Every Wedding Dress Silhouette and Style, From A-Line to Trumpet

As you begin your wedding outfit search, learning terminology makes things easier. Knowing the names of different bridal gown styles and wedding dress silhouettes will help you sort through all the options out there. Understanding your favorite wedding dress shapes will also assist your bridal consultant at your appointment. A-line versus fit-and-flare, mermaid versus trumpet—it's a lot to digest, but that's why we're here.

Below, we share a definitive guide to every popular silhouette—including a wedding dress style chart—so you can head into your bridal shopping experience with confidence. We also tapped Hayley Paige, renowned wedding dress designer, to break down the different shapes of wedding dresses. Once you find your preferred wedding gown shape, work with a bridal consultant at a bridal salon to find your perfect wedding dress. Read on to discover the name of your dream wedding gown type and length.

Glossary:

• A-Line
• Ball Gown
• Column
• Empire
• Fit-and-Flare
• High-Low
• Jumpsuit
• Mermaid
• Midi
• Mini
• Pantsuit
• Separates
• Sheath
• Slip
• Tea Length
• Trumpet

Our Wedding Dress Shape and Style Chart

Illustration: Tiana Crispino for The Knot

To help you seamlessly compare and contrast, we've created a handy chart of wedding dress types and style names. Save it to Pinterest or print it out and circle your favorites, then keep it on hand as you continue wedding dress shopping.

Every Wedding Dress Silhouette Explained

Now that you've gotten familiar with our wedding dress shape guide, scroll on for some real examples. Ahead, you'll find pictures of the most popular wedding dress styles, along with a few pointers from Paige about each one.

A-Line

Photo: Justin Alexander

A universally loved wedding dress silhouette, this style is great for to-be-weds who want a fairytale moment without all the volume and drama. A-line gowns are fitted through your natural waist and then flare out softly to create an "A" shape (hence the name). This dress silhouette is elegant and lovely. "Embrace your effortless glamour in a silhouette that harmonizes a dreamy feel with a danceable functionality," Paige says. "What I love most about A-lines is that they are extremely wearable and adaptable for any occasion."

Ball Gown

Photo: Essence of Australia

Ready for your storybook moment? Embrace your inner princess with this stunning bridal gown silhouette. More dramatic than A-line dresses, ball gowns are fitted through your natural waist or your hip and then flare out dramatically for a lovely hourglass effect that will make you feel like Cinderella at the royal ball. "If you're looking for that 'extra-bit-of-extra,' ball gowns will bring the voluminous drama," Paige says. "There is something so flirty and fun about layers upon layers of tulle. The trick is finding one that still feels equal parts manageable and 'twirl-worthy.'"

Column

Photo: Martina Liana

The column dress silhouette is typically streamlined and fairly uninterrupted by drastic seamlines. This fuss-free style is simple yet undeniably stunning. The look is especially appealing when you find one with a halter neckline, like this example. "Not to be confused with a sheath that tends to fit a bit more effortlessly and is lighter in fabrication, the column look is more often seen with a natural waistline and made from fabrications that hold a bit of structure (think: taffeta, brocade, organza, corded lace)."

Empire

Photo: Viktor&Rolf

Wedding dresses with an empire waist are perfect for those who love a flowy, boho dress. This wedding silhouette is fitted through the bust and then flows away from the body all the way down. It's light and airy giving it a whimsical feel. Another pro? The higher waistline elongates the body, which can make you appear taller. "Leaving most of the body shape undefined, I love that this silhouette leaves room for the imagination and keeps the focus on the décolletage and smiling face."

Fit-and-Flare

Photo: Morilee

This dress type really knows how to show off your figure. It's no wonder why this is a popular wedding dress style (and has been over the years). To-be-weds who want to highlight their figure but also want to be comfortable throughout the night will love this silhouette. "I like to call this a 'nice hug and release' because the fit-and-flare is all about highlighting shape and then some." The style hugs your bust, waist and hips, then flares out ever-so-slightly for a pretty and romantic look. "Depending on the proportions of the seamline, this silhouette can be a nice balance for the bride who wants something form fitting and sexy, but also high voltage and glamorous."

High-Low

Photo: Casablanca Bridal

Don't be afraid to veer from traditional looks. If you're looking for a unique style (or you have a pair of shoes you're dying to show off), consider a high-low dress. This dress silhouette has an asymmetrical hemline. It's shorter in the front—generally hitting between your knees and your ankles—and is longer in the back. "This silhouette is charming and feels a wee bit old-school couture," Paige says. "You're going to need a devastatingly fabulous pair of shoes because this look offers a sneaky-peek from the mid-calf down."

