Finding the right wedding dresses can be a challenge when you are short, which I know from first hand experience as I am 5’2″.
In the meantime, if you also have a typical inverted triangle shape, i.e. have broad shoulders and narrower hips, then you want to be quite selective when looking for the wedding dresses for your big day!
I have a petite clothing line for women 5’4″, so I work with petite models of different body shapes and sizes.
Based on my first hand experiences, I’ve put together this best wedding dresss guide specifically for your shape.
Table of Contents
Column dress
Column dresses are usually straight and narrow. Therefore, they have a form-fitting silhouette that drapes on the body and creates a long, lean line. This can be an amazing wedding dress style for petite women with an inverted triangle shape but this depends a lot on specific preferences.
This form-fitting style is flattering for women with a defined waist. However, since you’re more likely to have a wider upper body and broader shoulders, you would have to try out different styles to find a balanced silhouette.
Start by ensuring that the length of your column wedding dress hits mid-calf or a little above the knee. The purpose of this is to create the illusion of a taller appearance as this is effective in elongating your legs.
Your choice of neckline is also super important. It’s best to go for a column wedding dress with a v-neck as this draws the eye downward and adds to the illusion of a narrow upper body. This is great for balancing your silhouette.
A-line dress
The A-line wedding dress has always been a classic style of bridal gown that enjoys popularity in this industry. It features a fitted bodice that flares into an A shape, and ultimately creates a flattering silhouette for the inverted triangle shape.
I love how absolutely versatile this wedding dress style is, and you’ll be able to pull off an elegant look for your destination or outdoor wedding. The beauty of the A-line shape for your wedding dress is that it helps your body balance by adding more volume to your bottom half.
This is great for creating a more proportionate silhouette as there’s less attention on your upper body and broad shoulders. Experiment with various lengths to find the one that fits your unique body structure.
Also, stay away from puffed sleeves, as the goal with sleeves is to add volume to your arms without making your shoulders appear wider. An A-line wedding dress with a U-neck or scoop neckline would be amazing.
Dresses with flared hem
Most wedding dress styles with flares are great for petite women with an inverted triangle shape. Dresses with flared hems are highly recommended, as they help create the illusion of a visually balanced silhouette.
When considering the type of dresses with flared hems to choose from, be sure to look out for those that won’t overwhelm your petite body frame. Don’t pick dresses with a high neckline as this will have a negative effect on your silhouette.
Dresses with flared hem can also add to the illusion of curves, which gives you a more feminine outlook and leaves you looking elegantly sexy for your big day.
Pleated dresses
Pleated dresses have folds in their fabric which form pleats, and these can be present in various dress styles, including midi, maxi, and A-line. I’ve attended more than a few weddings with the bride decked out in a beautifully pleated bridal gown, and I believe you can do the same too.
Pleats add more interest and texture to your outfit, and this can be very flattering for the inverted triangle shape. The top benefit of pleated wedding dresses for the inverted triangle shape is how they help create the illusion of a balanced silhouette.
Contrary to what some people think, the volume that pleats add to the lower half of your body does more good than harm to your body structure. With more volume on the lower half of your body, this becomes more balanced compared to the upper half of your body. Therefore, your overall silhouette can become more proportionate.
Dresses with nipped waist
Dresses with a nipped waist usually have a fitted waistline which creates a cinching effect at the natural waist. This cinching is great for emphasizing an hourglass silhouette and highlighting feminine curves on an inverted triangle shape.
Petite women with an inverted triangle shape can rock dresses with a nipped waist on their wedding day. This dress style is flattering for many body types, including the inverted triangle shape.
Apart from helping to highlight curves, dresses with a nipped waist add to the illusion of a more proportionate silhouette. This means that when you choose this as your bridal gown, it will downplay your wider upper half, such that it appears symmetrically similar to the lower half of your body.
Be sure to look out for dress styles that are not too short on your body, as they will draw attention to your narrow legs. This style will look good on A-line silhouettes or pleated dresses.
Halter-neck dress
Halter-neck dresses have a simple strap that wraps around the neck while your shoulders and arms are bare. If you’re not too big on showing your shoulders, you may find this a little too revealing. However, this dress style is an amazing choice for your wedding gown.
For petite women with an inverted triangle shape, halter neck dresses have a toning effect on your bare shoulders as they are great at drawing attention away from your upper body. The halter neckline is useful on a variety of dresses, and my top choices are styles that cinch a little at the waist and flare downwards.
Color choices are also super important. Of course, it’s normal to go for the traditional white color for your wedding gown. Your halter-neck dress can also have a huge flare like a ball gown. It’s necessary to have more volume on your bottom half as this is crucial in balancing your body frame.
Asymmetric neckline dress
Dresses with an asymmetric neckline are great at creating a sense of balance by breaking up your neckline. This neckline is characterized by a single strap on one part of the body, while the neckline itself forms a wide scoop shape. Revealing your shoulders this way will draw attention away from your wide shoulder line.
So, use this to balance your overall silhouette such that your shoulders are narrower and there’s an extra illusion of curves on your waist. Be sure to choose a dress that flows towards your ankle as the attention on your bottom half will give you a more feminine silhouette.
Asymmetric neckline dresses for your wedding gown can make you stand out in style, especially when you pair this with the right accessories and shoes.
Mermaid dress
Mermaid dresses have a slim bodice and flared skirt, which are both amazing features to have on your dress as a petite woman with an inverted triangle shape. This is super flattering to your shapely and strong shoulders as it evens this out in proportion to other parts of your body.
Mermaid dresses have a feminine shape that’s useful for adding more curves to your body. This will give you a more feminine silhouette as you’ll step out looking amazing in hourglass curves.
Another feature I love about the mermaid dress is that it fits snugly on the body without being oversized or too tight. This means that it won’t overwhelm your petite body frame.
Ready to shine brighter than ever on your special day? Well, it’s time to get shopping while armed with these exclusive tips. Then, be sure to check out my guide on swimwear for your inverted triangle shape to help you slay even more while on your honeymoon.
