If your body is apple-shaped, your mid-section is probably heavier

Dark Alternatives to the White Wedding Dress

For that sophisticated look a sleek black wedding dress can be ideal. And, unlike many traditional white dresses, the black wedding gown can be adapted to be worn on other occasions.

So how will the concept of a black wedding gown go down with family and friends? Is there still a prejudice towards anything other than the expected white or ivory, or will the black wedding dress represent an alluring and decadent option for the bride who wants to take her vows in elegant ebony? And is it perhaps time to change the old adage, "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue," to read "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something black."

The white wedding gown isn the first choice for every bride, many women these days opt to marry in different coloured dresses. Yes, even black, but there still seems to be a school of thought that suggests it not everyone idea of the perfect dress. But if youe a bride to be and a dress as dark as midnight is your choice, youl want to know where to shop for the perfect mysterious black bridal gown.

New York City Bridal Boutiques are quite used to a wide range of requests when it comes to wedding dresses so if you ask for a wedding dress in black you won be thought odd, in fact there are Bridal Boutiques in New York City that carry ranges with black dresses as part of their options.

And it may surprise those who oppose the idea of anything but white for a bride to learn that up until as late as the 1930s some cultures only considered black as the colour choice for wedding dresses. But this was to do with practicality. A black dress would be more serviceable and could be used again, and kept as a best dress after the wedding.

So black is actually just as traditional in terms of its place in history, as white when it comes to the colour of a wedding dress. That little snippet of information might come in handy when the alternative or even gothic bride wants to persuade a mom or aunt with fixed views of the merits of a gorgeous seductive black gown.

Although she wasn the first bride to wear white, Queen Victoria wedding to her beloved Prince Albert in 1840 had a huge impact on the collective consciousness. And since then the popularity of white wedding gowns continued to grow, especially in higher society. But if you really can turn your back on black, rest assured that the New York City Bridal Boutiques will be able to provide you with something truly beautiful that reflects the sophisticated side of your personality.

Prom Dresses Guide Find The Prom Dress That Flatters Your mon cheri special occasions Silhouette

Prom time is almost here and choosing from so many styles and shapes of prom dresses isn't easy. It takes time and patience to try on all those prom dresses, hoping to find just the right dress for your special evening. You should first find a prom dress that flatters your body type, or silhouette. Use the guide below to find out what type of body shape you have and which prom dress will best complement your shape.

Determining Your Body Shape

It's important to determine your body shape before you start shopping for prom gowns. long red dresses Once you know which types of prom dresses will best suit you, you won't waist time trying on those that won't.

Are you Thin and Tall?

Here's a way to tell: Your body is straight and slender, has few or no curves, and your bust is average in size. Your height is 5' 6" or taller. If you meet these criteria, you'll want to buy a prom dress style that adds curves, shows off your long legs, flows gracefully to reveal your slim silhouette, and adds fullness to your chest.

Try on dresses with several different neckline styles including v-neck or an open neckline to see which looks best. Also, dare to try a dress with a cutout back. Some prom dress styles to consider are empire, sheath, ball gown, and a-line.

Are you Petite?

If you are 5' 3" or shorter with a small build and an average sized bust, you'll want a dress to complement the petite such as an empire, sheath or a-line prom gown. With a slit, you can make your legs appear longer. Or, you can look much taller by wearing a dress with a short hemline. The hemline might be ruffled, handkerchief, hi/low, or asymmetrical - whichever best suits you. There are also a-line and empire styles to take emphasis off your waistline if you are short-waisted. Your neckline could be sweetheart, halter, or v-shape.

Do you have an Hourglass, Pear, or Apple Shape?

With an hourglass shape, you are curvy with a medium-to-large sized bust. Your bottom is rounded and you have curvy hips. You can show off the curves with a sheath dress or de-emphasize them somewhat with a ball gown or a-line dress. To place more emphasis on the upper portion of your body, choose a dress with an embellished neckline.

With a pear shape, you are probably bottom-heavy, meaning your hips, thighs, and bottom are larger than the upper portion of your body. Choose prom dresses that flatter the upper half of your body such as a-line, empire, or ball gown dresses with a circular halter neckline. Or, a strapless dress might do the trick.

If your body is apple-shaped, your mid-section is probably heavier or thicker than other parts of your body. Maybe your tummy is larger than you would like. Choose dresses that take the emphasis away from your mid-section. An empire gown might work best with this type of figure. An a-line dress can work well too if you have a bodice with boning to give it a slimming effect.

Are you Athletic? Do you have a Large Build?

If you are muscular, have broad shoulders, or a large bust, choose a prom dress that will give you a feminine shape such as a ball gown or empire style dress. The full skirt will immediately add shape at your waistline. With broad shoulders, you might find that trying to cover them with wide straps or sleeves will make them look even wider. Try on a few strapless prom gowns first. You might be pleasantly surprised!

If you have a large bust, be sure your prom dress offers proper support. Choose v-necks or halters and either an a-line or ball gown. To draw attention away from your chest, wear a prom dress that has eye-catching details at its hemline.

With a full figure, there are more styles today than ever in plus size prom dresses. Don't feel uncomfortable on your prom night by trying to squeeze into a smaller gown. Find a dress that fits your body size and flatters your figure.

More "Accentuating" Prom Dress cheap bridal dresses Ideas

There are even more ways you can accentuate certain areas of your body. Prom dresses can also come with stylish features such as beaded panels, a fully beaded bodice, accordion pleating, a jeweled beltline, embroidery designs, sheer overlays, trains, and removable skirts.

Use these tips to get an idea of what style will work best for your body type before you start shopping. Check online to look at various styles and colors. Most online stores carry a variety of dresses including prom dresses, evening dresses, and bridesmaid dresses, so cream evening dresses you'll have no problem finding just the right dress.