Jumpsuit

Photo: Jasmine Couture

If a dress just doesn't feel right for you, consider a jumpsuit. "I love a great jumpsuit moment because it's unassuming, unexpected, and always ready to disco." The style pictured is an alternative to a formal gown that will show off your flirty side. "Whether it's a wide-legged pant or a pegged-cigarette-slimmer paired with a plunging neckline or a bustier corset, the jumpsuit is forever playful and ever so accessible." If you're looking for something even more adventurous, consider a romper—the jumpsuit's shorter little sister. With shorts instead of pants, it's a perfect silhouette for warm-weather weddings.

Mermaid

Photo: Pronovias

"For the magical mavens and bodacious bombshells, the mermaid never disappoints." To-be-weds going for a sultry look will love this curve-hugging wedding dress shape. Unlike fit-and-flare gowns, which provide more of a subtle flare, mermaid-style gowns are fitted through the bust, waist and hips, then dramatically flare out at the knee. The result is a stunning mermaid-tail effect that shows off your lovely figure. This classic wedding silhouette promises to look good on every shape and size.

Midi

Photo: Olivia Bottega

Don't want to wear a traditional long gown? Rock a midi dress instead. This silhouette hits between the knees and the ankles. "There is no specific measurement or seamlines, but the idea is to curate a length that compliments your proportion and height." The hem length is having a massive moment in bridal fashion, making it perfect for the fashion-forward nearlywed. Dress it up with a fun headpiece, some sparkly jewelry or a pretty veil for an on-trend wedding day look. And don't forget to finish it off with a pair of eye-catching shoes.

Mini

Photo: Casablanca Bridal

Calling all daring to-be-weds. This wedding dress silhouette hits anywhere above the knee, allowing you to show off your gorgeous legs and have total freedom on the dance floor. "Anyone can appreciate a mini moment because it's fresh, fun and forever retro in a wedding setting," Paige says. "I also love to encourage it under a detachable skirt, as it doubles as a second look. I'm all about multiple looks on your wedding day; especially if you are a style chameleon or having a hard time deciding between two completely different looks."

Pantsuit

Photo: Lillian West

It's your special day and you get to call the shots. If you're going for a formal look but don't want to wear a gown, a pantsuit is the perfect option. It consists of full-length pants and a matching jacket—or in this case, a cool alternative top. Another reason we love this look? Pants are one of the biggest wedding dress trends of the moment.

Separates

Photo: Val Stefani

Want to shake up your wedding day look? Try a two-piece outfit rather than a traditional gown. Separates involve any top and skirt paired together for one cohesive look. With this wedding dress style, you can show off a little skin on your midriff or add a flirty belt. "This option offers the ultimate versatility and ideal amount of 'extra' because it can create the effect of two gowns in one."

Sheath

Photo: Savannah Miller

Not into voluminous skirts? Not a problem. The sheath silhouette is a great way to show off your figure without any added drama. The slim silhouette hugs your body and falls straight to the floor. It says sophistication, glamour and elegance all at once. "Sparing the horizontal join lines, the sheath silhouette is geared to elongate one's shape," Paige says. "It's similar to a column shape, but typically consists of silky fabrics that delicately grace the contours of the body via chiffon, charmeuse, or lace."

Slip

Photo: ARIAMO

If you identify as a minimalist to-be-wed, the slip dress is a great option. They're generally made of unstructured fabric (think satin or silk) and loosely graze your figure for a simple but pretty vibe. Pair the look with some flowers in your hair or a long, sheer veil. This wedding dress silhouette is effortlessly gorgeous.

Tea Length

Photo: Justin Alexander

Looking for a slightly more casual dress silhouette? Go the tea-length skirt route. While tea-length dresses can technically hit between your knee and your ankle, most fall right above the ankle. This style is great for to-be-weds going for a vintage or retro look, and it also allows you to show off your wedding day shoes. "I love the tea length because it's curated to your proportion and forever charming," Paige says.

Trumpet

Photo: Pier

If the mermaid silhouette is just a little too much volume for you, try a trumpet gown. It's fitted through the bust, waist and hips, but then flares out with volume. The overall effect mimics the bell of a trumpet horn, highlighting your figure without being too dramatic.

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Kate Ferris contributed to the reporting of this article.