Don’t know your sheaths from your fishtails? Up your gown IQ here!
A-line
Illustrations by Angelina Baccini. All dresses are available at Baccini & Hill www.bacciniandhill.com.au
Elegant and traditional, the A-line is a tad less dramatic than the ballgown, but no less sophisticated and perfect for a formal theme, historic setting, grand manor or religious ceremony. While the upper bodice is fitted to the waist, similar to the ballgown, the A-line differs in that rather than billowing out into a full skirt, it’s structured shape flares out to the ankle creating an ‘A’ shape silhouette. Add embellishments or lace detailing to the bodice and a sash at the waist to make that the focal point, and disguise a bigger bottom half with the triangular shape skirt. Stiffer fabrics such as Thai silk, Duchess silk-satin and ziberline hold their shape best without clinging to the body.
Bias-cut
The bias-cut is all about a body hugging silhouette. So named, because the fabric is cut on the cross grain, or bias, so the style moves asymmetrically across the frame, clinging to the hips and midriff and then falls softly to the floor. Think Hollywood glamour and vintage style silk or satin sexy slips that show off the curves and create emphasis on the silhouette. Best suited to tall and athletic frames as the style creates shape, and small frames who don’t mind showing off their booty. Bias cuts look incredible with a flared out train.
Fishtail
Ooh la la, the fishtail is uber glamourous, sexy and sophisticated all in one. A fitted column style or bodice from the bust to the knee, the fishtail then dramatically flares out creating a curvy upper silhouette and showstopping hemline. Emphasize your bust with a sweetheart neckline or dazzling Swarovski crystals, beading or lace overlay to balance out the upper and lower body and create the perfect hourglass shape.
Trumpet
Sound the trumpet players – this style is set to make a grand entrance and suits a more glam or formal affair. Fitted and figure hugging from the bust down, the design then flares out from the thigh or more commonly, just above the knee. If you have an hour-glass frame, this one will show off your killer curves while leaving room for legs to twist and turn on the dancefloor. Stiffer fabrics give more structure to your silhouette and hold the trumpet shape better for real wow factor.
Ballgown
The quintessential Princess Bride style, the ballgown is guaranteed to wow your wedding guests. Traditionally designed with a fitted bodice that emphasizes the upper sillhouette and flares out from the waist with a dramatic full skirt, the ballgown creates shape where none existed. It’s also perfect for pear shaped women who want the focus on their small upper body, rather than the bottom half. For fullness, go for layers of tulle or choose heavier and stiffer fabrics that hold their shape such as Thai silk, silk organza and Duchess silk. Tip: tall woman can carry a fuller skirt, whereas petite girls should stick with a medium skirt (or they will risk being overwhlemed by fabric).
Tea-length
It’s back in style and becoming ever more popular, particularly for country style and vintage theme weddings. While the ballgown epitomises regality, traditional and formal style themes, the tea-length dress, having first hit the wedding scene in the 50s and swinging 60s, is all about fun, quirkiness, individuality and a large dash of vintage. With a raised hemline that sits about mid-calf, a tulip or A-line skirt and a fitted bodice, this style suits a range of body shapes from petite, to pear shape as it creates a lovely silhouette and curves. Tip: add a splash of fun to your theme and wear a bright coloured heel.
Sheath
The perfect style for every wedding theme! The Sheath is a close fitting, body hugging design that follows the upper body’s contours with an A-line or pencil skirt. Softer fabrics like silk-charmeuse will emphasize your curves while stiffer fabrics like Thai silk and silk-satin have more structure and are less figure clingy. Best suited to tall women, athletic builds, small hips and petitie frames, as there is less fabric to overhwelm you.
Empire
Soft, romantic and oozing that loving feeling, the Empire is the piece de resistance of Bridal beauty. Hanging softly from just below the bust or upper waist, the Empire line is perfect for gliding softly over the waist – great if you don’t want to emphasize big hips, thighs or your bottom. Softer fabrics suit this style best, such as crepe, faille, chiffon, georgette or silks as they hang effortlessly to the ankle while elongating the body.
