Wedding Gown Guide:

Silhouettes

Congratulations! The date's been set, the location determined and the colors picked out. It is now time to begin the wondrous, though sometimes arduous search for the dress. With so many designers and styles out there, it can be a bit daunting trying to narrow down all the choices, so before heading out, it's a good idea to arm yourself with a basic understanding of wedding gowns. To get you started, our team of expert stylists have put together a quick guide to the most common dress silhouettes.

A-line

Named for the way in which the skirt resembles the outline of an uppercase “A”, this particular silhouette is widely known as the most universally flattering dress shape. It features a fitted bodice that flows in a continuous line all the way to a wider hem, slimming and elongating the figure. Classic and simple, the A-line is a discerning choice for any occasion.

Ball Gown

The ball gown is perfect for the traditional bride who dreams of a fairytale wedding. Fitted from the waist up, this silhouette accentuates the bust line and waist before flowing into a very full skirt. It is particularly flattering for any bride who wants to draw attention to her slender and shapely upper body. It is the most formal dress shape, making it ideal for large church wedding and evening affairs.

Empire

Most recognized for its place in regency era costumes, the empire gown is characterized by a raised waistline that fits just under the bust, with a skirt that skims over the body. The high waist creates length and draws attention to the décolletage, making it quite becoming on petite or small-breasted brides. The empire gown, much like the A-line, is versatile and can be very formal or more casual.

Sheath

Also known as a column gown, the sheath is a form-fitting dress that closely follows the contours of the body making it one of the sexiest silhouettes. It tends to be lighter weight than other gowns, which makes it a good choice for destination weddings. This dress can elongate the figure and accentuate curves.

Drop Waist

The drop waist gown is fairly self-explanatory in that its defining feature is a waist line that sits right around the widest point of the hips. This can be used to create balance and accentuate slender-hipped brides. The shape of the skirt can vary from quite full, ball gown style to more form-fitting sheath style. The drop waist is also very versatile in the levels of formality it can accommodate.

Trumpet

The trumpet is characterized by a slender bodice that fits close to the body all the way down to about mid-thigh where it flares out gracefully to a wide hem. With its uninterrupted lines and balanced shape the trumpet can be a real show-stopper on full-figured brides. It is also a beautiful choice for the bride who wants the wow-factor of a sheath dress without sacrificing the elegance and tradition of a wide skirt.

Mermaid

Often confused with the trumpet silhouette, the mermaid differs in that the skirt flares out at or below the knee and can be quite dramatic. Flattering on a variety of body shapes, it is particularly lovely on tall brides wanting to break up their height and curvy brides wanting to show off their feminine figures.

Have you found that a specific silhouette flatters your figure more than the others? What about the silhouettes that don't work for your body type? We want to know what you think. Feel free to comment below.