If you are looking at wedding dresses on pinterest or visiting a bridal store in the famous Reading Bridal District, you should get to know your favorite dress shape and silhouettes. This will help you narrow down your dress style and make your search for the perfect wedding dress much easier and efficient. Especially when you are trying to describe your perfect dress to your bridal stylist or bestie!
Below are the most popular dress shapes / silhouettes. You may need to actually try on one or two from each category to really see how it fits you. Make sure the bridal store you are visiting has the dress shape(s) that you want to try on beforehand and definitely make an appointment instead of showing up out-of-the-blue. You can read more about Blush Bridal here.
One of the most classic wedding dresses that you will find in fairy tales and Disney movies. You can’t go wrong with the ball gown, especially if you love a princess vibe! Ball gowns are fitted at the waist with a full skirt that is often made by using layers of tulle or crinolines. The ball gown can minimize your waist, hips, butt and legs. Known for its full skirt, the ball gown is classic, elegant and definitely regal.
You’ll see the Duchess of Cambridge, Grace Kelly, Princess Diana, and many others who wore ball gowns for their wedding.
As elegant and beautiful the ball gown silhouette is, it is not easy to move around and if you like to dance, we would suggest another shape for you as it is hard to get close to others on the dance floor. We should also mention that ball gowns are not the best fit for petite brides as they make the bride appear shorter. However, below is a link to more tips about wearing a ball gown or mermaid gown wedding dress the right way if you are a petite bride:
Petite Wedding Dresses: A Bridal Stylist's Dress Tips for Petite Brides >>
You can view some of our Ball Gown Wedding Dresses here >>
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One of the most flirtatious silhouettes, the mermaid wedding dress accentuates all your curves and is also known to be a classic! This gown is definitely a show-stopper and it will create the look of an hourglass figure. A beautiful wedding dress featuring a flared skirt just below the knees and is perfect for any bride who wants to look sexy on their wedding day while staying true to her personal style. It is closely related to the trumpet wedding dress where the flared skirt hits just above the knees.
The mermaid gown is known to be a bit restrictive although very couture. You may want to consider the trumpet wedding dress shape if you love the silhouette of the mermaid but would prefer a gown that is less restrictive.
Read more about the difference between the trumpet and the mermaid wedding dress >>
You can view some of our Fitted Wedding Dresses here >>
You will find this wedding dress fitted in the waist and falls straight to the floor below your hips, featuring a very minimal flare. This is a very versatile and effortless gown as it needs less layering and fabric (much easier to move in than other silhouettes). While you can find long trains, the sheath wedding dress is often designed without one. Lacking volume, the sheath wedding dress is versatile and works well in different fabrics and materials. If you have an hourglass figure or a petite figure, this will be a good choice for you.
You can view some of our Madi Lane Wedding Dresses >>
Between the sheath wedding dress and the ballgown wedding dress, the A-line skirt is named for the “A” shape it creates on the body. It flares out at the waist, more than the sheath but less than the ballgown. The A-line wedding dress is an all-around flattering wedding dress and is one of the most popular choices no matter what body type you have or wedding style for your wedding day!
You can view some of our A-line Wedding Dresses here >>
The fit and Flare wedding dress creates the illusion of elongating your body without restricting your movement. This silhouette is “fitted” from the bust and waist all the way to the hips and thighs with a subtle flare beginning from above the knee. For decades, women have recognized the power in this figure-flattering shape.
Learn more about Fitted Wedding Dresses >>
This tulle A-line gown has a soft, romantic feel with beautiful floral lace appliques. This gown features a plunge illusion neckline, side cutouts, and a sexy open back. A Chantilly lace underlay in the bodice blends with sequined embroidered appliqués that gracefully cascade throughout the skirt and train. This season of Lillian West gowns highlights soft and airy flowing skirts, tasteful illusion bodices, and larger floral motifs!
A bride who wants to feel dreamy and effortless on her wedding day, Lillian West gowns achieve a style that evokes a sense of wonder and a whimsical feel. Floral lace and light-as-air fabrics are combined to create dream gowns that will please any bohemian bride.
See all of our Lillian West Wedding Dresses >>
Have your fairy tale moment in this feminine A-line gown. Soft Chantilly lace is blended with beaded Appliqués to create an off-the-shoulder neckline, lace sleeves, and a gorgeous illusion back. Lace cascades into the organza skirt for a light, dreamy finish.
The Sincerity Bridal collection is designed for the charismatic and classic bride. Brides who want the perfect princess fit for a fairy-tale wedding will not need to look any further! The A-line silhouette and lace detailing are staples in the collection, and are complemented by new silhouettes and styling from fit and flares to illusion backs. This wedding gown meets the needs of any bride seeking graceful romance.
See all of our Sincerity Wedding Dresses >>
This Mikado ball gown will showcase your chic style on your wedding day. The strapless notch neckline is met with a Mikado belt and a gorgeous skirt featuring box pleats and pockets. Adorned with large corded lace appliqués that gently extend around the train. This style is also available with a classic straight neckline without the center illusion notch.
Clean lines, classic silhouette and beautiful Mikado; perfection is in the details with this wedding dress. Justin Alexander Signature redefines luxury. With its focus on opulence and drama, the collection is designed for the modern bride seeking a wedding dress that expresses her lavish and on-trend sense of style.
See all of our Justin Alexander Signature Wedding Dresses >>
Sophia Tolli’s fit and flare draping with a modern twist, this gown is a misty tulle and stretch jersey fit and flare gown that beautifully contours every curve. Her strapless sweetheart neckline with tulle draping is finished with beaded lace appliques and a back corset. The chapel train is finished with sequin hem lace. Standard detachable straps are included.
See all of our Sophia Tolli Wedding Dresses >>
More than just a gown, this dress can be worn in more than one way with a detachable and delicate floating sleeve. Without it, she is sleek and seductive but with it, she conveys an unparalleled romance. Her strategically sheer lace bodice transforms from a V neckline to a lowered scoop back and into an opaque crepe skirt that gently hugs the hip and collects at the feet in a chapel length train. The perfect gown from day to night, beachside ceremony to urban reception. EVETTE is a gown for everyone and stepping into her brings a future bride one step closer to that big beautiful day.
See all of our Madi Lane Wedding Dresses >>
Feel sexy and sophisticated wearing this all-over lace fit and flare gown. This dress features a plunging neckline and a low open back. The lace trim at the natural waist adds a slimming detail. This style is also available with a raised neckline for a more modest look.
See all of our Adore Wedding Dresses >>
