Silhouette Guide
We’re here to help you find the wedding dress silhouette that brings out your best.
Ball Gown
The “fairy tale” dress, with a fitted bodice, flairs at the waist with a full skirt.
This feminine style, known by its trademark full skirt, fitted bodice and natural waist, looks particularly good on boyish figures because it gives the illusion of enhanced curves. It's also great for pear shapes, since the fitted bodice defines your waist while the billowy tiers skim over your hips. Tall brides will appear statuesque in voluminous silhouettes, and busty brides will love this shape too, since it creates balanced proportion.
1. A slim-cut bodice trims the waist
2. The full bell shape is breathtaking (and forgiving!)
3. Layers of fabric seem to float down the aisle
Sheath
Narrow shape that flows straight down from the neckline to the hem.
Simple and sophisticated, this style looks best on petite or slender brides who benefit from its elongated lines and formfitting cut, which gently hugs the body from head to toe. Its slim silhouette lengthens the body, giving the illusion of height, which won't overwhelm a smaller frame the way a full ball gown could.
1. The cut follows your body's natural shape
2. A sleek design lends an effortless and modern air
3. Long, straight lines have a lengthening effect
Mermaid
Fitted on the body from the chest to the knee, then flares out close to the knee.
For a dress that contours to the body this slim, tapered, curve-hugging style follows the line of your hips and thighs and then flares out below the knee. With a cut that hugs so closely to the hips, this silhouette works best for brides looking to show off their curvy figures.
1. An elongated bodice hugs your body to below the hips
2. The signature skirt flares out mid-thigh or at the knees
3. The contoured cut emphasizes an hourglass shape
A-Line
Fitted bodice through the waist and flows out to the ground, resembling the outline of an uppercase "A."
As its name implies, the A-line cut is narrow at the top, close to the rib cage, and extends out along the body in the shape of an A in a smooth, elongated line. This style is the most universally flattering, so it's no wonder it's one of the most popular choices. There's also a modified A-line, which is a mix between a mermaid silhouette and a traditional A-line. This shape is roomier in the hips than a classic mermaid, but still flared at the bottom, which gives the gown movement as you walk. You may want to consider this flattering fit if you're looking for more shape than a simple A-line and more comfort and mobility than a mermaid style.
1. A fitted bodice highlights your narrowest point
2. The skirt flares out gradually in the shape of an A
3. Structured or flowy, it's always easy to wear
Tea-Length
Skirt falls in between the ankle and the knee.
Inspired by the 1950s, a tea length wedding dress hem can hover anywhere between just below the knee and just above the ankle. If you are petite opt for a shorter length to avoid looking like a little girl in a prom dress! Add a petticoat to create a fuller flair and opting for a coloured one gives you a fun and unique look!