A-LINE

With a flare beginning at your natural waist line, this universally flattering style slightly hugs your torso before flaring out in a shape reminiscent of the letter A. It’s especially great for women who don’t want a full-on ball gown but nevertheless want to slightly conceal their hips/thighs/bum, while still showing off their upper body. If you feel overwhelmed with the options or lost as to what you want, this is a pretty safe place to start your search.

Celebrity Inspiration: Kate Middleton, Jennifer Lopez, Ivanka Trump, Jewel

EMPIRE WAIST

If you want to show off your chest or really conceal your waist, try an empire style. With a fitted chest and a skirt that begins to flare from right under the bustline, this is not only one of the most forgiving dress styles, but also one of the most customizable since the shape of the flare can vary from relatively straight to A-line, allowing you to control how much of a gown you’re up for. This is also the ideal style if you’re pregnant since it easily accommodates a growing bump.

Celebrity Inspiration: Liv Tyler, Jennifer Garner 

BALL GOWN

With a bodice fitted like the A-line but paired with a very full, dramatic skirt, this style is ideal if you’re self-conscious about your large bust, since it not only draws the eye down, but also bal-ances out typically top-heavy proportions. It’s also great for women really wanting to have their princess moment.

Celebrity Inspiration: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Kim Kardashian

MERMAID GOWN

If you have curves and don’t want to hide them (you shouldn’t!), the mermaid dress is for you. Fitted throughout the bodice and flaring out at the knee (or lower), the mermaid dress is form-fitting throughout and oh so sexy. It’s not, however, very forgiving. If you’re on the shorter side, have the flare begin just above the knee to elongate your silhouette.

Celebrity Inspiration: Brooklyn Decker, Mariah Carey, Hilary Duff

TRUMPET GOWN

Similar in shape to the mermaid, but both less dramatic and more flattering for many, the trumpet gown shows off your chest, waist, and hips with a body-skimming shape, before flaring out just below the hips.

Celebrity Inspiration: Fergie, Beyoncé

SHEATH

This slim, straight style typically skims the body from chest to hips before falling straight to the floor. This is especially flattering for women with an athletic build or those not feeling the princess look.

Celebrity Inspiration: Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Kate Moss

MINIDRESS

For brides getting married beachside, a short dress can be the practical choice, although it’s also great for brides getting hitched in-land looking for more dancing freedom (or just to show off those toned legs!). It’s also become a popular choice for brides looking to change their outfits either between the ceremony and the reception or between the reception and the after party. Just be sure two dresses are really in your budget before getting your heart set on a midnight outfit change.

Celebrity Inspiration: Cindy Crawford, Yoko Ono, Keira Knightley

PANTS

Yup, I said it: Just because everyone is telling you to wear a wedding gown, they’re not for everyone and your wedding is yours! Hate dresses? Don’t wear one! For a still bride-like-look, wear wide leg pants in white or ivory or take inspiration from Olivia Palermo and wear tailored shorts with a sheer skirt overlay.

Celebrity Inspiration: Ellen DeGeneres, Olivia Palermo