Bridal Dictionary: Silhouettes

The most basic and important part of choosing your wedding gown comes down to determining which is your most favorable silhouette.

In fashion the term silhouette refers to the outline of the clothed human body; basically your shape.

It's usually the first and most important aspect that people take in when they see you.  Regardless of style, if you have a smooth and flattering silhouette, chances are people will concur that you looked your best but if your silhouette is unflattering, people will be hard pressed to find something to compliment about your look.

Factors that influence the bridal silhouette include:

• Trends, which can vary wildly from any given season, year and decade.
• The bride's own unique figure, build and physique.
• The bride's vision for the theme and style of the wedding.
• Dress structures, such as corsets and petticoats (or crinolines).

Silhouettes, at their most basic description, fall into the following categories:

• The A-Line Silhouette
• The Ball Gown Silhouette
• The Modified Mermaid (a.k.a. "A-line Mermaid" or "Fit to Flare") Silhouette
• The True Mermaid (a.k.a. "Fit to Flare") Silhouette
• The Trumpet Silhouette
• The Sheath (a.k.a. "Bias") Silhouette