Bridal Dictionary: The True Mermaid Silhouette

The True Mermaid.
Also known as: the Fit-to-Flare.
Incorrectly called: Trumpet.

Khloe Kardashian in Vera Wang

Description: Tight, shapely bodice (that is longer than the bodice of the Modified Mermaid) from bust and torso through hips and thighs.  The True Mermaid is cut along all the curves of the body and must fit as closely as a bathing suit so it absolutely must be tailored to your body.
The skirt is a fish tailed flare, usually poofy but not always, at the knees.

Ana Cristache "Danessa" gown

Style and Body Types:  While the name "mermaid" connotes beach-y casual it is also known to be very formal and urban, very trend conscious and very red carpet.  It should be noted that because of their restrictive cut, mermaids are typically "stand and look fabulous" types of gowns, the kind for an evening cocktail reception; mermaids are typically not sitting down or dancing and partying all night gowns.
Since this style emphasizes all body-linear curves, possession of said curves in moderation is a must.  The best mermaids are somewhat proportionate.  Extremely linear body types do not have the necessary curves to hold up this dress and will fare better with more equally linear styled gowns; robust curves on the other hand run the risk of looking too tight and too revealing which, unless that is the look you are going for, isn't very flattering in the long run and fare better with the more forgiving modified mermaid.

Keri Hilson at the 2010 Grammys

Structure:  Alterations are a must!  That cannot be stressed enough with this particular style!  Aside from corsets, which are usually built in, no additional structure is needed.  The puffy fish tails come with their own built in crinoline for support.