The ball gown, also known as a ‘princess gown’, is the classic fairy tale silhouette. It’s what many people picture when they close their eyes and imagine their dream dress.

It has a fitted bodice, which flares out at the waist into a full skirt with plenty of volumes. This shape is ideal for most body types although it can sometimes overwhelm smaller frames. It looks particularly great on pear-shaped figures since it hides the lower body and draws attention to the waist. For an even more princess-worthy look, this style looks fabulous with a hooped underskirt!

Fitted at the chest to highlight your narrowest point, this style flows out gradually into an ‘A’ shape. The balanced proportions work brilliantly to draw the eyes upwards and it also creates a beautiful nipped in the waist, making it super flattering for all – especially for apple and rectangle body shapes.

Look out for slim A-line dresses too, which fit a little closer to the body than a traditional A-line. Usually made with a lightweight fabric, such as chiffon or soft tulle, slim A-line shape makes great destination dresses.

The terms ‘mermaid’, ‘fishtail’ and ‘trumpet’ are often used for similar dress shapes that hug the body before delicately flaring out below the hips. It’s a dream shape for the curvy body and anyone who wants to create an hourglass silhouette.

Trumpet shapes are a good midway point between a fit and flare and a mermaid dress. The skirt gradually flares around mid-thigh and can resemble the shape of a trumpet’s bell – hence the name! The skirt is good for highlighting curves without drawing too much attention to your legs. It also isn’t as dramatic or restrictive as a mermaid. It’s a great style for hourglass and petite figures with small waists.

A cropped hemline will show off luscious legs and is often nipped in at the waist to create great curves. Skirts that fall between the ankle and the knee are often called tea length and are ideal for all body types.

If you’re feeling a bit more daring, mini skirts generally fall above the knee and are a little more revealing. For summer, shorter dress shapes are perfect for looking fun, flirty and fabulous. And the best part? Your shoes will be on display all day long.

Super flattering, a fit and flare wedding dress hug the body and flares off just below the hips, accentuating the waist. Not to be confused with mermaid or trumpet shape, which generally flare out a little lower, this style is very easy to wear.

It will give you that feminine, curvaceous silhouette and disguise any lumps and bumps without restricting your movement. Sophisticated enough for mature brides it also works well for Petites, as it won’t shorten your frame like larger dresses or mermaid gowns might. It does emphasise the hips though, so pear-shaped figures might want to steer clear.

Sheath or column dresses create an understated silhouette and are often made from light and flowing fabrics. The narrow shape flows straight down from the neckline to the hem and is ideal for lean and petite frames.

It’s also a good shape for hourglasses who want to show off their curves. It’s not so flattering for pears as this shape can accentuate extra inches.