Dresses with fitted tops and flared skirts have been trending for over two decades, and we’re not surprised – they look amazing on a wide range of body types! They’re a high-fashion staple in the bridal industry and are requested by many brides-to-be. From mermaid wedding dresses to fit-and-flare gowns to trumpet styles and dramatic fishtail wedding dresses, there’s a flared wedding dress in every cut, fabric and style you can imagine.
Trumpet vs. Mermaid: What’s the Difference?
It’s all in the flared skirt! Trumpet wedding dresses flare at the thigh to elongate the legs. Mermaid wedding dresses flare at or below the knee, making for an even more dramatic silhouette and highlighting the torso with a long bodice.
What is a Fit-and-Flare Wedding Dress?
The term “fit-and-flare” encompasses a wide variety of gowns with fitted bodices and flared skirts. Fit-and-flare wedding gowns have the least dramatic flare of any flared dress style. Following your natural curves, the flare begins just below the hip and gradually widens into a full, flowy skirt.
For a bold, luxurious look, we love Essense of Australia Style D3284. This fit-and-flare wedding dress brings all the drama and sophistication with its floating floral lace and sexy sheer bodice. The shimmering fit-and-flare skirt features a long scalloped train, ideal for your walk down the aisle!
For a softer, classic dress, we can’t get enough of Stella York Style 8028. Organic-inspired lace gives this fit-and-flare wedding gown a bohemian vibe with a modern twist. The delicate long sleeves will leave such a romantic impression as you walk down the aisle and during every moment after!
What is a Mermaid Wedding Dress?
Mermaid is just another silhouette that features a flared skirt. Flaring out at or below the knees, this style has a prominent full skirt. In search of an ultra-modern gown for your wedding day? We recommend Essense of Australia Style D4115, a stunning dress that embodies today’s hottest trend: simple, chic and minimal. The traditional silhouette gives us that high-fashion moment with a super-plunge neckline and thin straps. The Pearl Mikado fabric elevates this style for a truly minimalist aesthetic.
Is your style a little more daring? Essense of Australia Style D3255 might be for you! This mermaid wedding dress features a demure off-the-shoulder neckline with classic floral lace and elegant sleeves. Frothy Regency organza decorates the ornate train for an extra-stunning, dramatic finish.
What is a Trumpet Wedding Dress?
Trumpet wedding dresses are the third gown style that features a flared skirt. Flaring at the mid-thigh, the trumpet silhouette does its name justice by resembling a true trumpet shape.
A gorgeous modern trumpet wedding dress that gives us all the feels is Martina Liana Style 1266. This sleek gown gives simple chic a super sexy twist with its smooth silk fabric and signature seam work. We’re obsessed with the sheer back and elegant boning, which is ideal for a bride that wants to make a statement. Talk about luxe with the detachable puffed sleeves! This wedding gown is totally timeless.
The trumpet silhouette isn’t just an average fit-and-flare style! If you’re searching for that high-fashion experience, you have to meet Martina Liana Luxe Style LE1135. Yes, this extravagant wedding dress is a trumpet with its dropped waist and grandiose train. This regal-inspired masterpiece offsets that traditional bridal look with rich 3D floral motifs, and check out those billowing sleeves covered in delicate, sparkling floral appliques – so bold and unexpected!
What is a Fishtail Wedding Dress?
Fishtail wedding dresses are stunning for the classic and glamorous bride. This sexy silhouette hugs the body through the waist and hips and begins to flare around the knees, often in a dramatic fashion for that va-va-voom look!
A beautiful fishtail dress for the classic bride with a sexy side is Stella York Style 6873. This graphic lace fishtail wedding dress has beaded shoe-string straps, rich laces, Regency organza and a shape that sculpts the body for a flattering silhouette. The flared skirt and long train with scalloped hem bring the drama!
Essense of Australia Style D3371
Do you have a more glamorous style? Essense of Australia Style D3371 may be the fishtail wedding dress for you! This gown hugs every curve with a show-stopping skirt worthy of the red carpet. The bodice is beautifully textured and detailed with layers of encrusted beading, shimmering sequins and embroidered floral laces that combine to create stunning, sparkling dimension. For added versatility, this gown includes optional off-the-shoulder sleeves for a touch of romance and the option of two looks in one.
Mermaid vs. Fishtail: What’s the Difference?
There aren’t any significant differences between mermaid and fishtail wedding dresses! Both terms can be used interchangeably as the two silhouettes flare slightly above or below the knee. The skirt of fishtail shapes may be less voluminous and on the sleeker side, especially if it flares under the knee. This style can be more challenging to move in, so if you plan on dancing the night away, you may want to consider a fishtail wedding dress in stretch crepe or satin or one of the many other silhouettes mentioned in this post.
Mermaid, fit-and-flare, trumpet and fishtail silhouettes are great options if you want to feel sexy on your wedding day yet stay true to your own personal style. With a variety of laces, fabrics and details, choosing your dream dress will be a piece of cake! The main focal point of these gowns are the dramatic skirt and train, which make both your entrance and exit a show-stopping moment.
Are you ready to start wedding dress shopping for your dream mermaid wedding dress? We’d love to help! Find an Essense of Australia, All Who Wander, Martina Liana, Martina Liana Luxe and Stella York retailer nea