SILHOUETTE TERMS

 

 

 

Length and fit
INTERMISSION Hemline that is floor length in back and midcalf length in front.
MERMAID Skirt flared at or below the knee.
PEPLUM A short overskirt or ruffle attached at the waist.
SHEATH Straight, fitted gown, often floor length and often worn with a detachable train.
MINI Skirt at or an inch above the knee.
BALLET Skirt length that falls at or just above the ankle.
A-LINE Skirt gradually flares from the hip area, creating an A1 Shape.
TEA Skirt length that falls at mid-calf.

Bodice
BASQUE Elongated waist about two inches below the natural waist that is defined by a V-shape at the center front.
CORSETTED BODICE A fitted bodice usually reinforced with stays to give support and detail.
DROPPED WAIST Waistline positioned several inches below the natural waist.
EMPIRE Shortened waist style created by attaching the skirt to the bodice just below the bustline.

Necklines
BATEAU A boat-shaped neckline formed by a straight line between the shoulders, sometimes dips in the front.
HALTER A diagonal angle along the outer bustline, fastens behind the neck, bare shoulders, arms, back.
JEWEL Neckline that circles the base of the neck. 
PORTRAIT Neckline that begins just inside the shoulder and falls to the bustline in the center.
SCOOPNECK Neckline coming across the top of the bustline leaving the shoulders and the top and back of the arms covered.
SWEETHEART Open neckline that begins two inches inside the shoulder line and is shaped like a heart.
COWL Loosely draped fabrics, gathered at the top of bust line.

Trains
BUSTLE The gathering of the train hooked in the back of the dress below the waist, secured with buttons, hooks and eyes.
CATHEDRAL Long train extending nine feet from the waist. 
CHAPEL A train extending four feet from the waist.
WATTEAU Train attached at the shoulders of the gown rather than at the waist.

 

Wedding Dresses at Styletheaisle.