Guide: Wedding Dress Silhouettes

Your wedding dress silhouette is one of the defining elements of the dress. There is much variety here, with silhouettes that flatter every body type and waistline. Let’s explore the various silhouettes in more detail!

A-Line

A-line gowns feature a fitted bodice with a skirt that floats away from the body, usually starting at the waist. A-line dresses are sweet, romantic, and almost universally flattering.

Looks Great On…

  • Rectangular bodies
  • Pear-shaped bodies
  • Triangular bodies
  • Hourglass bodies
  • Round bodies

Fits Well With…

  • Beach themes
  • Romantic themes
  • Garden themes
  • Rustic themes
  • Minimalist themes
  • Fantasy themes
  • Traditional themes

 

Trumpet

Trumpet gowns, also known as “fit and flare” gowns, offer a classic feminine shape with a subtle hint of sensuality. The dress fits snugly in the bodice and through to the hips, then the fabric flares away from the body.

Looks Great On…

  • Rectangular bodies
  • Hourglass bodies
  • Pear-shaped bodies

Fits Well With…

  • Vintage themes
  • Beach themes
  • Art deco themes
  • Alternative themes
  • Modern themes
  • Rustic themes
  • Fantasy themes

Sheath

Sheath dresses, also known as “column” or “slip” gowns, are usually tailored in the bodice and sometimes in the hips. At the hips, the skirt falls straight down in a simple-yet-elegant line.

Looks Great On…

  • Rectangular bodies
  • Hourglass bodies

Fits Well With…

  • Alternative themes
  • Modern themes
  • Rustic themes
  • Bohemian themes
  • Garden themes
  • Minimalist themes

Mermaid

Mermaid gowns are bold and stylish statement-makers. The gown is form-fitting from the bodice all the way to the knee or mid-thigh, where the skirt suddenly flares out.

Looks Great On…

  • Triangular bodies
  • Rectangular bodies
  • Hourglass bodies
  • Pear-shaped bodies

Fits Well With…

  • Modern themes
  • Romantic themes
  • Alternative themes
  • Vintage themes

Ball Gown

With a fitted bodice and a fluffy, voluminous skirt starting at the waist, a ball gown brings any fairytale fantasy to life.

Looks Great On…

  • Rectangular bodies
  • Pear-shaped bodies
  • Triangular bodies
  • Hourglass bodies
  • Round bodies

Fits Well With…

  • Romantic themes
  • Fantasy themes
  • Traditional themes
  • Alternative themes
  • Rustic themes

Jumpsuit

Jumpsuits are an excellent alternative for brides who don’t love dresses. Most jumpsuits offer a fitted bodice with flared or wide-leg pant legs, creating a timeless and flattering shape.

Looks Great On…

  • Rectangular bodies
  • Hourglass bodies

Fits Well With…

  • Modern themes
  • Alternative themes
  • Garden themes
  • Beach themes
  • Bohemian themes

Tea-Length

Tea-length dresses are typically cut in an a-line shape, but the hem only goes to the mid-calf. These gowns are cute, fun, and perfect for a more casual look. 

Looks Great On…

  • Rectangular bodies
  • Pear-shaped bodies
  • Triangular bodies
  • Hourglass bodies
  • Round bodies

Fits Well With…

  • Garden themes
  • Vintage themes
  • Alternative themes
  • Rustic themes