Wedding Dress

Contrary to what it suggests, having an apple figure doesn't mean you're overweight. Rather, this fruity label refers to a slightly rounded figure with hips, waist and shoulder widths of similar width, but set off by slim, toned arms and legs. "Women with apple figures tend to collect weight around the middle of their bodies, leaving the waist region a bit lost", says Marie Power, a Dublin-based bridal shop owner and designer. "A slim waist is the most feminine physical characteristic a woman can possess and on your wedding day, you want to look as womanly as possible."

Thus, choosing a dress that defines an apple's waist is a must. "A bodice worn with an A-line skirt - slim at the waist and flared at the bottom - is a popular choice for apples who need to pull themselves in around the middle", says Marie. "Choosing a bodice with a lot of detailing around the bust will promote that area well."

While all apples will look good in a bodice, those of super slim stature should make a bee-line for the bias cut. Superb figure-huggers, the bias cut clings to the hips and midriff, falling delicately across the body, lending it the label of 'a second skin.' "The bias cut is good for creating the illusion of shape. That said, you should avoid dresses with fish-tail skirts as these will not bring out the best in your figure."

While bias cuts are good for the apple, a longer-length dress like the ultra-straight column dress is an apple no-no. "It's hard to create definition between waist and hips with the column dress which is best suited to women with naturally slim waists."

The Hourglass

The hourglass figure is the closest thing to the perfect figure. Characterised by hips and shoulders of the same width and a well-defined waist, this body shape is synonymous with the classic Hollywood hot bod. Epitomised by the original queen of Hollywood, well-proportioned and voluptuous Marilyn Monroe, the hourglass figure has more recently been shown off by shapely Oscar-winner Kate Winslet. Topping a recent UK poll for 'Best Celebrity Body', it seems the size zero obsession of the noughties is slowly being replaced by a more natural, womanly curve as the Western body ideal. "The hourglass is the most proportioned of figure types", says Marie.

Those lucky enough to be blessed with such a 'perfect figure' will naturally be able to pull off anything. "This shape is by far the easiest to dress because virtually any style can be adapted to suit", says Marie. "You can choose to highlight your curves by wearing a fish-tail skirt which will show off your womanly shape to perfection. Alternatively, you can emphasise your bust area by wearing an empire-line top. You could also focus on your small waist region by wearing a well-fitted bodice."

But perfect people beware: while hourglasses may have a host of physical assets to highlight, less is more. "Women with hourglass figures have many different parts of their body worthy of flaunting but they should not be tempted to go overboard and highlight them all at the same time", warns Marie. "If you try to highlight your bust, curves and waist, rather than showing off your perfect figure, having too much going on in the design will simply take the attention away from your great shape. Avoid this at all costs by focusing on one of your assets alone."