Choosing a mermaid bridesmaid dress can be one of the most exciting parts of planning a wedding. Known for its graceful cuts and gorgeous flair, the ravishing wedding dress style is perfect for a bride party seeking a high level of style and elegance.
However, finding the perfect mermaid dress requires some planning and knowledge. This article will provide you with comprehensive knowledge about mermaid dresses, including how to choose the style that best suits you, advice on different body types, and popular styles.
When you hear the mermaid dress, you might think it's a dress for a mermaid, but it's not.
A mermaid dress, also known as a trumpet or fishtail dress, is a style of women's gown that is designed to closely follow the contours of the body, from the bodice to the mid-thigh or knees, and then outlines the bust to the knees. The body silhouette then flares out to the hem for a fishtail look, hence the name.
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Mermaid dresses have been around for centuries, first appearing in the late 19th century, more specifically in 1877, when fashion was transitioning from the widest to the narrowest. In the early 1880s, magazines began promoting suits with puffed sides made of canastos fabric, with a more defined waist and a tail section much like a fish's tail.
But the mermaid dress style wasn't popularized on the haute couture runway until the 1930s by a French designer named Marcel Rocha. One of the most iconic moments was when Swedish model Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn was photographed by her husband Irving Penn for the September 1950 issue of Vogue.
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Since then, the mermaid dress has become a favourite design of 50s Hollywood actresses, from Marilyn Monroe to Rita Hayworth and Dorothy Dandridge. Marilyn Monroe once wore a red velvet mermaid gown by Oleg Cassini to an awards ceremony.
The mermaid dress continued in popularity in the 1960s, with iconic couturiers such as Christian Dior and Givenchy contributing to the style's prominence, beginning to create elegant and sophisticated pieces for clients.
Afterwards, the mermaid dress started to take on a variety of interpretations in the 80s and 90s. Bold colours, chic suspenders and delicate ruffles. Now in the 21st century, mermaid dresses remain a popular choice for formal occasions such as weddings, proms, and red carpet events.
The mermaid dress has always maintained its appeal and popularity, and it still occupies an important place in modern wedding fashion.
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The mermaid-inspired bridesmaid dress is flattering. Here are some suitable body types:
We only supply certain refer-to body shapes for your convenience. You don’t need to be restricted by any body shape. As long as you wear it and feel comfortable and beautiful, then this dress is suitable for you!
In the design of mermaid dresses, there are two basic categories of styles, each of which has its unique characteristics and charms. To make you better comprehend this stylish classic, the following will introduce these essential classification types, mermaid dresses made with vertical and mermaid dresses with horizontal structural lines.
This type of mermaid gown features vertical skirt panels that gradually increase from the waist to the hem. This design makes the skirt part look like a gradually opening fishtail, hugging the wearer's legs and opening sharply at or below the knees. This is a traditional mermaid pattern, usually popular on formal occasions, solemn yet cute.
This type of mermaid gown has a horizontal structural line at or below the knee, which then flares out sharply from this point, creating the fishtail effect of the skirt. This design has a more pronounced horizontal line at the knee than a traditional vertical skirt panel, so it is sometimes called a mermaid pattern with a horizontal hem.
By constantly introducing new ideas, designers can continue to meet the ever-changing fashion needs and wedding themes. As fashion designer Christian Dior once said: Fashion is continuously changing, but style is eternal. Here is a summary of some of the eye-catching mermaid bridesmaid dress derivative styles that keep up with the trend, reflecting the diversity and ever-evolving nature of this fashion:
The variety of colours and fabrics of mermaid bridesmaid dresses offers endless ideas and options in the wedding world. Different colours and fabrics can give bridesmaid dresses a unique look and feel, and these diverse options not only allow bridesmaids to coordinate with the wedding theme but also express their style and personality.
The mermaid bridesmaid dress shows a colourful style. From classic white and beige to soft pinks, fresh blues, and sparkling gold and silver, brides can choose from a variety of colours to match the wedding mood and season. And some bold brides will even choose colourful bridesmaid dresses with a distinctive personality to make the whole wedding more unique.
If you want to buy a mermaid dress in a variety of colours and choose the right mismatched bridesmaid dress palette, check out our ChicSew bridesmaid dress shopping site where there are about 80 colours of mermaid dresses to choose from. Can meet various wedding themes.
The fabrics of mermaid bridesmaid dresses are also varied. A variety of fabrics such as lace, embroidery, silk, tulle, sequins, crystals and satin can give a gown its unique texture and texture. Lace and embroidered fabrics add romance and sophistication, while silk and satin add luxury and shine. Beads and crystal embellishments add sparkle, making the bridesmaids the centre of attention at the wedding.
If you want to shop for mermaid dresses in a variety of fabrics and choose, check out our ChicSew bridesmaid dress shopping site where there are 300+ styles of mermaid dresses to choose from, which can meet the wedding and prom in various scenes.
