-line skirt that skims over the hips and creates balance. This kind of style will also make you appear taller and having a dress with a lace-up back is also a great option for you to consider as this will help bring your middle in and create a waist.

Are you a pear shape (smaller bust, wider hips and thighs)? A gorgeous A-line dress made from chiffon with layers underneath will disguise wider hips. Make the most of your smaller top half by choosing a dress with a fitted bodice and embellishments including beading or lace. This adds interest to a gown and the detail will distract from any unwanted attention to the thighs and hips by making the torso your focal point.

One of the other main body types that could really benefit from a chiffon gown is the rectangle shape (straight up and down, narrow hips and shoulders). It’s all the detail when it comes to these statuesque figures. Rouching on the bust will make it appear fuller, pleating and beautifully draped chiffon panels falling over the hips in a diagonal manner will help with creating curves there too. Considering having a lace-up back in your dress could be a good idea as this will cinch the waist in to add more shape.

As for you lucky hour-glass figures (small waist, bust and hips in proportion) you are the most sought after shape in the world but your beautifully balanced body and killer curves could still benefit from a chiffon dress. I would recommend a simple figure hugging style such as a mermaid as the more fabric you drape on yourself the bigger your curves will appear. Emphaisise your tiny waist, don’t drown it in layers.

Seeing as these are the just the four main body types for women there are lots of cases where you may need to mix and match the advice for different body shapes. There are lots of people who are a combination of these shapes and so it’s worth focusing on what parts of your body you like and which parts you want to hide. We are all different but we can all use this versatile, amazing fabric that I’ve been talking about. So when on the hunt for your next special dress, consider chiffon your new best friend.