The Basic Outline of your Gown
What is A-line? Fit-and-Flare? Ball gown? We cover it all right here for you.
Click on the image to view the actual sample of style.
 |
A-Line |
| An A-line dress style is characterized by a fitted bodice with a full flowing skirt that runs elegantly from the bust down to the hem resembling a perfect letter A. This simple and classic style is appropriate for any event and can be flattering on any body types. An A-line style is great on variety of fabrics, from the soft and smooth silks or satin to the sheer and stiff organza layered to fashion a full skirt. Adding embellishments like lace, beads and crystals can create dramatic effects on an A-line dress while bows or ribbons create a chic style for your youngsters. And because this style is so versatile, simple variations on the fabric, waistlines and necklines will surely look good on your flower girls and junior bridesmaids. | |
 |
Fit-and-Flare |
| Fit-and-flare dresses and gowns are usually with princess seams that extend vertically from the shoulders down to the hemlines. It is considered as the most dramatic variation of an A-line silhouette. This style is perfect on any body type just like an A-line silhouette. The elongating lines can create a slimming effect on a rounded body. It can also create an illusion of height for the vertically challenged women. | |
 |
Ball Gown |
| A ball gown is a classic silhouette that exudes elegance and nobility. It features a fitted bodice with a very full gathered skirt, usually with hoops or petticoat underskirts. Similar to the A-Line dress, a ball gown can fashion various necklines and sleeve lengths appropriate for different occasions. It can also showcase many fabric choices that give emphasis to the unique features of the gown. For a dramatic yet traditionally elegant silhouette, you may opt for a satin or chiffon overlay. A simple and classic look can be achieved with intricate beadwork or lace work on the bodice matched with a simple satin skirt. A ball gown can accommodate most body types but can be very flattering on pear-shaped figures. The full, frothy skirt highlights the waistline and conceals the lower body. For young teens with large bust, this style can create an hourglass shape as it gives emphasis on the waistline because of the fitted bodice with either a natural or dropped waistline. |
|
 |
Sheath |
| A sheath silhouette features a close-fitting dress style that has a narrow shape from the neckline to the hemline. This dress style is appropriate for all types of weddings, be it casual, intimate, traditional or themed. Various necklines and sleeve lengths can be mixed and matched to create dramatic effects around the basic cut of this dress. The length of the dress, on the other hand, can add character and formality to this simple silhouette. Like other dress styles, a sheath dress style is great on variety of fabrics. If you are fond of a slip dress, you might want to consider light fabrics like satins and silks that sculpt your body to perfection. For a well-defined dress, heavier choices of fabric like peau de soie silk or damask is an excellent choice. Remember that this is a body-hugging style, so it best worn by slender-bodied figures, short and tall alike. Petite women of all ages will appear to be taller with the elongating effects of this narrow, body-fitting dress. Also have in mind that this type of dress will limit your movements so it is not advisable for younger girls in a wedding party like flower girls but may be appropriate for your junior bridesmaids. A pleats or slit at the back or on the side of the skirt can remedy the mobility problem. | |
 |
Mermaid |
| A mermaid silhouette is a very sexy dress style that reveals the curves of a woman’s body. It is a body-hugging sheath that outlines the body from the chest to the knee then flares out to the hem. This dress style can support nearly all necklines and sleeve lengths so even if it has a captivating design, you will still have an option to either be conservatively covered or to bare-it-all. The choice of the skirt style affects the overall look of a mermaid dress. The flare can start just above the knee, at the knee, or below the knee. This style can also complement any type of fabric. A mermaid silhouette dress evokes mature sophistication and sex-appeal. It is perfect for lean figures since it is fashioned to outline every curves of the body but is NOT appropriate for young teens and school-age girls. |