For any bride, the most on-trend looks will be desired not only for her but for her bridesmaids as well. We have gone with a neutral colour palette to show you our favourite looks, making them ready for any wedding’s colours, but we also feature our dresses in even more shades than what you see here!
Having a colour palette that is on trend combined with classic styles is a perfect combination for your bridesmaids. From spring to summer, to winter, to fall, we’ve handpicked some dresses to suit a wedding at any time this new year. Here are our top favourite dresses for your bridesmaids.
Our first dress pick for this article is one of our best-selling mermaid dresses in terracotta satin. It has a lovely, orange-pink hue, which fits well with a pastel or muted colour palette. The bodice has thicker straps and a sweetheart neckline, a structured bodice and skirt through the hips. The dress is given detail with the pleated panel across the side of the hips, and has a long skirt which flares out at the bottom. We couldn’t forget that every dress should move with the wearer, so we also added a slit in the front for ease of movement. Without a doubt, the vibrant ripeness of the terracotta colour is perfect for summer or autumn weddings.
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You might be a little shocked by our next dress- yes, it’s ivory! This satin dress is an unconventional option for brides looking to make their bridesmaids match them, or if the bride is not wearing a white or ivory dress, to have them stand out! This gorgeous, delicate mermaid dress has off-shoulder sleeves and a side slit. The soft shade of ivory perfectly matches the romantic heart-shaped neckline, draped sleeves, and flowing train, coming together for a striking look for your bridesmaids. It’s a lovely look for a winter, spring or summer wedding!
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For our third gown, we’ve picked one of our most elegant satin dresses. This dress in rust has a long skirt with a train that swirls out around the feet for a full formal look. The criss-cross off-shoulder sleeves add detail and balance the simplicity of the bodice and the skirt. The rust is an entrancing choice for brides looking for an unforgettable, stylish gown for their bridesmaids. The deep rust colour only adds to the allure, and would go perfectly with gold accent jewellery to complete the outfit. With its rich hue and long skirt to protect against chills, the rust makes a great autumn bridesmaid dress.
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If you’re looking for a dress that gives goddess vibes, our next pick is for you! In sage green satin, this one shoulder dress has ethereal lines, the pale colour adding to its mystique. The dress is beautiful in its simplicity, featuring a long skirt with a slit at the side for movement, and ruching along the side of the waist. Pair it with a pair of sandal heels and pearl jewellery, and your bridesmaids will walk down the aisle with confidence. It’s a great look for a spring or summer wedding, where the weather is warmer and you’ll want to keep your bridesmaids cool.
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This satin dress in rose-gold is a dreamy dress perfect for a wedding full of flowers- think Sleeping Beauty! With rose-gold being a very in-vogue colour, this dress offers an up-to-date look paired with a more classic bridesmaid dress style. The rose-gold is one-shoulder with a hip-hugging skirt and a slit in the front- but we’ve put our own unique spin on the dress to add to the romantic look. Over the satin skirt is a layer of tulle, parted at the front, that gently floats around the underskirt. With a bouquet, this rose-gold dress will be stunning at a spring wedding that’s bursting with florals.
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Our next dress in dusty sage, also a very on-trend colour, is a satin mermaid dress with a detailed, fun bodice. We wanted to spice up the classic mermaid with an interesting design on the bodice, so we added a few panels to the front, along with a sash to tie it altogether. The colour is earthy, perfect for matching the flowers and leaves in the brides’ bouquet and florals. If you’re looking for a more toned-down colour, but something that still looks delicate and breathtaking, this dress will be a great fit for your bridesmaids for summer or autumn.
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Our final dress pick for this article, the burgundy satin is sultry and bewitching, a perfect colour for a fall or winter wedding. Not only will it stand out, but it will be a great length for the cold in the air. With a full length skirt, the burgundy has pleated draping across the hips and bodice of the dress, with straps ending in a v-neck in the front and back. It’s a simple, elegant dress, with the colour being the most eye-catching. Far from understated, this dress will dazzle at your wedding.
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This bridesmaid dress exudes warmth and sophistication with its rich burnt orange hue. The one-shoulder design adds a touch of asymmetrical elegance, drawing attention to the neckline and shoulders. The mermaid silhouette hugs the body's curves from the bodice to the hips, creating a flattering and glamorous look. As the dress cascades to the floor, it flares out dramatically, evoking a sense of drama and grandeur. This style is perfect for brides who want their bridal party to make a bold and memorable statement. Whether against a backdrop of lush greenery, a beach setting, or an elegant ballroom, these burnt orange one-shoulder mermaid bridesmaid dresses are sure to add a vibrant and eye-catching element to the wedding, complementing the overall theme and creating stunning photo opportunities.
