Wedding Dress Part 3

Dress Glossary

Mermaid dress: The mermaid dress is close fitting through the bodice, down through the hips and to about mid or lower calf where the skirt flares out. As sexy as this is, it's not an easy dress to wear unless you have an athletic or slim build because this dress actually adds curves.

Sheath Dress : A sheath dress features a figure-hugging silhouette with a defined waist (no belt or waistband). This short (mid-calf or shorter) dress works well in sleeveless styles on well-toned bodies.

Skirt Dress : A shirt dress borrows details from a man's shirt. Some of them are: a collar, a button front or cuffed sleeves. Frequently made up in crisp fabrics like cotton, the shirt dress often has a looser fit with waist definition given by a belt. Button fronts and forgiving fit make this a flattering look for most bodies.

Spaghetti Straps : Spaghetti straps on a dress are very thin pieces of fabric resembling the pasta noodle. Found on everything from sundresses to after five dresses, the spaghetti strap is a feminine way to show off bare shoulders and arms.

A-Line dress : A dress or skirt silhouette that is narrower at the top, flaring gently wider toward the bottom thereby resembling the letter A. Works well on most figure types; good for disguising bottom-heavy figures.

Ball-gown dress : A ball gown is a type of long dress that is fitted at the bodice, with a very full skirt. This is the most formal dress silhouette, usually reserved for the dressiest of occasions. The ball gown looks best on average height to taller women, as the full skirt visually cuts the body in half. However, the ball gown is a very forgiving style, hiding everything from tummies to full hips and legs.

Basque waist : The basque waist is a low U or V silhouette. Providing an illusion of length, the basque waist is an extremely flattering dress style and good on most body types.

Cheongsam : The cheongsam is a traditional dress worn by Chinese women, typified by a high collar, long length (mid-calf usually) and button or frog closures near the shoulder. This fitted dress is often made up in shimmering silk, embroidered satin or other sensual fabrics. Best on athletic or slim figures, the cheongsam is an acceptable alternative to the little black dress for special occasions.

Coat dress : A coat dress is a tailored dress featuring button, toggle and tie closures similar to those found on outerwear. Often, the coat dress is made in materials similar to those found in suits: wool, wool blends and menswear prints. Because it is a polished look, the coat dress is usually used primarily for career dresses.

Empire waist : A type of dress or top where the waist line is raised above the natural waistline, sometimes as high as right below the bust. Best on slender-on-top or petite figure, the empire dress creates the illusion of length and camouflages a bottom-heavy figure or thick waist.


Hankie hem : A type of dress or top where the waist line is raised above the natural waistline, sometimes as high as right below the bust. Best on slender-on-top or petite figure, the empire dress creates the illusion of length and camouflages a bottom-heavy figure or thick waist.

Halter dress : The halter dress consists of two pieces of a material that meet behind the neck. This style may range from thin, spaghetti straps that tie to draped fabric that crosses at the collarbone and meets behind the neck. Great for any body style that has good enough arms to go bare.