Wedding dress shopping is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming at first. With so many silhouettes and styles to choose from, where do you even start?
At The Ultimate Bride, we’ve helped thousands of St. Louis brides figure out what works for their body, their venue, and their vision. And it usually starts with the silhouette. Before you worry about lace or sleeves, it’s helpful to understand the basic shapes and how they’ll look and feel when you try them on.
Here’s a guide to the most popular wedding dress silhouettes and how to choose one that feels right for your body and your day.
What Is a Wedding Dress Silhouette?
The silhouette is the overall shape of the gown. It describes how the dress fits through the bodice, waist, hips, and skirt. Understanding silhouettes helps you narrow down your options and makes the dress shopping process feel a lot more focused.
We always encourage brides at our St. Louis boutique to try on at least one of each silhouette. You might be surprised by what makes you feel the most confident once you see it on your body.
A-Line: Soft Shape and Timeless Style
An A-line gown fits close at the top and flares out gently from the waist, creating a shape similar to the letter A. This style is often a go-to for brides who want definition without too much volume.
Why brides love it:
Easy to move in
Flattering for many body types
Works for casual or formal weddings
We see A-line gowns fly off the racks for everything from church ceremonies to garden venues across St. Louis.
Ballgown: Bold Skirt and Defined Waist
The ballgown is fitted through the bodice and flares out into a full skirt, creating a dramatic and traditional bridal look. It adds volume and structure, especially at the bottom.
Why it works:
Emphasizes the waist
Offers strong support in the bodice
Perfect for formal venues and grand entrances
Many of our brides choose ballgowns for venues like The Coronado or Stifel Theatre where the setting calls for something classic and striking.
Fitted through the bodice and cinched at the waist, this ballgown creates a stunning hourglass shape while the full skirt adds drama and movement.
Fit-and-Flare: Curve-Friendly with Room to Move
Fit-and-flare dresses hug the body through the waist and hips, then gently release around the thigh. They offer shape and movement without being restrictive.
Why brides choose it:
Highlights curves
Comfortable to wear and dance in
Versatile for indoor and outdoor weddings
At The Ultimate Bride, we often recommend this silhouette for brides who want structure but still need flexibility throughout the day.
Mermaid and Trumpet: Sleek and Statement-Making
These styles follow the natural shape of the body more closely. Trumpet gowns flare just below the hip, while mermaid gowns flare lower, around the knee. Both create a modern, confident look.
Ideal for:
Brides who want to show off their figure
Contemporary or high-fashion looks
Confident walkers and dancers
We keep these styles in extended sizes at our St. Louis boutique because they need to be tried on in the correct fit to really shine.
Sheath: Effortless and Minimal
A sheath gown falls straight from the neckline to the hem with little flare. It’s a clean and modern option, often made from lightweight fabrics like crepe or chiffon.
Why it stands out:
Streamlined and easy to move in
Great for petite, tall, or athletic builds
Perfect for outdoor, destination, or less formal weddings
Brides planning vineyard weddings or elopements often lean toward this silhouette for its simplicity and ease.
Sleek from neckline to hem, this sheath gown moves with you effortlessly minimal, modern, and made for any setting.
Tips from Our St. Louis Stylists
Start with silhouettes, then explore fabrics and details once you find the shape you like
Be open to trying something unexpected, many brides fall in love with a style they never considered
Bring proper undergarments and shoes to get a realistic feel for each dress
Choose what makes you feel confident, not what fits someone else’s idea of what you should wear
Ready to Try Them On?
At The Ultimate Bride in St. Louis, we carry a wide range of silhouettes. Whether you're just starting or already have a favorite shape in mind, our experienced stylists are here to help you find the one that fits your body and your vision.
Request appointment here or call 314.961.9997 to see what silhouette makes you feel like a bride.