A-line
An A-line dress fits through the bodice and gradually widens from the waist or hips to the hem, tracing the shape of a capital letter A.
Wiki
Silhouettes
The overall shape of the dress.
A
B
Ballgown
A ballgown pairs a fitted bodice with a full skirt that flares from the natural waist to the floor, usually over layers of tulle, horsehair, or a…
E
Empire waist
The empire waist explained: why the under-bust seam makes it the most size-forgiving formal silhouette, who it suits, and where the raised waistline goes wrong.
F
Fit-and-flare
What a fit-and-flare dress is, how it differs from an A-line and a ballgown, who it suits, and the honest constraints — waist placement, fabric, and movement.
H
High-low
High-low hemlines explained: how the front-short, back-long cut works, where it sits between short and floor-length formality, and the hem questions to ask before buying.
M
Mermaid
A mermaid gown fits through the hips and thighs and flares at the knee. How to tell it from a trumpet, what it costs you in mobility, and why it's the least forgiving silhouette to size.
S
Sheath and column
Sheath vs. column dresses explained: how to tell them apart, why they demand the most accurate sizing of any silhouette, and what alterations can and can't rescue.
T
Trumpet
A trumpet dress is fitted through the bodice, waist, and hips, then flares at mid-thigh — noticeably higher than a mermaid, which flares at or below the…
Two-piece
Two-piece prom dresses explained: independent sizing for top and skirt, the midriff question dress codes care about, and what the split means for alterations.