Which Wedding Dress Silhouette is Right for You?

Looking good and feeling good on your wedding day is essential. The dress you wear plays a big role in creating that memorable day. With so many styles to choose from, finding the perfect wedding dress silhouette can feel overwhelming. Our guide to finding the right wedding dress silhouette will help you discover the style that flatters your figure while fulfilling your wedding dress dreams.

The A-line is a universal silhouette, as it is flattering on almost every body type. It accentuates the waist while providing enough room through the hips and thighs, enhancing your natural curves while offering comfort and ease of movement.

Fit-and-flare

The fit-and-flare silhouette is perfect for the bride who wants to add a touch of fun and flirtiness to her wedding day. This playful style hugs the body snugly throughout the bust and waist before gently flaring out around the mid-thigh. This dress hugs you in all the right places, showcasing your curves and giving you that irresistible hourglass shape that will turn heads as you glide down the aisle. 

A dress with a fit-and-flare silhouette is extremely flattering for brides with hourglass to pear-shaped figures or those with a less curvacious body who want to create that hourglass illusion. 

Mermaid

Mermaid silhouettes hug most of the body, including the bodice, waist, and hips, until they dramatically flair at or below the knees. With this silhouette, it may be hard to move freely or sit down, so consider how fitted the gown is.

Those with apple-shaped bodies have found their perfect match with the mermaid silhouette because it emphasizes the waist and hips, contouring the rest of the body. 

Trumpet

The trumpet silhouette is a blend of form-fitting and flare design. It is a balance between the fit-and-flare and mermaid styles. The style is fitted through the bodice, waist, and hips, then flares out around mid-thigh, creating the “trumpet” shape. The gradual flare gives a sophisticated look that accentuates the bride’s curves without being as dramatic as the mermaid silhouette.

A trumpet dress may look good on hourglass or pear-shaped figures. It can also enhance the curves of athletic or slender body types by adding definition and shape.

Sheath/Column

The sheath and column silhouettes are great for brides looking for an elegant, sleek look on their wedding day as they create such a timeless look. These form-fitting silhouettes follow the body’s natural line throughout, creating a minimalistic look. A sheath or column dress skims over the hips and thighs without flaring out. The difference between the two is the material. A sheath silhouette is typically more relaxed and fluid, whereas a column silhouette is more structured.

These silhouettes are ideal for brides with slender and athletic figures. They elongate the body’s overall appearance while subtly accentuating curves. 

Slip

A slip dress has a simple, unstructured design, exuding an effortless elegance. It is made of lightweight, flowing fabrics that gently drape over the body. For a bride wanting a sleek and timeless look, the slip silhouette is a perfect match.

This silhouette lies nicely on slender body types as it highlights the natural figure. It can also look great on an hourglass figure as it gracefully flows over curves. 

Tea-Length

For those looking for a playful bridal look, the tea-length silhouette is a charming and vintage-inspired choice. It features a skirt that falls close to the lower calf, right above the ankle. The tea-length dress is ideal for brides who want that retro touch or are possibly planning a garden or casual wedding.

A tea-length silhouette flatters many body types. It is particularly great for petite brides, as the shorter hemline can create the illusion of longer legs. This style is also a good option for apple-shaped brides if the waistline is well-defined. A tea-length dress draws attention away from the midsection and to the legs.

Empire

The empire-waist silhouette has a high waistline that sits right below the bust and cascades into a skirt that flows down to the hem. It is great for brides looking for a romantic and timeless look. This dress creates a soft, ethereal look that brings a graceful and feminine appearance while ensuring comfort.

The empire silhouette flatters brides with apple- or pear-shaped figures. It emphasizes the bust and skims over the waist and hips. The high waistline can add the illusion of height, making it great for petite brides. Additionally, it is a great option for pregnant brides, as it accommodates the bump while maintaining a flattering shape.

Mini

A mini silhouette is a bold choice for those who want to make a playful, chic statement. The dress’s hemline showcases the legs as it falls about the knee. It is perfect for non-traditional brides and usually worn for casual weddings, elopements, or as a reception dress.

Brides with slender or athletic body types look great in a mini silhouette. It can also be flattering for petite brides, as the length can elongate the legs to add height.

Midi

A midi silhouette falls between the knee and ankle, offering a sophisticated look. It creates a perfect balance between traditional and modern styles. It is more modest and provides ample coverage while still being a chic look. The midi differentiates from the tea-length silhouette as it is a little longer, falling between the knee and ankle usually around mid-calf. 

A midi dress is another versatile option. It suits various body types but is particularly flattering for petite brides who want that sense of elongated length. 

High-Low

The high-low silhouette is a daring choice for the bride who wants to add some edginess while maintaining elegance. The name “high-low” speaks for itself as the hemline is shorter in the fronts and grows to a long, dramatic length in the back. It’s a best-of-both-worlds moment, as the bride gets to show off their legs while having that graceful, flowing train.

The high-low is another versatile silhouette. It can be flattering on various body types. The style works well on most figures because it creates a balanced look. It can benefit petite brides because the short hemline can elongate the legs.

Drop-Waist

A drop-waist silhouette has a waistline lower than the natural waist, falling around or below the hips. The waistline elongates the torso, creating a long and streamlined look. There is a great emphasis on the hips. It is a chic choice that can be either modern or traditional.

The drop-waist silhouette is ideal for brides with straight figures. It can also work well on athletic brides. The drop waist adds definition to the waist and creates added curves. The elongated torso can also benefit petite brides. It is less suitable for brides with fuller hips, as it will over-accentuate the area.

Choosing the Right Silhouette for Your Body Type

Choosing the right wedding dress silhouette is ultimately about finding what makes you feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful on your big day. While certain silhouettes may be more flattering with specific body types, every bride is unique, and personal style preferences play a significant role. Whether you have an hourglass figure, or petite frame, or consider yourself more athletic or curvy, there is a silhouette that can highlight your best features and make you feel stunning.

With the right fit and style, any body type can look radiant in any wedding dress silhouette. Celebrate finding the silhouette that makes you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself on your wedding day. 

Contact us to discover the wedding dress that is perfect for you! You can book an appointment at our Kansas City or St. Louis locations.