Dress Terminology
Styles & Necklines
Dress Styles
A-Line
Slight diagonal flair from natural waist
A-Line Ball Gown
Fit & Flare
Fitted to knee (or slightly above) then flaring out at hem.
Trumpet
Fitted to slightly below hip line then flaring out to hem
Mermaid
Fitted to knee then super full on lower skirt to hem.
Ball Gown
Very full skirt starting at natural waist.
Sheath
Slim fitting to hem (no flare). Commonly called column or Grecian in bridal.
Necklines
Strapless
No shoulder coverage whatsoever.
Queen Anne
Wide straps extending to back enclosing at upper center back then down sides creating an wide opening at the back which can go to the lower back.
Sweetheart
Curved around bust leasing to a “V” at center front. In many styles the V is modified as to how low it goes.
V Neckline
Point of V is at center front then rising up over the shoulder line. Occasionally the back will be different such as rounded.
Sabrina Neckline
Bridal version of the familiar boat neckline known in ready-to-wear.
Princess Cut
Seams going over the bust point down to hem without a waist seam. In the fashion world it is referred as “French sloper seaming.”
Trains
Brush Train
Mostly used on informal gowns. Slightly longer than front “brushing” the ground in back.
Chapel Train
Most popular! It will extend three to four feet longer than the front of gown.
Court Train
Approximately five feet past front of gown, used by designers to “look” like a cathedral train without the weight and/or length.
Cathedral Train
Very formal, anywhere from six to nine feet longer than the front of gown.
Extended Cathedral Train
As long as desired! Can extend up to twelve feet or longer.