Dress Silhouette Guide
Ever find yourself browsing for dresses with no idea where to start? From colors and patterns to different fabrics, there are endless ways to customize your look. Finding the silhouette you want is an easy first step to creating a look you love. If you’re not sure how to describe what you’re looking for, or need a refresher on basic silhouettes, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for our guide to classic and contemporary dress silhouettes so you can shop smart and in style.
Mermaid
This alluring and elegant style is perfect for those who want to accentuate their curves. With a fitted, elongated bodice and flared skirt, it creates a dramatic hourglass shape with some serious va-va-voom reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour.
Fit-and-Flare
For a more high-contrast and retro-inspired look, try a fit-and-flare silhouette. This style follows its namesake, with a fitted upper bodice and a sharply angled flare into a full skirt. Give this style a contemporary update with modern details like embellishments or sheer paneling, or keep the classic and flirty ‘50s feel with a sweetheart neckline.
A-Line
This ultra-flattering cut is favorite for all styles and all body types because of its graceful skirt and fitted bodice. A-line skirts gradually flare into a soft A-shape while the bodice highlights your narrowest point.
Sheath
If you love a sleek, contemporary look, sheath dresses might be your new favorite silhouette. This clean and simple cut follows the natural shape of your body, and can be either fitted close to skin or hang off the body for an airier, ‘60s mod-inspired feel. The straight lines of this silhouette are lengthening and ultra-flattering, especially when paired with a high heel.
High-Low
High-low dresses offer a more contemporary silhouette and are the perfect way to get the best of both mini and maxi dress styles. The skirt of this silhouette has an asymmetrical hemline, with the front being short and the back having a longer length. High-low styles can range from a drastic and dramatic length difference to only a slight and subtle contrast for a bit of visual interest, thus making this silhouette a highly customizable option for any look or occasion.
Bodycon
Derived from “body conscious,” this style is form-fitting and traces all of your curves for a look that’s sexy and sleek. Dresses in this style are often made of a tight, stretchy material, and can sometimes be conflated with bandage dresses, which are made of horizontal bands of material pieced together for an even more next-to-skin fit. With such a tight fit, you’re most likely to find these dresses in shorter hemline lengths from mini to midi. This style is revealing and dramatic, perfect for those looking to make a bold statement.
Which silhouette is your favorite? From sultry mermaid dresses to sleek sheaths, there’s no wrong answer. Pick a style that flaunts your favorite assets or try out a look that fits your unique personal taste – or just mix it up depending on your mood that day! Life’s too short to only wear one silhouette, and as long as you feel confident in a style you love, you’ll rock it with ease.
