NIDHI MEHRA • STYLE GUIDE

Body Type Guide

The right silhouette matters more than the right trend. Before you fall in love with a design on a model whose proportions may be nothing like yours, it helps to understand what actually flatters your body type.

Woman in an ornate traditional outfit with 'A Legacy of Opulence' text on a dark background

01PETITE FRAMES

Elongate with Lighter Lines

Lighter embroidery and elongated panel designs tend to work best, since dense embellishment or heavy volume can overwhelm a smaller frame. A higher waistline, vertical embroidery lines, and a fitted choli create the illusion of height. Avoid oversized capes or exaggerated trains that can shorten your silhouette visually.

Dresses on display in a store with a mirror reflecting the interior

02TALLER FRAMES

Carry Volume with Confidence

Taller brides can carry fuller, flared silhouettes beautifully — think dramatic lehenga flares, structured capes, and bolder embroidery placement without it looking like too much. Horizontal detailing at the waist or hem also works well to balance a longer frame.

Dress store interior with mannequins wearing dresses and a rack of clothes

03HOURGLASS FIGURES

Follow Your Natural Waist

A fitted choli or bodice that follows your natural waist is usually the most flattering starting point. Avoid boxy, structured cuts that hide your shape — draped fabrics and fitted waists tend to work in your favour.

04RECTANGLE OR ATHLETIC BUILDS

Create the Illusion of Curves

Creating the illusion of curves is the goal here — a flared lehenga skirt, a cinched waist, or a peplum-style blouse all add definition. Layered dupattas and structured capes can also add visual dimension.

Display of traditional dresses in a store with a large mirror reflecting the dresses

05PEAR-SHAPED FIGURES

Draw the Eye Upward

Balancing a fuller hip with visual interest up top works well — statement necklines, embellished blouses, and off-shoulder or cape sleeves draw the eye upward, while an A-line lehenga skirt skims rather than clings.

Dresses hanging on a rack with bags displayed on the wall in a store setting

06PLUS-SIZE FIGURES

Structure Where It Counts

Structured, well-fitted cholis with strategic embroidery placement (avoiding horizontal bands across the widest part of the body) create a polished silhouette. Vertical lines, princess seams, and a well-supported blouse make a significant difference in how a piece sits and moves.

07BEYOND BODY TYPE

Fabric, Blouse and Drape Matter Too

Fabric weight, blouse design, dupatta draping and colour selection all play a role too — a heavier fabric like raw silk holds structure differently than a fluid georgette or organza. This is exactly why we don't recommend ordering purely off a lookbook photo.

Fabric Library at the Aahana's by Nidhi Mehra Atelier in Noida

Ready for a Personalised Fitting?

Every bride or client who visits us receives a personalised styling consultation where our team recommends silhouettes, necklines and embroidery placement suited to her individual proportions — not a generic size chart.

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