Choosing a dress according to your body type is important, especially for the African woman. It helps you in accentuating your good sides while down playing areas of your body that you are not comfortable with. Here are tips, hope you find the useful.

For sisters that are busty

You can draw attention away from it by having a long bodice, as with the basque style and full skirt. Dresses, which use the natural waistline, on the other hand, will draw attention to the bust area. Make sure your bodice area is very plain and avoid low necklines. If you are really keen on detail, save it for the bottom area of the skirt.

If you have full or wide hips

Avoid having a bow or work around the waist area. Any type of dress will do, but make sure it's something that doesn't fit too tightly over the hip area. The 'princess' style, which is fitted on top and then flares slightly to the hem, will hide larger hips by creating a slight triangle to the lower half of your body. Even the ball gown look, in quite a simple material, will draw attention away for the hips. The empire line will work too if your bust is a bit smaller, but could end up downplaying your waist and stomach area.

If you have wide shoulders

Consider narrowing your look with wide straps, or cover them completely and draw the focus to a V-neckline. It's important to show some skin around this area, but if need be, you can soften the effect by wearing a sheer wrap around your shoulders. Make sure you stay away from puffed sleeves!

If your legs are short or on the heavy side

It's a good idea to opt for a long dress. Give yourself more height with a sheath style, which is straight, but not too body hugging.

For the short woman with a fuller, feminine figure

Try an empire line dress. The beauty of this style is that it has a seam under the bust line and then just flows down. In the right fabric, the dress will not sit to your body, but will flow around it. Although a knee-length dress could work for you too, this longer shape will give you a nice tall silhouette. Sleeves are an option, depending on how you feel about your arms. If you do opt for sleeves, go for long and narrow and not too tight. If you hair is piled high on your head, this will give you more height, but do not go for this hairstyle if you face is too round.

Do you have a short Waist

An A-line silhouette fitted at the bodice and opening up gradually to a full skirt is a good choice. It elongates your figure; if you love your shoulders, try a portrait or halter neckline. Avoid wearing a sheath as this will make your short waist more obvious.

Are you stuck with a thick Waist

Your body from your shoulders to your hips is almost straight with no defined waist to balance things out. Choose an empire gown. This dress shape will deemphasize your waistline while giving you a long, lean look. Avoid the A-line shape as this will draw too much attention to your middle.

If you are slim
As a slim bride, you have two cool choices. A ball gown will make you look like a beautiful ballerina, and the sheath was made for you. Almost all silhouettes will flatter your figure, but stay away from portrait, off-the-shoulder, or halter necklines if your collarbone is too bony.

Petite
It's best to keep it simple. A sheath or A-line will work well. Avoid a big ball gown that might look too heavy for you.