Bella Promessa Bridal Boutique Inc.

Empire
The Empire features a high-waisted seam just below the bustline; the skirt falls in a slight A-line. Named after the style’s popularity during the Empire period in France. GOOD FOR:brides with a smaller bust (adds emphasis); the waist-minimizing cut allows extra room for brides who have tummy issues or are pregnant. BAD FOR:brides with a well-endowed bust (may make you appear top-heavy) or full hips.

Natural
The seam of this waistline lies, as the name implies, at the natural waist, which is the indentation between the hip and the ribcage.GOOD FOR: almost everyone. BAD FOR: anyone thicker around the middle.

Basque
The Basque waist forms an elongated triangle beneath your own natural waistline. This style diminishes the width of the dress at the waist. GOOD FOR: full or hourglass figures or those seeking less emphasis on the hips. BAD FOR:problem bellies.

Asymmetrical
An asymmetrical bodice features a change in waist height from one side of the dress to the other. The extent to which this style flatters certain figures may vary depending on the cut.

Dropped
The dropped waist falls several inches below your natural waistline. GOOD FOR: elongating the torso. BAD FOR: those with narrow shoulders (gives you an A shape) or long waists (adds extra length).

* Source: the knot, Book of Wedding Gowns, by Carley Roney, 2001, Chronicle Books, San Fransisco.