The bride sets the tone of the wedding, so finding the right gown should be an expression of your big day! One of the first steps to finding your gown is choosing a silhouette. That’s why we’ve made this wedding dress silhouette guide to help you narrow down your options. All to make this step of your bridal journey a little easier.
A- LINE
An A-line silhouette has a fitted bodice and flowy skirt that begins at the natural waistline. This silhouette is flattering on most brides, maintaining a traditional elegance. With complimentary fabrics, such as organza or lace applique, it can become a whimsical and fun expression for the big day!
Our current brides are loving the Emmanuel gown by Flora. A soft A-line gown in French Chantilly lace fabric with a subtle Basque waist and romantic, fingerless gloves.
For a shorter bride that wants volume in the skirt without risking a shortening appearance to their frame, a soft A-line works perfectly. Additionally, A-line gown shape is also perfect for brides with a curvy figure and/or larger hips. If you wish to draw attention from your hips, an A-line silhouette is the way to go.
BALLGOWN
A ballgown follows the same silhouette as an A-line, but has a skirt with much more dramatic volume.
This type of silhouette draws attention to the waistline, which works well for a taller bride. The volume in the skirt can work especially well for more willowy physiques and might be easier to pull off than others.
One of our favorites by J.Andreatta, is Love In Portofino. It is an airy printed silk gown with a sweetheart neckline, romantic straps, with lots of volume in the skirt. Love in Portofino is the perfect example of how a ballgown silhouette can be show stopping yet comfortable. All while providing effortless movement.
Similar to an A- line, a ball gown can be flattering on the hips and waist. This type of dress is our top choice for brides who appreciate over-the-top drama! However, if you plan on moving locations or having an outside reception, a ballgown might not be the right choice for you.
MERMAID AND TRUMPET
A mermaid/trumpet silhouette is fitted from the waist through the hips and flares out at the knees. The flare can be either slight or dramatic. This type of silhouette highlights the curves in the body, especially the hips, which is why it is perfect for hourglass figures!
Our brides love the Whitney by Eisen Stein. A full lace trumpet fit with a sweetheart neckline – it shows off you figure while keeping it romantic and classic. Making it the perfect addition to our wedding dress silhouette guide.
A common question we receive is, “What is the difference between a trumpet and a mermaid dress?”
A trumpet silhouette has seams that run from the waist through the length of the gown, giving it a softer flare that starts at the mid-thigh. A mermaid dress has a seam across or below the knees that makes the flare more intense. These silhouettes are perfect for brides who want to show off their figure and are looking for a glamorous, sexy feel to their gown.
COLUMN
Column silhouettes are flattering on almost all frames. Especially for petite frames, this style is elegant and elongates the figure. On broader shoulders, it can draw attention to the lower half of the body and balance out your frame.
Our favorite designer for column silhouettes is Prea James. Her designs are timeless and classic but with a touch of modernity through unique fabric selection.
Column silhouettes are a perfect canvas for accessorizing. The simple silhouette lends itself to all your creative styling! A great way to add additional versatility to a column gown is with an overskirt. The overskirt adds dimension and is a fabulous transformation for the reception without needing a full outfit change. Both curvy and slender brides can lean into the straight lines of the design while accentuating their curves with a belt at the waist.
EMPIRE WAIST
An empire waist gown is perfect for the bride who wants to feel like a princess! The waist starts just below the bust and ends at the waistline, and the skirt is flowy and voluminous. This is a great gown type for petite brides and those with short torsos, as the waistline elongates the body and balances out your proportions. Empire waists also flatter curvier brides and apple-shaped figures.
Our favorite at the moment is the Roselle by Francesca Miranda. This fashion forward gown is constructed from hand painted woven organza with an attached overskirt and column fit. We love the textures on this gown and the elegance of the empire waist.
Empire waists are a great accent and add a fashion-forward statement to one’s look. We also recommend this silhouette to our brides who are expecting and don’t want any restrictions on their bellies.
ALWAYS EXPLORE
While these are just suggestions on what looks most flattering on each body shape, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. And if you’re not sure of what shape works best on your figure, try on different silhouettes during your fitting and trust your stylist! Finally, trying on different silhouettes is a good way to narrow down your search and gets you one step closer to finding the gown you truly feel confident in.
Ready to Find Your Dream Dress?
Now that you’ve explored our wedding dress silhouette guide, let’s find you the perfect dress. Schedule your consultation with Cowboy Bride today and our incredible team will guide you every step of the way!
