Much like the human body, the wedding dress is composed of several different parts. You have the overall silhouette of your gown, the neckline, the train, the sleeves, and most importantly the bodice.

To help you find the perfect bodice for your fashion-fabulous wedding dress, here are some of the most popular bodice types available.

Bodice Types

Halter: No doubt, you’re already very familiar with halter wedding dresses. The halter bodice is sleeveless, with straps that wrap around the bride’s neck. Most halter bodices have sexy, backless designs.

The halter bodice is ideal for women with nice shoulders, lovely arms and gorgeous collarbones. The depth of the neckline depends on how much skin or décolletage you’re willing to show.

Avoid this style if you have big arms or if you’re looking to draw emphasis away from square shoulders.

Empire: The empire bodice style has a high waistline that ends directly under the bust. The skirt begins to gracefully flare from under the bride’s bosom. Empire bodice styles usually work best with sheath skirts and A-Line skirt styles.

An advantage of this bodice style is that it helps add length to a woman’s frame. If you have a short or thick waist, then this bodice helps mask these imperfections giving you a sleek and stylish overall appearance.

Never pair the empire bodice with a ball gown skirt unless you wish to appear pregnant.

Midriff: The midriff bodice fits closely around the middle of your rib cage. Midriff bodice styles are perfect for women with small waistlines. Use this bodice style to accentuate a lovely hourglass figure

Avoid this style if you have a thick or undefined waist.

Surplice: The surplice bodice style uses fabric that cross-wraps either in front of the gown or at the back. If you’ve got the right curves, and you’re not afraid to show it, go for this lovely and almost universally-flattering bodice style.

Princess Line: The princess-line bodice is very sleek and chic. It features two vertical seams that run from the bust of the bodice to the hem. It creates a slimming effect while giving the illusion of additional height.

If you’re on the short or the heavy side, then this bodice will work well with your figure. Pair this bodice with a lovely A-Line skirt to truly show the majestic shape and style of your wedding dress.

Tank: The tank bodice is popular because it’s absolutely figure-flattering regardless of the shape, size or the height of the wearer. Tank bodice styles refer to sleeveless tops complete with big armholes.

Corset: The corset is probably the most popular bodice style in our list. Corsets are created to be form-fitting and absolutely figure-flattering. Most corsets come complete with boning and snap or lace-up closures. Use the corset to emphasize a small waist or to create the illusion of a fuller bosom.

When picking out your bodice style, take into consideration your body shape, your physical assets and your problem areas. Find a bodice style that flatters your figure and makes you feel comfortable and beautiful.

Another fashionable bodice style for spring to reveal your figure. Click the video

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