Silhouettes and what they can do for you
Welcome to Silhouettes 101! I thought I'd list them out and tell you the pros and cons to each, so you can feel like you have a better grasp on them before you go dress hunting.
Please note: Everything I write in the "cons" section is an FYI and can be thoroughly ignored. If you are going to the courthouse and you want a ballgown with a cathedral train, go for it.
Ballgowns
The ballgown is, on a scale from tight to full, 110% floof. It's a classic wedding gown silhouette, but that doesn't mean it has to be conservative or unexciting in any way.
Best for: Brides who want the princess or fairytale look, or who need a better contrast between their waist and hips in order to create the illusion of a smaller waist.
Cons: They can be heavy, and going to the bathroom once you're in it is a royal (ha!) pain in the ass if you don't have multiple people helping or a product like the Bridal Buddy.* They can also sometimes make people look a bit shorter, but if that's where your heart is and you're a short queen, you can mitigate that by wearing some serious heels or just not give a crap about it. Also, can come off as more formal than some other silhouettes.
A-Lines
This silhouette is named an A-line because it's shaped like.... Guess what? Yep. An A. On the scale of tight to full, it's just under the ballgown in floofiness, but is not as tight as a fit and flare or a sheath.
Best for: Everybody! The A-line is a universally flattering silhouette. Unless it's heavily beaded, it's probably going to weigh less than a ballgown. If you want flowy, this is probably your best bet. A-lines are also often really good at getting that romantic feel. If you don't care about a train, you can really open up your options by checking out gowns in your chosen color that are special occasion, evening gowns, or even prom dresses, and save quite a bit of money.
Cons: Still a lot of material for some, but there aren't really a lot of downsides to this one.
Fit And Flares
I use "fit and flare" as a catch-all for any dress that, well, fits and at some point flares out, like mermaids or trumpets. These terms can sometimes be used interchangeably.
Best for: Two words - drama and curves. If you don't have an hourglass figure and you want one, this is where to look. If you're the kind of bride who wants to go full glam, these gowns are your best friend.
Cons: If you are apple shaped, a fit and flare might actually call more attention to it, but there are still tricks to mitigating that like adding belts or finding one with ruching. While you're trying one on and/or getting your fitting done with alterations with one of these ladies, make absolutely sure you can walk, dance, and sit comfortably... And yeah, that means busting a move at the bridal salon, even if it's just in your changing room. Hell, we'll probably suggest it! You don't want a dress that'll be so tight on your legs that you're tippy-toeing down the aisle, unless you want that, in which case you do you!
Sheaths
These babies go straight up and down, and are sleek and sexy. They're going to be the tightest silhouette overall.
Best for: If you're more of a casual bride, you'll have way better luck finding a sheath that works for you, as opposed to, say, ballgowns. Also great if you're a budget bride; this is the other silhouette you can look through special occasion or prom gown collections for and find some way cheaper that nobody would ever guess wasn't a $5k wedding gown. And if you want some floof for the ceremony but not the reception, you can just get a really stunning overskirt like this, this, or this, and just remove it for the reception, no need for a train. So, lots of customization options!
Cons: They are not terribly forgiving to the figure. Spanx can take care of that. Also may not be best for those who are apple-shaped without tricks like ruching, belts, etc. applied. For people with body dysmorphia, these might be a bit tough. Also, these are usually the most casual of the silhouettes.
Like always, I'll say that the only thing that matters is that you feel beautiful and comfortable in your dress, so don't take something written under "cons" as law. Be true to yourself and what you want, no matter what that style is!
*I get no money whatsoever from any link I might post.... dammit. Also, those are to be seen solely as examples.
