Information of the most common gown styles

Information on the most common gown styles

Ballgown - This style flares out from the waist, creating a full flowing look and is generally full length. The flared shape is typically held with the use of a crinoline which is an underskirt or slip made of stiff netting.

Fishtail - Also sometimes known as a mermaid cut. The skirt hugs the body down to the knees or just below and then ends in an outward flare below the knees.

Bustle - This has a decoration on the back of the gown, just below the waist. The bustle is a gathering of fabric and/or ruffles and is often decorated with fabric flowers or bows. Bustles are are normally used on full skirts and the bustle can vary in length.

Tea-length - This is a less formal style of skirt normally with little to no flare, usually ending a few inches above the ankles.

Necklines

Portrait - An off the shoulder style that is designed to frame the face. Often with a design at the center.

Sweetheart - Normally off the shoulder, the neckline dips in front creating a heart shape with the fabric.

Queen Anne - Similar to the sweetheart neckline but incorporates an extended back to create more of a diamond shape neckline.

V-Neck - This neckline dips in the front, and sometimes the back creating a "V" shape.

Halter - This neckline is used on sleeveless styles.The fabric circles the neck and leaves the shoulders bare and often the back bare.

Bateau - This is a high neckline that shows very little skin at the front and back. Occasionally this style can also have a low or bare back.

Scoop - This neckline dips in a U shape, commonly in both the front and back.

Square - Similar to the scoop style, the neckline dips into a square shape.

Waist styles

Dropped - Waistline falls below the natural waist. The location of the waistline can vary with the gown style.

Basque - This is a dropped waist that starts at or just below the natural waistline, it dips in the center creating a V shape.

Empire - The waistline begins just below the bust instead of near the waist.

Natural - The waistline rests at the natural waist.

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