Dress Silhouettes Aline- an unbroken line from the bust to the hem with a fitted bodice and a full skirt
This style is suited to any venue. Suitable for most body types, but not good for
a thick waist.
Ball Gown- the most formal style, with a fitted bodice and waist and a very full skirt- the
Cinderella dress.
Suitable for a medium to full bust and to hide a fuller hip.
Empire- falls from under the bust and flows loosely
Suitable for a small bust and a slimmer figure, but not good for an hourglass.
Mermaid- contours and hugs the body from the bust to the knee and flares at the hem.
Suitable for an hourglass figure or a tall and slim figure, this is a sexy style.
Trumpet- hugs the body to the hips with a straight skirt and flares at the hem. Suitable
for an hourglass or slim figure.
Sheath- very form fitting and straight to the floor. Suitable for a tall or petite, slim
figure. Not suited to a full figure.
Necklines
V- Neck- v shape dip in the front that may carry to the back.
creates good support and good for a busty figure
Bateau- follows the collarbone to the edge of the shoulder.
suitable for a small bust
Halter- wraps around the neck or a high neck with deep arm holes and an open back.
good for broad shoulders
Portrait- off the shoulder
suitable for a medium to full bust and also flattering to a pear shape figure
Scoop- a u- shaped dip in the front and a low cut
suitable for most body types
Spaghetti Strap- thin straps on a strapless gown. not meant for support
Strapless- there are three styles of strapless gown---
curve- similar to a scoop neckline and suitable for a large bust
straight across- a straight line across the bust and suitable for a small bust
sweetheart- a dip in the center and suitable for medium to full bust
***a strapless dress should be belted inside the dress to keep from the
need to pull on it all day.
Fabrics
Charmeuse- light- weight, soft and silky. very revealing and not forgiving of figure flaws
suitable for the fit bride and for any weather
Chiffon- sheer, delicate and easily pulled
good for a ruched gown and any weather.
Georgette- light- weight crepe with a nubby, dull texture. needs to be lined and suitable
any weather
Crepe- gauzy, crisp fabric, suitable for any weather, but best in spring or fall
Duchess Satin- a silk and synthetic blend with a shiny, soft feel- like butter
wrinkles easily and best suited for winter
Dupioni- raw silk
great for outdoors or winer
Shantung- raw silk,lighter and nubbier texture than dupioni
good for a summer wedding
Faille- ribbed, soft silk or tafetta or cotton
Mikado- rigid and very structured silk with a sheen
good for a fall wedding
Organza- sheer and stiffer than chiffon
great for outdoors and warm weather
Satin- heavy and smooth silk with a high sheen
luxurious and elegant for a formal wedding and better in cooler weather
Tafetta- crisp and smooth silk with a light shimmer and lighter than satin
suited for a fall or winter wedding
Tulle- silk netting, very sheer and fragile
good for any weather and ethereal look
Trains
The train is the back of the hem that flows behind the dress
Cathedral- the most formal, this falls 7 ½ feet from the waist
Chapel- not as long and less formal, this falls 4 feet from the waist
Court- slightly longer than a sweep, this falls 3 feet from the waist
Sweep- brushes the floor and can’t be bustled
Bustles
Overbustle- buttons or hooks across the back of the waist that connect to
loops around the train. this bustle hooks on the outside of the dress
Tufted- good for a dress with b
the result is similar to a balloon shade
French- ribbons under the dress, tied to form a drape effect. it is the most secure type
English- low overbustle and good for a narrow dress- mermaid or trumpet
Austrian- good for an organza gown this bustle threads ribbon through the train and
pulls up like an Austrian puff shade
Pickup- a narrow bustle created with on button and one loop into an overbustle
Side- good for a ruched, asymetrical gown, the bustle is pulled to the side into the detail
Color
White, Ivory ( a more yellowed shade), Diamond White ( a more grayed white), Champagne ( more brown than ivory), Blush ( a pink hue) and all manner of color from pinks to reds to black, purple etc.
*** an ivory or diamond white gown requires an ivory or diamond white veil and the groom should be in an ivory or diamond white shirt. these colors vary in shade, so make sure to compare before letting your dress look dirty
Glossary of Terms
Ruching- a pleated look in the bust or skirt
Beading- rhinestones, crystals, pearls or other gems sewn into the dress
Lace- an openworked fabrice with open holes used in decorating or creating a gown.
alencon, chantilly, English, Battenberg- the most popular types
Sashes- ribbons ties for adding color or effect to the dress
Corset- a laced up the back effect that is heavily boned and cinches the waist
Brooch- a pin that can be placed on a dress to create a more formal effect.
Sleeves
Cap- hugs the shoulder
¾ - stops at the elbow
Long- stops at the wrist
Bell- flares out at the elbow to create a bell look
To create a more modest look for church or to keep warm in cold weather, consider a bolero ( a short jacket that hugs the body to the should blade), a fur wrap, a lace jacket
with sleeves or a shrug( similar to a bolero). These can add a layer that can be shed later at the party.
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