For over a decade, bridal wear experts Alexandra Meteleva and Natalia Platonova have been helping brides find their perfect wedding dress. Childhood friends turned business partners, they’ve opened 12 stunning boutiques around the world, with their latest venture located in Dubai’s luxurious City Walk. This new boutique boasts over 20 sought-after bridal brands, including Romanova Atelier, Sonesta, Martha, Rara Avis, Nora Naviano, Strekoza, Royaldi, Patricia Couture, Ange Etoiles, Blammo-Biamo, Blunny, Lana Marinenko, Calla Blanche, Innocentia Divina, and Papilio Bridal. Soon, exclusive collections from Katy Corso and Vera Wang will also make their debut in the Middle East, available only at Mary Trufel Dubai.

Known for creating a magical ‘Fairytale’ wedding dress shopping experience, Alexandra and Natalia guide brides through the often emotional and overwhelming journey of finding the one. Here, the duo shares their expert tips on choosing the most flattering gown for your body shape.

HOURGLASS

Characteristics: Narrow waist, fuller bust, and hips.

What to avoid: Steer clear of ball gowns or empire dresses with fuller skirts, as these can add unnecessary volume to areas that are already balanced.

Best fit: Celebrate your curves with figure-hugging mermaid or silhouette gowns. Sweetheart or plunging necklines are perfect for this body shape, and don’t be afraid to rock a backless design for that extra wow factor.

TRIANGLE / PEAR

Characteristics: Slender shoulders, wider hips, and a modest bust.

What to avoid: Empire dresses can conceal your gorgeous figure.

Best fit: Enhance your bust and balance out your hips with sleek fishtail or mermaid gowns. A long train, corset detailing, and some elegant embroidery will draw attention to your upper body, while sleeved gowns add a flattering balance between shoulders and hips.

RECTANGLE

Characteristics: Often described as athletic, with a narrow waist and smaller bust.

What to avoid: Avoid straight, form-fitting gowns or high necklines, as these won’t create the desired curves.

Best fit: Add the illusion of curves with A-line, empire, or princess-style dresses. Fishtail or ball gowns with voluminous skirts will accentuate your shape and give that feminine flair.

OVAL / APPLE

Characteristics: Fuller bust, waist, and hips, with slimmer legs.

What to avoid: Low-waist, form-fitting dresses and halter necklines aren’t the best choice for oval body types. Pleats can also draw attention to the waist, which we want to avoid.

Best fit: Opt for empire or A-line dresses with a soft, Grecian feel. A V-neckline or vertical patterns can draw attention away from the waist, and midi dresses with a full skirt work wonders.

INVERTED TRIANGLE

Characteristics: Broader shoulders with a slimmer waist and hips.

What to avoid: Avoid strapless, off-the-shoulder, or halter neck styles, as they can accentuate your shoulders.

Best fit: Look for dresses with V-necks or fuller skirts to create symmetry. Sleeves and thicker straps can also balance your figure, while mermaid and ball gowns help draw the eye to the waist and hips.

To discover more about the exquisite collections at Mary Trufel Boutique, visit marytrufel.ae or contact +971 52 733 7163. Follow them on Instagram @marytrufel_dubai for all the latest bridal inspiration!