The Silhouette



* A-line - The A-line or princess dress has no marked waist and the vertical seams flow from the shoulders down to a flared skirt, creating a "A" shape.

* Ball Gowns - These gowns normally quite formal, reminding you of Cinderella. The bodice is fitted with a very full skirt.

* Empire - Empire gowns have a raised waistline that starts right under the bust, flowing to a slim (but not body-hugging) skirt.

* Mermaid - As the name indicates, the mermaid dress is contoured against the body then the gown flows out beginning around the knees. This is the sexiest of the styles.

* Sheath - The sheath or column dress has a slim shape that follows close to the line of the body. The straight design is form-fitting and doesn't allow for many body flaws.

The Sleeves

* 3/4 sleeves - end between the elbow and wrist.

* Bell - long sleeves, flare out toward the wrist creating a bell shape.

* Cap - rounded sleeves, just covering shoulders.

* Fitted point - long, fitted sleeves that come to a point over the hand.

* Juliet - long, fitted sleeves with puffy shoulders.

* Long sleeves - long sleeves that are normally form-fitting.

* Off-the-shoulder Sleeves - cover the upper part of the arm but leave the tops of shoulders exposed.

* Poet - long sleeves, fitted to the elbow then flared.

* Pouf - short sleeves, gathered to create a poufy look.

* Short sleeves - about the length of T-shirt sleeves.

* Sleeveless - strapless with no sleeves.

* Spaghetti straps - thin spaghetti straps with no sleeves.

The Neckline

* Bateau - close to straight across from the tip of the shoulder. Gives plenty of coverage.

* Halter - wraps around the back of the neck to create deep armholes. Often also a backless style, which is very sexy.

* High - covers most of the neck. Creates a formal, somewhat stiff look.

* Jewel - similar to that of a T-shirt. Creates a bustier look.

* Off-The-Shoulder - as the name indicates, the top of the shoulders are bare. Showcases your collarbone and shoulders.

* Portrait - a very wide scoop from the tip of one shoulder to the tip of the other.

* Scoop - classic U-shaped neckline. Can be cut low for a more sexy look.

* Square - squared neckline, often associated with empire gowns.

* Strapless - normally straight across. Not recommended for women with small busts.

* Sweetheart - shaped like the top half of a heart. Emphasizes the cleavage.

* V-Neck - dips in the front into a V-shape. Can be very deep.

The Bodice

The bodice refers to the portion of the dress between the neckline and skirt.

* Corset - a form fitting bodice with boning and lace-up closures.

* Halter - sleeveless bodice that wraps around you neck, normally backless.

* Midriff - fits very closely around the mid-section, accentuating your waist.

* Surplice - sections of fabric cross wrap in the front or back.

* Tank - sleeveless with wide armholes like tank top.

The Train

* Sweep - 8" to 12" in length, just a few inches longer than the gown.

* Court - extends about 3 feet from the waist.

* Chapel - extends about 4 feet from the waist.

* Cathedral - extends about 6 to 9 feet from the waist.

* Royal - extends more than 9 feet from the waist.

The Veil

* Birdcage - falls right below the chin, usually attached to a headpiece.

* Flyaway - ends at the shoulder.

* Blusher - worn over your face, about 28" long.

* Elbow Length - ends at the elbow or waist.

* Fingertip - ends at the finger tips or just below the waist.

* Ballet - ends at the ankles.

* Chapel - ends slightly longer than dress length.

* Cathedral - 9 feet or longer.