If you’ve already began shopping for your wedding dress, it’s likely that you’ve realized what a daunting task this is. What shape flatters my body type? What silhouette is in style this year? Are any of these going to be comfortable?
After working in the wedding industry for many years- we’ve seen it all. From gowns so tight the bride couldn’t sit comfortably to effortless boho vibes. There is no correct answer to which will work best for you- because only you know your body and what makes you feel the best.
In this article we will give you a quick overview of all the different wedding dress silhouettes and their functions.
A-Line Silhouette
An A-line wedding dress has a fitted bodice that gradually flares out into an A-shape at the waist. This silhouette is flattering on many body types, as it helps to balance out the proportions of the body by drawing the eye upwards and elongating the torso. A-line wedding dresses are versatile and worn with a variety of necklines, including sweetheart, V-neck, and bateau.
This is a phenomenal choice if you fall into the pear shaped category is it allows for free movement in the lower portion while highlighting your best assets.
Ball Gown Silhouette
A ball gown wedding dress is a classic and formal choice, characterized by a full, voluminous skirt made of layers of tulle or other lightweight fabrics. The bodice of a ball gown is fitted and will feature a corset or boning to create a defined waistline. Ball gown wedding dresses are a great choice for brides who want a fairytale look and who have a formal or traditional wedding.
Ball gowns are great for ultra traditional brides or those who are very slim and tall. This does not work well if you are under 5’6 as the heavy outline will overpower your frame and make you look shorter.
Mermaid Silhouette
A mermaid wedding dress, also known as a trumpet wedding dress, is a form-fitting style that hugs the curves of the body and then flares out at the knee. This silhouette best suits brides with hourglass figures, as it helps to highlight and define the waist. Mermaid wedding dresses are a sexy and dramatic choice. Perfect for brides who want to show off their curves.
Please note that many brides find this shape constricting depending on how tight you go up top.
Sheath Silhouette
A sheath wedding dress is a slim-fitting style that falls straight down the body. This silhouette is a modern and minimalistic choice. It is perfect for brides who want a simple and understated look. Sheath wedding dresses are a good option for brides with slender figures, as they can help to elongate the body and create a long, lean line.
Generally a sheath dress will highlight all curves- so if you’re like us and have hip dips or a tummy that isn’t perfectly flat, it may make you uncomfortable. We swear by SKIMS though, so that’s always an option!
Empire Silhouette
An empire wedding dress has a high waistline that falls just below the bust, creating a flowing, A-line shape. This silhouette is a good choice for brides who want to conceal their midsection or are looking for a relaxed and bohemian look. Empire wedding dresses are typically made of lightweight fabrics and can be worn with a variety of necklines, including scoop, V-neck, and square.
This shape flatters almost every body type!
Drop Waist Silhouette
A drop waist wedding dress is a modern and playful silhouette that features a waistline that falls several inches below the natural waist. This creates a flared and A-line shape, similar to an A-line wedding dress. Drop waist wedding dresses are a good choice for brides who want to add visual interest to their dress and show off their legs.
This is another wedding dress type that is not well suited for the shorties among us (Mandy is 5 ft tall- she has some trauma to let out around buying dresses). This dress style makes your torso look much longer than you may be used to. This silhouette is best suits those who are 5’8 or over.
We can go on for days about different dress types. The truth is that you need to pick something that works for you. No one will be able to say with certainty that one dress will look better than another. It all comes down to your preference.
Know that when you shop for wedding gowns it’s likely that you wind up getting a size that is larger than normal. This is a frustrating issue with the industry and it all revolves around vanity sizing. Do not stress!
If you want to know more about bridal fashion, check out this blog about shoes.
