New to bridal skirt style lingo?

It’s like learning a new language, isn’t it? Since when are the words trumpet and mermaid used in the same sentence? A-line, ballroom, trumpet, box pleat, mermaid, fit and flare, circular, column, and waterfall are some of the skirt styles. In this blog post, I will focus on the A-line style, one of our all-time favorite styles! A-line is the most popular wedding dress silhouette sold at Leah S Designs. Perfect for your shape if you are an hourglass, pear, apple, or rectangle, it might not work if you are a triangle shape, works for four figures out of five, so that’s a winning skirt in my book!

Different design combinations we have this season at Leah S Designs featuring the famous Aline shape. Why don’t we begin by splitting this classic style into categories?

Traditional a-line skirt,

This skirt holds no prisoners and is the undisputed queen of the A-line world. It features a fitted bodice paired with the dress with a skirt that flares from the waist in a sharp A shape falling to the floor. The traditional style would have an inbuilt petticoat stitched into the gown, with an optional matching petticoat for a fuller a-line looks.

The traditional Aline bridal gown can be made from any bridal fabric but usually from satin, organza, silk, or satin base with overlaying lace. I always love to match a strong aline with satin as the full skirt is so dramatic it’s nice to compliment with a robust, simple fabric. A simple lace overlay can also work for a more dramatic bridal style, with simple details that can also be crafted into the traditional aline.

Brides can choose any neckline with this silhouette. From V-neck to strapless, there are many to choose from.

Leah S Designs dress styles – Desire, Daphne, Grace.

Soft A-line wedding dress

Soft and romantic, a perfect match for a whimsical wedding day. The soft a-line is usually used for a less formal ceremony, with a fitted bodice to the waist, except there are no petticoats under the skirt, and it uses softer bridal fabrics to fall softly from the hips.

This Bridal look is a favorite of ours and many Australian wedding dress designers for its diversity of style and fit. I choose this shillotte for summer, as it’s lightweight and easy to wear in the heat—a great choice for boho outdoor, garden, or beach settings.

Leah S Designs in Melbourne designs a range of soft and traditional a-line styles such as our Divine, Desire, Margaret and Forest.

V-neck A-line bridal gowns

The vertical lines of a deep V-neckline are a strong trend this year. The bridal designers at Leah S Designs have used both traditional aline and soft aline with V-necklines for brides to try. Daphne, Delta. My favorite design is to do a lace v-neck that ties into the lace work on the bodice. It flows so beautifully, and I can’t stop doing dresses like this!

If you read my intro about body shapes and your figure shape comes into the triangle (more prominent at the top than at the hips), this is the best style mix for you if you want an aline dress. The straps will make your bosoms look amazing with the support and extra design details at the bodice.
Hopefully, this V neck style stays for a long time because I’m a big fan!

Strapless A-line bridal gowns.

Want to show off your shoulders, décolletage, and waist? Why not consider a strapless Aline wedding gown? Timeless and classic and perfect to wear with a sparkling necklace. However, if you are considering a strapless aline, you must understand that strapless designs are not for everyone. If you are a larger cup size, your dream dress will become your worst nightmare. And leave you hitching your bodice up all day (not a good look). The structural boning and cup size in the gown needs to be right for you. We add between 10 and 15 pieces of boning within our strapless dresses; how about trying on our Lottie gown for a satin strapless A-line design?

A-line wedding gowns with sleeves.

Sleeves have a real moment right now, and there are so many options to choose from that will work with an A-line dress. Sleeves only sometimes work with every skirt style, such as mermaid, and probably stiff fabrics are, ok, it’s doable. But it will be an uncomfortable day, as it will be almost impossible to lift your arms.

Popular at the moment are the removable sleeves, both long and short. These are usually made from softer bridal fabrics such as tulle or chiffon and add a dreamy romantic feel. With these, you can quickly get two bridal looks in one.

To add a long sleeve to any classic style, you will need a broader strap to help achieve movement, especially if the gown has a fitted corset top. Always check with a long sleeve bridal gown that your arm movement isn’t too restricted.

A short flowy sleeve will give your gown a pretty whimsical look while adding arm coverage. Adjust the ruffle to suit the gown design and your height. For instance, if you are a shorter bride, stay away from overwhelming long flowy sleeves as they will overtake your look.

Check out our bridal sleeve blog post for more inspiration.

Of the shoulder A-line bridal dresses.

A feminine neckline off-the-shoulder look is by far the best bridal neckline for framing the shoulders and decolletage area. This bridal design seemingly defies gravity. Floating around the bust and shoulders with no means of support.

Never fear.

There is always a fully boned corset secretly stitched into the gown. Tapered at the waist, so it doesn’t fall.

Romantic and Classic our Rita is a perfect example of off the shoulder A-line design.

The off the shoulder look can be teamed with either traditional or soft a-line looks.

Not sure if a-line is the bridal style for you? Check out our informative post on different wedding dress styles you may find the perfect style that says this is me. If you would like to come and visit our Melbourne bridal shop in person you can book an online appointment below.