Use Your Words: Bridal Gown Vocabulary

Imagine a bridal boutique. Clouds of garments in shades of white stretch endlessly before you. A consultant asks if you have anything in mind, and suddenly your mind goes blank. Countless hours poring over bridal magazines seem to have gone to waste. Suddenly, you don’t really know what you want, or how to describe it.
Before this happens to you in reality, review this vocabulary lesson to help you -- as your mom would say -- “use your words.”

Silhouette Savvy
The basic shape of a dress, or how a gown is cut, determines how it fits. Consider this first when choosing a gown. There are four basic silhouettes: A-line (also called princess), ball gown, empire and sheath (fit-and-flare and mermaid/trumpet are variations on sheath dresses). Here’s the breakdown:

A-line (princess): Think of the shape of an “A” – narrow at the top and gradually flares out from the natural waist. The most universally flattering silhouette, mostly because it gives a sense of perfect proportions. When the bodice (top of the gown) features rouching (angled folds of fabric in all the right places) there’s an added slimming factor.
Ball Gown: A fitted bodice with a full skirt that starts at the waist. The fullness of the skirt can vary, but it is your basic fairytale, regal look (it may even have a Basque waist, a point just below the navel -- think Queen Elizabeth I -- that emphasizes a small waist). Great for those who are smaller on top and at the waist because it conceals full hips and thighs.
Empire: The waistline is elevated to just below the bust with a skirt that floats away from the waist in a shape similar to an A-line, but usually a bit more slender. This shape enhances a smaller bust, makes the petite look taller, and tucks away a tummy.
Sheath: Traditionally a tough silhouette to wear, this straight, close-fitting shape is best for slender figures. The mermaid (or trumpet) variation creates the illusion of curves and features a wider skirt that starts at or below the knee. The fit-and-flare gown is a more forgiving version -- fitted only to the mid-thigh, the skirt flares out higher to provide more freedom of movement at the knees and a little more balance for voluptuous figures (but bear in mind it still accentuates every curve).
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