As you shop for wedding dresses, you'll find that they come in a range of shapes, and some speak more to your style than others. Every style fits the body differently, which impacts how you look and move in the gown. Going into dress shopping with little to no idea about your options can be overwhelming, as you don't have a clear starting point. The ideal gown should complement your body type, personal style, and wedding vision. The guide below explains what you need to know about wedding dress silhouette shapes.
A-Line
An A-line dress is one of the most popular options for wedding gowns because it flatters just about every body type. This type of gown is fitted around the bodice and flares out from the waist, creating the shape of the letter "A." The gentle flare provides comfortable movement while maintaining an elegant, classic appearance that photographs beautifully from every angle.
Another bonus of A-line dresses is that they look beautiful at any venue, thanks to their classic appearance. Whether you're getting married in a rustic barn or an elegant ballroom, an A-line dress will fit right in.
Ball Gown
Ball gowns share some similarities with A-line dresses because they also feature a fit-and-flare look, characterized by a tighter bodice and a poofy skirt. However, ball gowns have larger, more voluminous skirts that create a royalty-like appearance. Most designers use layers of tulle, organza, or crinoline to add volume to the skirt, creating a dramatic, full silhouette.
While any bride can wear a ball gown, it usually looks best on those with pear, hourglass, or rectangular body shapes. This is because the full skirt balances out wider hips and adds curves to slender frames.
Drop Waist
If you want a dress that creates the illusion of a longer torso, a drop waist is a perfect option. Gowns with this silhouette typically feature a lower waistline, usually around the hips, which creates a sleek, elongated upper body. This is perfect for brides with a short torso or petite frame who want a gown with a bodice that hugs their natural curves to add volume to their body.
This silhouette adds a touch of vintage flair, drawing inspiration from its popularity in the 1920s. It continues to appeal to modern brides looking for a distinctive, fashion-forward look. The elongated bodice also allows for stunning details, such as intricate beading or lace.
Empire Waist
An empire waist has the opposite effect of a drop waist since it makes your torso appear smaller. This waistline ends just below the bust, with the skirt flowing freely from this high point, which creates a soft, romantic appearance that emphasizes the bust. The high waistline creates a lengthening effect for the legs and provides a comfortable fit throughout the day.
Brides with an inverted triangle or apple-shaped figure look stunning in empire-waist dresses, as they effectively cover the natural waist and create a slimmer silhouette. Empire waist dresses also look wonderful on shorter brides who want to make the illusion of added height.
Mermaid
Hoping to wear a dress that hugs your body in all the right places for an elegant yet alluring look? A mermaid silhouette achieves this effect by fitting the bodice, waist, and hips to the body, while a "skirt" flares at or just below the knee. This style is eye-catching on brides with hourglass or inverted triangle shapes since it balances out the hips, but can also create curves on brides with lean figures.
Moreover, mermaid dresses look beautiful at any venue, whether it's a beach wedding or a grand ballroom setting. The style also offers versatility with different necklines and sleeve options, allowing brides to customize the dress to their personal preference.
Trumpet
Trumpet silhouettes are another popular option that shares some similarities with mermaid dresses but flare at the mid-thigh rather than at the knee. This creates a softer curve and hugs the body slightly less. Like mermaids, trumpet gowns look stunning on individuals with hourglass or pear-shaped figures but can also work well on those with straighter body types.
Sheath
While some brides love show-stopping gowns, others prefer simple yet elegant designs. A sheath dress has minimal volume or structure, skimming the body for a sleek and modern look. This style is ideal for those with an hourglass or rectangular figure, as it accentuates curves and creates a long, lean look.
Sheath gowns work exceptionally well for intimate ceremonies and modern celebrations where simplicity is the priority. Likewise, you may prefer this type if your veil or jewelry is your chosen statement piece.
Column
Column dresses create a silhouette that is long and straight, falling from the shoulders to the hem in a column-like shape. This style is elegant and sophisticated, making it perfect for formal occasions, such as black-tie events or vintage weddings. The silhouette works particularly well for tall brides and those with evenly distributed (rectangular) body types.
How To Pick the Right Silhouette
A major component of our guide to wedding dress silhouettes is knowing which option would be best on you. Here are some tips for making the right choice.
Know Your Body Type
Everybody's type is slightly different, and most fall into one or between two categories. Understanding the natural shape of your body helps you know your proportions and what would best complement them.
For example, if you're a soft hourglass (your measurements fall between those of a rectangle and an hourglass), you'll look best in a flared silhouette that cinches at the waist, elongating your torso and showcasing those curves.
Bridal Tip
If you're unsure of your body type, measure your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips. When measuring your waist, measure at the narrowest part; measure your hips at the widest part. Enter the results into a body type calculator to determine your shape.
Look Online
Once you know your body shape, look for wedding dress options online that best complement it. A soft hourglass figure may look best in an A-line or ball gown, while a more defined shape may look better in a sheath or mermaid style.
Schedule Appointments
Schedule appointments to try your top picks and similar dresses at a bridal salon. Consider bringing a trusted friend or relative to provide you with honest feedback on each option. As you try on dresses, think about how they fit your body shape and what you like and dislike about each one.
Browse Wedding Dresses
Justin Alexander's Lillian West wedding dresses come in numerous styles, allowing every bride to find a silhouette she loves. We design modern, romantic gowns that look beautiful on every body type. Find the dresses you love, then use our website to find them at your nearest bridal shop.
