5 Overlooked Wedding Gown Silhouettes

When picking a wedding dress, most brides feel limited to choose from the three basic silhouettes — A-line, ballgown or fit-and-flare — yet there are so many amazing options that often go overlooked. Michelle Della Giovanna, New York-based designer behind the Della Giovanna line of fashion-forward edgy bridal gowns, shares five alternative silhouettes worth considering (especially if you’re looking to stand out from other brides!).

Empire

empire waist gown by della giovanna
Dress by Della Giovanna

The empire gown's high waist elongates the body, making it the perfect option for petite brides or anyone who wants to add a little height for the big day. It's also extremely flattering on most figures, since it hides a large amount of problem areas.

Tiered

tiered gown by austin scarlett
Dress by Austin Scarlett

Tiered gowns often have full skirts with multiple layers. This type of silhouette works best for the bride who wants an over-the-top dress. The tiered dress makes a statement and ensures that all eyes will be on you! 

Sheath

sheath gown by jenny packham
Dress by Jenny Packham

The sheath is a very simple cut, which fits closely to the body and has a straight skirt. It works best on slim figures with few curves, and it's ideal for a bride who wants an understated yet elegant gown. 

High-Low

high low dress by della giovanna
Dress by Della Giovanna

This silhouette was all over the Fall 2014 bridal runways. The high-low gown has a skirt with a raised front and a long back, giving it a cascading effect. This dress is perfect for brides who want to show a little leg without committing to a short dress.

Blouson

blouson dress by aire barcelona
Dress by Aire Barcelona

The blouson dress brings us back to the roaring 1920s. This dress consists of a loose-fit top, which is then gathered into a fitted skirt, leaving it blousing on the sides. This cut looks best on tall brides and those with smaller busts.

Tell us: Which silhouette would you try?

—Michelle Della Giovanna

michelle della giovanna

 

Michelle Della Giovanna is the founder of Della Giovanna, a fashion-forward bridal design house based in New York City. A graduate of The Fashion Institute of Technology, Michelle believes a bride has the right to be stylish on her big day.