Featuring a dramatic contrast of a fitted bodice with a stunning full skirt, the ball gown design is less of a wedding dress and more a work of art. Ball gowns often feature embellishments of layered tiers, elaborate beading and delicate embroidery that are fit for a princess. The ball gown silhouette is a very figure-flattering design. And it is exceptionally forgiving for any bride who may look to conceal any lower-body concerns. However, petite brides or brides with a full bust may want to consider other options because this theatric style tends to overly emphasize certain attributes, making short seem shorter and big seem bigger.

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The fit and flare silhouette, sometimes called a trumpet silhouette, takes shape with a close-fitting bodice that hugs the body down through the hips and then gracefully flares out to the hem. More understated than a mermaid-style gown, this silhouette brings a visual balance of drama and glamour, adding just the right mix of classic and chic to a wedding dress design. This fashion-forward design is ideal for a bride who wants to accentuate her sexy, hourglass curves. Compared to other silhouettes, the fit and flare/trumpet design is one of the most attractive options for petite brides, brides with straight figures, and can even positively accentuate the curves of a more full-figured woman.

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A glamorous, high-fashion silhouette, the mermaid-styled gown is a faultless and sexy way to frame a bride’s hourglass curves. Tautly embracing the contours of the body from the bodice to the knees, a skirt then dramatically flares out down to the hem to give it its “mermaid” form. The mermaid silhouette hides very little while highlighting every curve. Brides with slender figures will find this style to be a flattering choice, but even a confident, full-figured woman can pull off this ultra-dazzling look with ease.

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Starting from a fitted bodice, the skirt of an A-line wedding dress flares out from below the natural waist, lightly brushes past the hips, and extends to the hem forming a figure-flattering “A” shape. The A-line silhouette is a high-demand design because of its ability to flatter almost any body shape. In this silhouette, petite brides tend to appear taller. It can add graceful curves to a straight figure. It can help draw the eye away from a wide waistline. It can even hide any lower-body imperfections.

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