Here comes the bride–and what is she wearing? There are lots of types of wedding dresses and knowing what they are called and how they look can help you figure out what to search for online or ask about at a bridal boutique. When you’re shopping for a wedding dress, if you have an idea of what you want, it makes it easier to find styles you’ll love. So let’s take a look at the different styles of wedding dress!
A-line dresses look great on everyone. The flattering silhouette gently flares out from the waist, resembling the shape of an uppercase “A,” hence the name. This style accentuates the waist while providing ease of movement, so it’s a popular choice for any body type. The skirt’s gradual flow creates a romantic, classic look without too much volume, making it a versatile option that works for basically all venues, from formal ceremonies to beach weddings.
A column wedding dress is also known as a sheath dress. This dress style’s form follows the body’s natural line and offers a sleek, minimalist silhouette. It typically skims straight from the neckline to the hem with little to no flare, creating an elongated, statuesque effect. Perfect for modern, fashion-forward brides or casual weddings, the column style emphasizes graceful simplicity and elegance.
Drop waist dresses shift the waistline lower on the torso, often resting around the hips, creating a lengthened upper body and allowing the skirt to flare dramatically below. This style channels vintage glamour, especially reminiscent of the 1920s and Old Hollywood. Drop waists make your figure look longer and create a more fitted, tailored look through the bodice. This look is ideal for brides who want a touch of drama and distinction in their gown’s silhouette.
The empire waist is another elegant retro style. With a high waistline that sits just under the bust and flows down into a loose-fitting skirt, an empire dress is soft and romantic. If you’re a petite bride, you’ll love how it emphasizes the upper body and allows the skirt to drape gracefully over the rest of the frame, making you look taller. It works beautifully in lightweight fabrics for an ethereal, flowing look. And if you want to jump onto the short wedding dress trend, empire waistlines create that elegant wedding dress flow, even if the hemline is short!
Mermaid wedding dresses are all about drama and curves, fitted tightly through the bodice, waist, and hips before flaring out at or below the knees. This silhouette creates a bold hourglass shape and is ideal for brides looking to make a statement. Because of its body-hugging cut, the mermaid style can be especially striking in structured fabrics like mikado satin or jacquard. The mermaid dress style can overlap with drop waist wedding dresses, too.
A slip dress is effortlessly chic, often made of slinky fabrics like silk or satin and designed to drape gently over the body. With minimal structure and a bias cut that flatters natural curves, slip styles offer a modern, understated elegance. That might be why more brides are gravitating toward this fluid look! Perfect for casual weddings or brides who prefer a pared-down look with a timeless, sultry edge, slip dresses also a classic for outdoor summer weddings, since they look great with a shorter, warm-weather hemline.
If your dream dress involves layers and layers of fluffy tulle, you want a tiered wedding dress! Tiered wedding dresses feature multiple layers of fabric, often arranged in horizontal bands that add volume, texture, and visual interest. Whether the tiers are soft and romantic or structured and bold, this style brings a romantic, feminine element to a gown. The precise vibes depend on the fabric and silhouette; they can be playful or regal, depending on what you choose. It’s a great choice for brides who want movement and dimension in their dress–and their photos!
The trumpet silhouette sits somewhere between the mermaid and a classic A-line, with a gradual flare beginning mid-thigh instead of right under the waist. This style balances structure and movement, highlighting the waist and hips without being as tightly fitted as a mermaid gown. It’s ideal for brides who want a dramatic shape with a bit more ease and comfort, offering a glamorous, graceful profile.
Contemporary and ultra-modern, a two-piece wedding dress breaks the traditional bridal mold by featuring a separate top and skirt, letting brides enjoy both style flexibility and a modern edge. The pieces can range from crop tops and flowing skirts to more structured or lace-detailed sets, allowing you to mix and match textures and silhouettes. This style is perfect for brides who want something customizable or slightly unconventional.
What’s your favorite style of wedding dress? For more inspiration, check us out on Instagram or TikTok @Lulus using #Lulus, and for more inspiration, visit our Wedding Shop!
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