Wedding Dress Silhouettes

We know that when you’re looking for that perfect dress for your wedding, your goal is to look and feel breathtakingly beautiful from head to toe.  And you should!  This will be the most special of all the special occasions in your life.  Your wedding dress should reflect that importance.  There are so many silhouette options to choose from, which can make it feel daunting and a bit overwhelming.  This brief guide will define the most common wedding dress silhouettes and will make it easier for you to find your dream dress.

THE BALL GOWN

Have you always dreamed of floating down the aisle like a true princess?  Then the Ball Gown is your perfect dress!  This style is universally flattering for all body types.  The bodice is fitted at the natural waist where the full skirt then flares out creating a classic, hourglass shape.  The neckline can be any style at all from strapless, to high necked, with or without sleeves.

THE FIT AND FLARE

For a more modern look, with several variations, try the Fit and Flare.  This style from the neckline down past the waist to where it flares out anywhere from the mid hip to below the knee.  This is no defined waist, but adding a belt can show off the waist.  Both the Mermaid and the Trumpet silhouettes are dramatic variations of a Fit and Flare gown.

THE MERMAID

If you want to cause jaw-dropping drama, the sexy Mermaid silhouette just might be the perfect choice.  This silhouette is fitted all the way down to the knees (or even slightly below!), then flares out.  Often, the flirty skirt is made from a different fabric than the bodice.

THE TRUMPET

The difference between Mermaid and Trumpet dress silhouettes is based on where the skirt begins.  A Trumpet skirt begins between mid-hip and mid-thigh making it an easier gown to move in.  A Trumpet allows you to dance the night away while still showing off your curves.

THE A-LINE

This classic, but not dated, look is a wonderful choice for any body type, at any location.  It can be both casual and cathedral worthy formal depending on the fabrics, embellishments, and length of train (or no train).  The A-Line silhouette flows softly from the neckline flaring to a fuller skirt without a defined waist.  Unlike a Ball Gown where the “outline” looks like an hourglass, an A-Line’s “outline” creates a capital A.  This style gown is comfortable and easy to wear.

THE SHEATH OR STRAIGHT

A true Sheath hugs the body from the neckline to the hem.  A Straight gown can have a looser fit but still hangs straight down, usually with no defined waist.  Sheaths can look very different depending on the fabric used.  Lace might look more boho, crepe could hug your figure more, and silk satin could look elegantly sophisticated.

Our stylists at The Bridal Collection recommend trying on different dress silhouettes while searching for your perfect wedding dress.  Oftentimes, the dress that ends up being “the one” was something the bride wouldn’t have even considered trying on without the encouragement from her stylist.  What dress silhouette have you pictured in your dreams of being a bride?  You’ll find all of these styles waiting for you to try on at The Bridal Collection.