Wedding Dress Shapes & Silhouettes

from Spectacular Weddings of Las Vegas Vol. 31, No. 1

by Spectacular Weddings of Las Vegas

Bridal Boudoir

WEDDING DRESS SHAPES & SILHOUETTES A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

THERE ARE EIGHT BASIC SILHOUETTES THAT MAKE UP ALMOST ALL WEDDING GOWNS, PLUS A FEW LESS TRADITIONAL OPTIONS THAT ARE RAPIDLY BECOMING MAINSTREAM. CHANCES ARE, AT LEAST ONE WILL BE FLATTERING ON YOUR BODY TYPE. BEING WELL VERSED IN WEDDING GOWN VOCABULARY IS VITAL. HERE ARE A FEW KEY TERMS-OF-ART TO GET YOU ON YOUR WAY.

BALL GOWN This silhouette incorporates a natural or dropped waist, set off with a full skirt. Think Cinderella, waltzing with your prince at the reception. It’s extremely flattering around the waist. The volume of this dress might overtake the petite bride but it’s a good choice for an average height bride with very romantic taste.

**Lovest Bridal Boutique**
Kristen Marie Weddings + Portraits

THE A-LINE Flattering to most figures. The secret? A slim fitting narrow top that skims the rib cage and hips, extending out in an “A” triangle along the body. Look in your closet; chances are you’ll find many of your skirts have an A-line cut. There’s a reason after all; A-lines add height, minimize curvy hips, and create an overall slimming profile.

**Brilliant Bridal**
Knight Sounds Entertainment + Photography

BALLERINA Inspired by the costumes of classical ballet, made of ultra fine fabrics with a fitted waistlineand classic full skirt, this silhouette can court a formal event while still being relaxed and easy to move in.It’s quite flattering on medium to tall frames, but tends to shorten the appearance of petite brides.

COLUMN OR SHEATH Ah, the timeless style and sophistication of Audrey Hepburn. Desire her dresses? She’s all about the sheath. This is the cut for the sexy yet understated bride. With its slim profile, strategically placed darts and seams, the sheath shows your body without an overwhelming display of skin. Flattering to the petite, slim, tall or thin bride. Also flattering for slender but broad shouldered athletic builds.

**Brilliant Bridal**
M Place Productions

EMPIRE It’s time to release your inner queen. Napoleon’s Josephine made this style all the rage. Here’s why—the empire waist has a seam that falls right below the bust, elongating the petite bride and flattering the smaller busted. It enhances the waist while flattering the hips. If you have a long neck and want to wear big jewelry, the empire is a cut above the rest.

MERMAID This silhouette, contours the body from chest to knee then flares out close to the hem. It accentuates your curves, creating that coveted hour glass shape.

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Ella Gagiano Studios

TRUMPET It’s somewhat of a hybrid between the mermaid and modified A-line, but flairs out higher on the skirt at about mid-thigh. Ideal for frames with small waists, such as the hourglass, banana and petites.

COCKTAIL LENGTH + MINIS These leg-baring options are perfect for a more casual or destination wedding. The cocktail length falls below or just above the knee, as where the mini shows a little more sass with a bit more thigh.

PANTSUITS + JUMPSUITS A popular option for less traditional; samesex; destination; or civil ceremony brides, pantsuits and jumpsuits are taking the bridal fashion world by storm. With designers like Lela Rose, Naeem Khan and Carolina Herrera elevating the look, this trend is definitely here to stay.

FASHION DRAWINGS BY CLARA FAY COBB LATE 1940’S