by Chelsea Frank for Brides

For a blend of romance, elegance, and sultry appeal, there’s no better choice than a mermaid-style wedding gown. “Its flattering, fitted silhouette hugs the body from chest to knees, contouring every curve like a second skin, then flares at the bottom to simulate a mermaid fin,” says stylist Elizabeth Kosich.

“Mermaid dresses not only flatter and flaunt perfectly balanced hourglass shapes, the flared puddle punctuates the look like an exclamation point emphasizing the ‘S’ curve for anyone who missed it (they didn’t). It’s a lot to take in at once, but that’s the point — the mermaid is meant to drop jaws,” she continues.

Whether you’re walking down the ballroom aisle, a breezy beach, or a tropical garden, there’s a mermaid style wedding gown to suit your vision. From minimalist chic to boho bride to old Hollywood glamour, we’ve curated a list of the most iconic mermaid gowns of the year.

1. Best Lace
   Rish Mermaid Lace Wedding Gown

2. Best Details
   Wtoo by Watters Brooks Strapless Beaded Tulle Wedding Gown

3. Best Statement Style
   David Bridal Mermaid Wedding Dress

4. Best Fashion Forward
   Mac Duggal Beaded Feather Details One-Shoulder Mermaid Gown

5. Best Convertible
   Olivia Bottega 2in1 Wedding Dress Ornella

6. Best Bodice
   Willowby by Watters Elynor Strapless Satin Mermaid Wedding Gown

7. Best Beading
   Mac Duggal Beaded Feather Trim Off the Shoulder Mermaid Gown

8. Best Sweetheart-Neckline
   Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Genny Embellished Mermaid Gown

9. Best Modern Lace
   For Love & Lemons Temecula Maxi Dress

10. Best Plus-Size
    Jenny by Jenny Yoo Marnie Gown

What to Look For in a Mermaid Wedding Dress:

1. Season
   Pay attention to the weather and season of your wedding when deciding factors such as neckline, sleeve length, fabric, and hemline. “Consider a long-sleeved mermaid dress in winter, or to add extra drama with a statement sleeve and low, open back,” says Kosich. For spring and summer weddings, Kosich recommends sweetheart and strapless styles.

2. Fabric
   Fabric plays a key role in the overall aesthetic of your dress, as well as comfort and fit. “For formal events, dramatic styles with more volume and fabric are appropriate. Think materials like lace, taffeta and satin, with accents like tulle, crystals and appliqués,” Kosich explains.

   For a more relaxed affair, look for materials like crepe, silk, and polyester for fluid styles with more movement, but the same show-stopping silhouette. “The clean, minimalist lines are sophisticated, timeless and still deliver on drama,” says Kosich.

3. Venue
   ”There are mermaid dresses for every occasion from black tie to beach weddings,” says Kosich. “The more formal the venue, the more ornate the dress, so don’t hold back on a statement train or beaded, crystal, or lace embellishments for urban weddings or stately, grand destination venues.”

FAQ

1. Are mermaid dresses easy to move around in?
   Due to the fit and fabric, mermaid dresses can be difficult to walk in but certain fabrics may give more stretch and movement. “Less ornate but just as gorgeous, crepe and knit jersey (poly/spandex) mermaid dresses are easier to move in and a great alternative for more relaxed, understated events,” says Kosich. “Their clean lines, smooth fabric and sophisticated simplicity make for a sleek, modern look.”

2. What’s the benefit of a mermaid silhouette vs. A-line?
   ”If you’ve got it, flaunt it!,” says Kosich. “Mermaid silhouettes are for curvy, confident brides who want to make an entrance. The fitted, elongating shape shows off your sexy curves while the dramatic flare adds a touch of feminine whimsy. It’s a statement-making shape that is meant to turn heads.”

   If you’d like a more subtle approach but still want the classic, feminine silhouette, A-line dresses are a great alternative. “[A-line dresses] taper to the waist only, then gently drape to the floor with moderate skirt volume. The shape is less restrictive which allows more movement, plus it’s camouflaging for brides who have unbalanced proportions top and bottom. Both are elegant, timeless options that are equally as gorgeous, they just suit different shapes,” she explains.

3. Do mermaid dresses flatter all figures?
   If you’re an hourglass shape, this is your silhouette,” says Kosich. “Mermaid dresses put everything on display so if you have equal proportions top and bottom and a bold personality, this style is for you.”

   While we encourage every bride to find the dress she loves and feels most confident in regardless of rules, Kosich says a mermaid silhouette might not be the most desirable choice if your shape is more “unbalanced above or below the waist.”

   “Remember the ‘perfect’ wedding dress is the one that flatters your shape best, so keep trying until you find it!,” says Kosich.

   
   Meet the expert:
   Elizabeth Kosich is a certified image stylist offering head-to-toe wardrobe consulting to men and women, and commercial styling to brands. She holds credentials from FIT and AICI, and founded Elizabeth Kosich Styling in 2019.

See published article on Brides.com here.