PHOTOGRAPHY | Rebecca Yale Photography

A-line- This silhouette is fitted through the bodice and starts to flare out at the waist in a triangular fashion. It can range from moderate to very full at the base.

Ballgown- Think of a bell when you think ballgown. This silhouette is fitted through the bodice and then abruptly flares out at the waist in a round bell-like shape.

Mermaid- It’s all in the name; this silhouette looks just like (you guessed it!) a mermaid. It is fitted throughout until you get to the knees where it starts to flare out like a mermaid’s tail.

Fit-and-flare- This silhouette is similar to the mermaid, but it begins to flare out anywhere from the hip bones to mid-thigh and is fitted through the bodice.

Column- This minimalist silhouette creates one clean line from top to bottom giving the look of a column.

2. Straps vs. Strapless

This is usually an easy call, do you prefer dresses that have straps or dresses that don’t. Keep in mind the straps can be thick, thin, or even spaghetti.