This month we’re taking a closer look at dress shapes and styles, so when you’re looking for your dream dress, you’ll know more about what to consider and the styles that might suit your figure before you start shopping. Today we’re taking a little look at the second dress style in our series – the sheath.
Simple and elegant, the sheath hugs your body, following your natural curves. This one doesn’t usually have a lot of structure to it – the bodice flows into the skirt. The sheath shape flatters a slim figure. It looks great on a shorter frame and tall brides alike.
Sheath styles look beautiful in layered fabric. Lace over silk adds movement and delicate details work really well in a sheath. As there is less fabric, smaller, more intricate details can be seen more clearly, and don’t get lost in folds of tulle! An embellished bodice looks stunning on sheath dresses, to break up the fabric and add more detail.
Sheath shapes look great with straps as well as strapless, and I love a sheath dress with sweet capped sleeves. The sheath shape looks beautiful with a cute little puddle train – a heavier, longer train tends not to work so well as the weight of the fabric pulls the hemline back. A longer veil instead would be an ideal alternative, or a cape.
Sheath dresses are elegant, sleek and chic. Here’s a few of our favourites from recent collections.
Jenny Packham – Dahlia
From the 2019 collection. Dahlia’s sweet embellished lace bodice is just so pretty, scattering down to the skirt and on to the train. I love the cute sleeves and scalloped neckline that hides a pretty deep V – elegant and incredibly chic.
DahliaSavannah Miller – Adeline
From the Dance with Me collection. Sleek and figure hugging, the detail on the front adds just a hint of sparkle, all the detail is in the back! The deep V back is perfectly accessorised by a streaming cape, which avoids the tug of a long train at your hemline, and wouldn’t pull the dress tight around your legs, but would float perfectly behind you.
AdelineWatters – Faye
Proving that sheath dresses can have some structure, Faye’s beaded applique sits over a more structured bodice with a pretty sweetheart neckline. The stretch satin would allow you to move, with the skirt floating down to a simple train. I love the way the embellishment fades out to let the train sit naturally and softly on the floor.
FayeTemperley London – Beatrix
With a fabulous bohemian feel, the soft romantic Victorian inspired lace embellishments make this dress something a little bit different. I love the subtle pink colour on the embroidery and the romantic heart shapes. And the contrast between the dotty skirt and plain sheer sleeves is simply adorable. The bodice is scattered with crystals, to add a little sparkle.
BeatrixMaggie Sottero – Ainsley
Simple, chic and elegant, Ainsley leaves the detail to speak for itself. With soft ruffles creating an off-the-shoulder neckline and sleeves at the front, they lead to a simply stunning illusion back with beaded floral lace and sparkling crystals. This is such a beautifully contrasting dress that would need no veil, and definitely an up-do for your hair, to show off a long, elegant neck – and that back.
AinsleyGalia Lahav – G-306
From the Gala collection No. VIII. A contrast to the effortless simplicity of some of the other gowns, Galia Lahav goes all out with this asymmetrical cut-out silk chiffon sheath dress. It has lace inserts embellished with beading, fringes and cut-outs. This one is a sparkling show stopper, and isn’t afraid to show it! There’s so much beautiful detail, perfect for shimmering down the aisle.
G306Sheath wedding dresses are chic, smooth and stylish. They are beautiful in a range of fabrics and work well with a variety of necklines. We love the style, and how versatile it can be. Can you see yourself in any of these beautiful creations?
Did you see our A-line dress feature? If not, pop over and have a look at that now, and see if you can find your favourite style.
