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Find a Dress that Adds Less
Pay attention to your body type, and choose a gown that won’t add pounds:
Thick waist: Consider a princess or an A-line style, both of
which flare from mid-torso, allowing the fabric to fall gracefully over your
midriff rather than accent its width.
Full bust: Stay away from high necklines and heavy
beading—all of that fabric and fuss will make your chest look bigger. Opt for a
clean, open-neck style (like a V-shape or scoop), which is especially
minimizing.
Big hips: Camouflage overabundant curves with a full-skirted
gown. Basque-waist looks are especially figure-flattering because they hold in
your waist and tummy, add length to your midsection, and balance your bottom.
Flabby arms: Off-the-shoulder designs are best because they
hide the upper arms (where the fat tends to settle) but still show off nice
shoulders, elbows, and wrists. Long sleeves are also an option. Make sure
they’re made from a sheer fabric like chiffon or organza for a soft, elongated
look.
For any figure:
Stiffer fabrics tend to be slimming because
they mold your body and create a trim silhouette.
Taking a Stand
Good posture and positioning are key to looking lean for the lens, says Seattle
photographer Bradley Hanson. To ensure you’re captured at your most attractive
angles, ask your shutterbug not to shoot from below. “Photographing from a lower
vantage point gives the illusion of width,” explains Hanson, “whereas shooting
from above has a slimming effect on the face.”
Avoid looking at the camera straight-on, which shows your face at its widest.
“Tilting your head and shoulder slightly away from the photographer can reduce
the visual presence of your body,” Hanson explains.
Looking to hide specific figure flaws? Use bridal-appropriate props to your
best advantage. For example, to divert attention from a not-so-toned tummy, hold
your bouquet just below the belly button. “This draws the eyes further
downward,” says Hanson. “And keep elbows pointed slightly outward, so they don’t
look like an extension of your waist.”
Makeup Makeovers
Bet you didn’t know that a few little makeup maneuvers can create a slimmer
countenance. “For instance, well-placed bronzer can give the illusion of a
thinner face,” says New York makeup artist Lea Siegel. Using a large, fluffy
brush, apply bronzer to your brow bones, chin, cheekbones, and under the jaw
line.
For that head-to-toe, thin-tanned look, go to a salon for an allover bronzing
treatment. “Do a trial run a few weeks before the wedding so there are no weird
surprises,” advises Siegel. For makeup hues, use shimmery shades sparingly to
avoid a puffy look. “Makeup with a little luminosity, used lightly on the top of
the cheekbone, produces slimming hollows on your face,” she says.
The way you wear your wedding-day hair can also give the appearance of a
thinner visage. “An elegant chignon, worn at the nape of the neck, usually
provides an elongated look to the face and body,” says Christo, owner of the
eponymous New York City salon. “Also, you want to avoid any
styles that call for a headband, which will highlight and frame
a full face.” Keep hair accessories low-key, choosing styles
(simple tiaras and hair clips) with minimal decoration.
Dress Rehearsal
One of the best
ways to perfect your posture—and pinpoint any problem areas—is
to do a test photo session before your wedding. Book your
photographer for an hour on the day of your final fitting (be
sure to get salon approval first), so he can shoot you in your
gown, testing different camera angles and positions. He should
use a digital or Polaroid camera so you can preview the photos
instantly and discuss the best way to handle any body issues you
may have.
A salon shoot not
possible? Ask him to snap a few photographs of you in your most formal dress to
study your look.
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