Q: I'm 5'2 and slender. I need to know which wedding dress styles are flattering to my small frame, but won't swallow me up.

A: Petite brides (anyone 5'4 and under, like myself) need to keep some things in mind when wedding dress shopping. Remember Cinderella's ball gown, that huge white confection conjured up out of thin air? Fine for taller brides, but not so much for petites. All that fabric will swallow you right up.

Shorter women need to think "streamlined." This way, you appear taller. By incorporating other lengthening details like V-neck bodices and a modest train, you won't have to worry that your dress is overwhelming you.




Some styles that would be perfect for the petite bride:
* Claire Pettibone-Vever
* Watters Brides No. 2095B
* Demetrios-Destination Romance Style No. DR126
* L'Amour Bridal Collection-Tilly
* Adele Wechsler-as seen on the runway

Petites need to either go short or very long, all the way to the floor. Tea length will cut off the long line of the leg, so make it knee length if you want to wear a short dress. Also, the closer the skirt fits to your body, the taller you'll appear.