There are lots of sources that claim there are different styles that best suit different body types. We say “don’t listen to them” and follow your heart instead! At Memories, we believe what matters is how YOU FEEL in your dress.
The best wedding dress style for you is the one that makes you feel beautiful and confident (and even a little sexy). The most popular wedding dress styles are ball gowns, mermaids, fit and flare, sheath, A-line, empire, and even tea length dresses. The only way you'll know exactly which style to choose is by trying on various dresses. From slim and fitted styles like mermaids and sheaths, to fuller, more dramatic styles like ball gowns and A-lines, there’s a perfect dress for every bride.
With so many styles, cuts, colors, and designers to choose from, you might not know where to start! We’ve got you covered with this quick wedding dress primer to help you be better prepared for your first wedding dress appointment. Read on to explore the most popular wedding dress styles, cuts, and features to help you feel at ease with all the bridal lingo and to help you find that one perfect dress.
Ball Gown Style
This first style is what many would consider a traditional wedding dress style- a ball gown. Ball gowns are typically fitted at the bust and waist with a full, voluminous skirt shaped like a bell. They are true “fairytale princess” dresses. Because these dresses are very fitted at the waist and flare out over the hips, they are wonderful at showing off your waistline. When choosing a ball gown style, consider wearing a long cathedral length (i.e. super long) veil to play up the dramatic feel even more.
Since these skirts are normally very full, some brides might assume that sitting, walking, and dancing could become a struggle throughout the night. While fitting in a small car or doing crazy dance moves can be a little tricky, the full skirt actually provides a lot of free movement of your legs. Plus, since your legs and feet are completely hidden, it’s easy to slip into a pair of comfy shoes at your reception or even wear warm leggings under your dress for an outside photo shoot during a winter wedding.
Mermaid Style
The mermaid wedding dress style looks just like the name suggests. Mermaid style gowns are fitted at the bust, waist, and hips and flare out dramatically around the knees, mimicking the look of a mermaid’s tail. This silhouette creates an hourglass look on all types of figures. It is wonderful for showing off your curves as it hugs your body in just the right places. It’s considered a dramatic and super feminine look, and there are so many ways to style it! Because they are snug fitting at the hips and legs, mermaid dresses tend to restrict your movement a bit more than other wedding dresses, but the regal and elegant look you get with this style certainly makes up for it (just be sure to do a “sit test” to make sure the dress isn’t too tight!)
Fit and Flare/Trumpet Style
These styles go hand-in-hand with each other and are also sometimes grouped together with the mermaid style dresses. All three styles have a fitted, elongated bodice with a flared-out skirt, but the difference is in where the skirts start to flare and how dramatic that flare is. Fit and flare and trumpet style dresses tend to start their flare higher on the leg than a mermaid style dress and the flare is typically more subtle than their mermaid counterparts. These styles are also a bit easier to move around in than mermaid dresses since they don’t cinch in as low. Just like mermaid dresses, fit and flare and trumpet gowns are great at showing off or creating more of an hourglass figure.
Sheath/Column Style
The sheath or column style wedding dress is perfect for brides who are looking for classic dress design that can either be worn clean (i.e. plain) or with lots of embellishment, lace, and beading. The dress itself is fairly form-fitting and can give a long, lean look. This style is fitted at the bust, waist, and hips and has a straight skirt with no substantial flare. If the skirt of the dress is a bit tighter, a slit will often be added or the dress will flare out in the back by the train to allow for easier movement.
This style is great for brides who want an effortless look, as the dress typically has less layering than other styles of dresses. The best part of the straight style is the versatility! Because the pattern is relatively simple, this style can be made out of almost any fabric, and you can add or take away as many details as you please to create a look that is uniquely you!
A-line Style
The A-line style is considered a universally loved option for its form fitted top, cinched waist, and gradual flared out skirt. This style is one of the best for any body type! It’s more flowy and has less volume than a ballgown, and its shape has the resemblance of an uppercase “A” (hence the name.) This style is perfect for brides who are looking for a versatile option that can fit in with a romantic vibe, a bohemian celebration, or anywhere in between. The A-line dress can also be made out of lots of different fabrics such as lace, chiffon, tulle, satin, and more. The stiffer the fabric, the fuller the skirt will be. A-lines with chiffon or tulle skirts will be very flowy while A-lines made with satin or Mikado fabrics will have fuller, more flared skirts.
Empire Style
The empire style is extremely similar to the A-line style wedding dress. The only difference is the waistline. Whereas most A-lines tend to have a natural waistline, the empire style has a raised waistline that is fitted just under the bust. The skirt of the empire dress then gently flares out from the raised waistline. This style can give off a very boho or “period-piece” feel (hello Jane Austen!)
Tea Length/Short Style
The tea length dress is playful, unconventional style perfect for more informal or retro-themed weddings. This style typically features a fitted bodice with a skirt that flares out at the hips like a ball gown or an A-line dress, but the difference is the length! A tea-length dress has a skirt that ends between the knee and ankle. These styles are also great for other wedding related events such as engagement parties, bridal showers, or rehearsal dinners. Obsessed with the tea length look, but can’t find a tea length dress you love? Many ball gowns and A-line style dresses can be hemmed to tea length by your seamstress giving you lots of great short and sassy options!
The silhouette of a wedding dress is just the beginning. Enjoy the following articles to discover your picture perfect wedding day style:
We’re so excited to help you find your perfect dress and get you ready to walk down the aisle! Feel free to browse our wedding dress collection for more inspiration, and be sure to schedule your appointment to find your perfect dress!
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