Wedding Dress Silhouettes

The quest for the dress is the a journey every woman looks forward to taking. But we are somewhat forbidden to do any research before it's wedding time. So that lifetime of dreaming does little to prepare a bride for the sea of wedding dress possibilities she'll soon be drowning in! Having so many options actually makes it more difficult to make a decision. It's hard to know where to start, and even when you've narrowed it down, you doubt your decision. The best way to handle the quest for the dress is to do your research beforehand. There are 2 major search parameters every girl should consider: the price and the dress style. When searching wedding dresses, you'll be overwhelmed by all the results you'll yield. There are so many different styles and ways of searching through the absurd number of options. Price will certainly narrow things down, but choosing a style will help you most. There are so many different terms to be familiar with, and how's a girl to know which would look best on her? Here's a little help along this journey to making your dress dreams come true.

*Note: In this article, I reference figures/body types. If you're not sure what figure you have, visit this link for in-depth details of your body type and which dresses will help you blow everyone away on your big day!*
http://thelovelylizbridaladvice.blogspot.com/2013/09/wedding-dress-advice.html

Dress Silhouettes

A-Line

There are several subcategories under the A-Line style. The most widely recognized version of the A-Line is the traditional A-Line. The A-Line is defined by the top of the dress being fitted to the body. Then, around the natural waist line, the skirt flows out to be somewhat full. This shape forms an A. The truest A-Lines are comprised of heavier fabrics that can form the structure of the A.

Flattering Figures: flattering for all figures, especially Full Figures

Modified A-Line

This design is a modern version of the original. It is identified by the skirt which stays closer to the body than it would in a traditional A-Line. It's not as full.

Flattering Figures: Inverted Triangle, Small Bust, Rectangle, Full Figure

Full A-Line

Often this silhouette is referred to as the "princess" style dress. This design has a fuller skirt than the traditional A-Line, but it isn't as overwhelmingly full as the ball gown. It's a perfect compromise. You get the dramatic fullness of a ball gown but still have more of a figure as the A-Line accentuates a smaller waist and flows over the hips to give them a little curve. 

Flattering Figures: Apple, Pear, Large Bust, Full Figure

Ball Gown
The Ball Gown is that dreamy, princess dress you likely had in mind when you used to dream about your wedding day. It's dramatic and dreamy. There's no question who the bride is when she's wearing this gown. All ball gowns maintain the same general guidelines: corset tight top and a very full skirt flowing around the waist. Ball gowns can have different waist lines, though. Sometimes they can be higher up or at different levels. Most often the skirts are made of flowy materials such as tulle, chiffon, organza, silk, satin, or taffeta. There are different style waist lines they are allowed to have such as the basque and dropped waist. The skirts can also have more structure, design, layers, pick-ups, and embellishments. 

Flattering Figures: Apple, Inverted Triangle, Rectangle, Pear, Full Figure

 

Empire

The empire waistline is easily identified. In this style, the waist line falls just under the bust. The skirt begins flowing from the chest region which is usually very defined. The skirt can vary being loose and flowing, flare out a bit like a Modified A-Line, or be draped in a Grecian fashion. Given the often free flowing look of the gown, it makes a great dress for a beach wedding. For brides with a baby bump, this is one of the most comfortable and cutest ways to wear a wedding dress and carry a pregnancy elegantly.

Flattering Figures: Inverted Triangle, Rectangle, Pear, Full Figure

Sheath/Column

This silhouette is similar to the empire. The difference is that this style doesn't have a clearly defined waist line. The dress remains pretty tight to the figure. It is long and narrow flowing straight down. Lighter fabrics are perfect for this style as they are great at draping and not looking skin tight but still showing a figure. This is another popular look for beach type weddings. When searching for a vintage style dress, this is nearly always what you'll find. It has that roaring 20's kind of feel.

Flattering Figures: Inverted Triangle, Rectangle, Pear

Fit & Flare

This sexy style is a great mix of a full dress with a tight figure. From the top to just below the waist line, the dress is fitted and tight to the body. Then, just below the waist, the skirt flares out to a somewhat full design. The fullness of the skirt can vary from ball gown to sheath. This style is harder to spot as it is so similar to a dropped waist and the other tight styles, but the fit and flare is obvious by the fall of that waist line. Most of the time, that waist line is clear as a hem or some embellishments mark the start of the skirt. 

Flattering Figures: Hourglass, Small Bust, Large Bust, Full Figure

Trumpet

The trumpet design is very similar to a Mermaid and  Fit and Flare. It can be difficult to distinguish, but it is identified by the waist line. The top of the dress is fitted and tight down to the mid thighs. In that mid thigh region, the skirt begins flaring out to different levels of fullness. The skirt flows out in a more subtle fashion than say the Mermaid style. This skirt and style flows out gradually as opposed to a sudden, dramatic change. It kind of looks like the bell of the musical instrument who shares its name. 

Flattering Figures: Hourglass, Small Bust, Large Bust, Full Figure

Mermaid

The mermaid is easy to spot. This style is fitted snug all the way to the knees. Around the knees or lower, the skirt pops out, often fairly full. This style is used for the bride wanting to look very sexy since it shows off every possible contour of the body.

Flattering Figures: Hourglass, Rectangle, Small Bust, Large Bust

 

Every woman is beautiful and unique. If your dream dress isn't the best designed for your body, remember that it's your dream. These guidelines and very general and are meant only to help. You may find that what suits you best isn't at all what was recommended. Hopefully you have an idea of where to start now. Let the quest for the dress continue! 

For lots of beautiful dresses all categorized for your convenience, check out my pinterest page!

http://www.pinterest.com/eluna24/boards/