Your wedding gown is one of the most special pieces of clothing you’ll ever wear. The challenge is to find a gown that you love, while finding the one that perfectly fits your shape and body type.

Here’s some advice from gown designers.

Petite

Dress Dos: A columnlike sheath or A-line dress will work well these shapes create a long uninterrupted line. Stick to open, sexier necklines think strapless and off-the-shoulder styles.

Dress Don’ts: Steer clear of the big ball gown or a dress with voluminous fabric as it will look like it is wearing you.

Full-figured

Dress Dos: Try ball gowns with a basque waist, which has a slimming effect. A high-waisted A-line with a low neckline also flatters curves.

Dress Don’ts: A slim sheath or slinky bias-cut will cling and may accent any extra inches.

Tall

Dress Dos: Tall women look great in everything from sheaths (if you’re also slim) to A-lines and full ball gowns. Accentuate your collarbone with a fitted bodice and open neckline.

Dress Don’ts: Skip gowns that boast high necks and long sleeves, and steer clear of updos and headpieces that add too much height.

Pear-shaped

Dress Dos: A strapless ball gown will cover your bottom and focus on your better half; an off-the-shoulder neckline will make your top more in proportion to your bottom.

Dress Don’ts: A sheath can be unflattering, and a V-neck will draw the eyes downward, where you don’t want them to go.

Busty

Dress Dos: Accentuate the positive with an uplifting foundation garment and an off-the-shoulder bodice. Or curtail your curves with a one-piece minimizer worn under a gown that boasts a fitted bodice to emphasize your waist. Balance with a full skirt.

Dress Don’ts: Be careful not to overdo the bareness you want the focus to be on your face.

Broad

Dress Dos: Expose your beautiful shoulders with a halter or go for drama in a gown with long sleeves worn off-the-shoulder. Select a dress with a narrow bodice that offsets your shoulders and creates an hourglass shape.

Dress Don’ts: Trying to conceal your shoulders is not recommended as it sometimes produces the opposite effect.

Boxy

Dress Dos: Empire-waisted gowns are made with you in mind. And a ball gown with a basque waistline will give you the nipped-in look you crave.

Dress Don’ts: Steer clear of sheaths and dropped waists, which will make you look even more boxy.