wedding-gowns-style

Styles of Wedding Gowns and Learning the Silhouettes

 

With an engagement ring on your finger and the wedding date now set, wedding gown shopping has finally arrived!  Selecting the perfect gown, oh, where to begin?! For starters, choosing something that makes you feel like the absolute best version of yourself should be your ultimate goal!  Aside from a beaming smile and bright bridal glow, your dress will be front and center! Each one of us has a different body type, which is why it’s so important to begin wedding gown shopping by first understanding the different gown silhouettes.  Here’s a super simple guide to help breakdown the various wedding gown silhouettes and to help you select which might be the best one for you!

 

Ball Gown:  The ball gown otherwise known as “princess cut” or “fairy tale” dress, with a fitted bodice, flairs at the waist flowing into a full skirt.  This gown is ideal for most but tends to look great on body types that are “pear shaped”.  The gown can be overwhelming on a small frame however, so it isn’t as flattering on petite body types.

 

A Line:  The A Line style gown resembles the outline of an uppercase “A”.  It has a fitted bodice through the waist and smoothly flows out to the ground.  This gown is very popular and trendy as it seems to be ideal for almost all body types!  Whether you are petite, average or a little on the curvier side, this gown seems to hug each body type in all the right places! 

 

Modified A Line:  The Modified A-Line is tightly fitted around the bodice and hips, gradually flaring to the hem, forming an “A” style shape.  The skirt of a modified A-line dress fits much closer to the body than the traditional A-line.  This dress is ideal for all body types, shapes and sizes.

 

Trumpet:  The Trumpet is fitted through the body but stops to flair out mid-thigh.  This particular cut is between a modified A-line and a mermaid cut. Frames such as the hourglass, banana and petites seem to be the most ideal for this style.  It can also be flattering on women who have a “pear shape” or are “apple shaped”, as it accentuates stomach and hip area.

 

Mermaid:  The Mermaid gown compliments slender frames and hourglass body types who are willing to show off their curves!  If your body type is curvy like a country back road this gown will show off each and every turn! This style might not be as flattering on “apple shaped” or plus size body types. 

 

Sheath:  The Sheath style gown has a narrow shape that flows straight down from the neckline to the hem.  This style may not be the best for “pear shapes” as it will accentuate extra inches and can be unflattering to that body type.  This gown best suits lean frames, such as petites and bananas. If you have an hourglass figure and are willing to show off some curves, this gown might also be ideal for you!

 

Tea-Length:  The Tea-Length gown is ideal and complimentary on all body-types.  The skirt falls in between the ankle and the knee. This gown seems to suit the more conservative type, presenting the bride with a lot of sophisticated and attractive class!

 

Mini:  The skirt on The Mini gently falls slightly above the knee and is ideal for the “banana shape”.  If you are looking for something that isn’t as traditional as a “princess cut” gown, this might be the perfect silhouette for you!  If you have a plus size frame, you may want to choose a different option and a silhouette that might better suit you. 

 

As you can see there are many silhouettes to choose from just as there as so many different body types out there!  Understanding what style best fits you is the hardest part of the process! Once you tackle this one, you will have a direction to go in and will soon be on your way to selecting the perfect wedding gown!