Being the Mother of the Bride (MOB for short) is a rewarding experience. Nothing compares to being an integral part of your child’s special day. Which is why it’s so important to find a dress that best suits your shape. And with there being so many styles and types of dress, fit for a wide variety of different shapes and sizes, here is our guide to finding the perfect MOB dress for your shape!

The Hourglass Body Shape

Having an hourglass figure means that your chest and hips are the same size, and it usually also means that your waist is slightly smaller, hence the term ‘hourglass’ (aka the figure eight). For this shape, MOBs should go for gowns that accentuate their waists, such as dresses with an empire waistline, for a stunning, form-fitting look.

The Pear Body Shape

If you can imagine the shape of a pear, then you’ll be able to better understand a pear-shaped body. Typically, pear shaped figures refer to people with hips bigger than their chests, with a slightly defined waist. Of course, every body is different, but if you feel you may have a pear-shaped body, it is recommended to try dresses with straight, A line skirts.

The Rectangle Body Shape

If your chest, waist, and hips are all similar measurements, you probably fall under the rectangle body shape category! For these types of bodies, you’ll want to look at dresses with cinched waists and belts to create a more defined silhouette.

The Apple Body Shape

The dimensions of the apple body shape are the opposite of pear-shaped bodies (still equally as gorgeous of course). Rather than having bigger hips, people with an apple shaped body tend to have a less defined waist and a bigger chest. For a more flattering fit, go for dresses that give you the illusion of wider hips. A – line skirts are great for this!

The Oval Body Shape

People with oval shaped bodies tend to have narrower shoulder and hips with a rounder midsection. If you’re a MOB looking for the right dress with your oval shaped body, it’s recommended to try dresses that create more of a curvaceous silhouette. Dresses with full skirts and plunging necklines are the way to go?

The Athletic Body Shape

Athletic body types can be confusing. Much like the hourglass, people with athletic body types tend to have hips and chests with similar measurements. However, because of the added muscle, usually the waist area isn’t as defined. Dresses with draping and ruching tend to be more flattering on these body types as they create the illusion of a more defined waist.

The Diamond Body Shape

If you have narrower shoulders and a smaller chest but tend to have a fuller midsection and broader hips, you probably have a diamond body shape. Dresses that are busier (e.g., embellishments and voluminous material) up top are great to create more of an hourglass silhouette (if that’s what you’re going for of course).

Every body is different and finding the right dress for your shape can be a difficult experience. So, while this doesn’t account for every body type, this guide does include some of the most common shapes and can be used as a guide to help you better understand the styles of dress to best flatter your body on the big day!