Silhouettes (a French term translated as “that damn dress”) Bridal gowns fall into four broad catagories. Ball Gown, Empire, Princess or A – Line and Sheath.
What’s your Style
Ball Gown
This is probably the most traditional and most popular bridal gown silhouettes. The ball gown look is typified by a fitted bodice and a waist line that leads to a very full skirt. In recent years this style of dress has been very fashionable. Ball gown style is a feminine shape that will balance out your overall silhouette. Dress sample for this silhouette is called Fabiana which is by Maggie Sottero.
Empire
A high waistline right under the bust which falls to a slimmer skirt width is the hallmark of an empire style gown. Empire style dresses are great for camouflaging your waistline. Dress sample for this silhouette is style number 5067B which is by Watters & Watters.
Princess or A – Line
A princes silhouette has vertical seams from the shoulder to the hem. The result is a “fit and flare” effect without a defined waist. Princess silhouette is almost always paired with an A – line skirt. Which refers to the width of the skirt. Dress sample for this silhouette is style number H837 which is by Jasmine.
Sheath
A slim skirt is the attribute of a sheath silhouette. This is a very contemporary bridal gown look. This body hugging sheath style isn’t for everyone. A variation of the sheath is the mermaid style gown, which is also form fitting, but flares out below the knees. Dress sample for this silhouette is style number 1238 which is by Alfred Angelo.