LET'S TALK ABOUT THE DRESS - SILHOUETTE

Ladies, let's admit it. Most of us have done it since we were little girls. Some of us have the proverbial Pinterest board. We've dreamed about and imagined our perfect wedding day: the perfect setting, the perfect guy, and of course, the perfect dress. Obviously, as we grow older, our tastes change and realities set in, but the dream is still there in the back of our heads: the beautiful bride in her gorgeous wedding gown.

As you begin looking for your perfect dress, you may have some ideas of what you are wanting, or you may have none whatsoever. These next several posts will help you know what you are going to be seeing and trying on as you are shopping for your wedding dress. Hopefully, going in with a basic knowledge will help your shopping experience be a fun and exciting one.

 The silhouette refers to the shape of the dress. There are many different dress silhouettes when it comes to wedding gowns, but the following are the most popular, and ones you are most likely to see while shopping.

A-Line

A-Line gowns resemble the letter A, with a fitted bodice, and a skirt that widens out from the waist as it reaches the floor. The shape of the skirt can vary from slimmer to full. This is the most popular silhouette and is flattering on almost every figure and body shape.

Ball Gown

Ball gowns have a fitted bodice, usually with a natural or dropped waist line, with dramatically full skirt.

Column or Sheath

A slim gown that hugs the body with straight shape from top to bottom. This silhouette is form fitting without being skin tight.

Fit-to-Flare or Modified A-Line

This shape is fitted in the bodice and hips and to the upper thighs, then gently flares out at the bottom. It is more closely fitted than an A-line, but flares out more gently than a mermaid or trumpet.

Mermaid

Mermaids are fitted, curve-hugging gowns with a seam above the knee that flares out with a very full bottom, similar to a fin.

Tea Length

Tea length dresses are shorter, with the hemline hitting around the mid to lower calf. Most tea length dresses have a natural waist line and full skirt, and have a vintage feel. 

Trumpet

Trumpet gowns are similar to mermaid gowns, but gently flare out from the mid-thigh. Think of trumpets as a cross between fit-to-flare and mermaid gowns.

So, now you hopefully have all the silhouette information you will need for your trip to the bridal shop. We at The White Dress Boutique recommend being open to trying more than one silhouette to see what works best for your figure. You never know until you try!

Next time we will look at the different necklines that gowns can have. Check back with us soon.