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The rich copper colour exudes warmth and sophistication, making it a standout choice for a bridal party. The V-neckline adds a touch of allure and complements various body types. The short sleeves provide just the right amount of coverage while allowing for ease of movement. The velvet fabric lends a plush and opulent texture, perfect for a formal or winter wedding. These dresses are ideal for brides who want their bridal party to exude refinement and glamour. Whether set against a candlelit backdrop or a snow-covered landscape, these copper velvet mermaid bridesmaid dresses will make a lasting impression and contribute to the overall elegance of the wedding.
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This dresses exude grace and sophistication. The soft and muted dusty blue color brings a sense of tranquility and charm to any wedding. The luxurious satin fabric provides a smooth and lustrous texture that beautifully catches the light. This creates a flattering and dramatic look that exudes confidence and style. These dresses are a perfect choice for a romantic or rustic and beach wedding, offering a combination of modern aesthetics and timeless beauty.
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These bridesmaid dresses are a captivating blend of style and cultural richness. The soft and inviting peach colour embodies warmth and joy, making it an excellent choice for a wedding celebration. The delicate spaghetti straps offer a hint of delicacy and femininity while providing essential support.
These dresses are not only fashion-forward. The combination of contemporary design and cultural influence makes these dresses a beautiful and meaningful choice for brides looking to infuse their wedding with cultural diversity and elegance.
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The Style that Flatters Your Figure: The spaghetti straps add a delicate touch to the overall style.
Wedding Color Scheme: Peach is a versatile and warm colour that can be paired with various complementary colours such as gold, coral, ivory, or sage green for a harmonious and elegant wedding colour scheme. To celebrate African influences, consider incorporating traditional prints or patterns into the decor and accessories for a culturally rich ambience.
Not only should you consider the bride's style and wedding theme, but also the comfort and confidence of your bridesmaids. When choosing mermaid bridesmaid dresses, there are some important things to consider to ensure that each bridesmaid looks stunning at your wedding. Although mermaid-style wedding dresses are very charming, they are not suitable for everyone:
If you are uncomfortable wearing it, it is best to choose another wedding dress style that is more acceptable for you. Of course, if you feel good, this mermaid dress is appropriate for you.
If you plan on doing a lot of movement at your wedding, such as dancing, running, or other physical activities, a mermaid gown with a side slit may be ideal, as it often limits your range of motion.
Make sure that the colour of the mermaid bridesmaid dress matches the colour of the bride's wedding gown, according to bridesmaid dress purchasing etiquette. The bride's choices, as well as the preferences and skin colour of the bridesmaids, should be considered when choosing colours.
Custom sizing is frequently required to guarantee that your bridesmaids' mermaid bridesmaid dresses fit. Make a point of measuring each bridesmaid's body measurements ahead of time and work with a wedding dress designer or store owner to ensure every one is the correct size.
There are so many options for bridesmaid dresses! Soft colours and charming designs for spring, vibrant, light colours and exotic designs for summer, bold, deep colours and entrancing designs for fall, and icy, sparkling colours for our winter designs. From mermaid dresses to v-necks, full-length skirts to skirts falling past the floor, and suits every wedding.
We at Chicsew are here to help you! It’s no small task to plan a wedding, and finding your dream bridesmaid dress is always easier with us. Which dress was your favourite? What will your bridesmaids be wearing?
With its dramatic flair, it may highlight the curves of the body, create the appearance of height, and make a statement. Mermaid dresses are available in a variety of styles, fabrics, and colours, so there is something for everyone.
Inspired by mysterious sea creatures, they evoke feelings of fantasy and romance. A mermaid dress can make the wearer feel like a fairy tale princess or a seductive siren.
Although the two terms are used interchangeably. There is a little difference between a mermai wedding dress and a fishtail wedding dress!
A mermaid dress is characterized by a fitted bodice that hugs the body's curves from bust to hips and then dramatically flares out from the knee down, creating a bold, trumpet-like silhouette. In contrast, a fishtail dress features a more gradual flare starting around the mid-thigh, offering a softer and flowing appearance.
Yes, the mermaid expands dramatically at the bottom, around the knees, to make it easier for you to walk. But this may take practice and adjustment. Because the fit-and-flare silhouette will limit your stride length, shorten your steps and practice before activity. When walking, consider lifting your skirt slightly to facilitate movement, and practice sitting gracefully. With practice and the right adjustments, you can confidently walk in a mermaid dress, looking elegant and poised for special occasions.
Yes, you can sit in a mermaid dress, but it's important that the hips fit the dress snugly to look good while still allowing enough room for you to move freely and sit down comfortably. Proper tailoring and adjustments are key to achieving the right balance between a flattering fit and ease of movement in a mermaid dress.
While the terms may be used interchangeably, the key distinction is in the flare. Mermaid dresses have a more dramatic and abrupt flare starting at the knee, while trumpet dresses feature a gradual and less pronounced flare from the mid-thigh. Both styles accentuate curves but offer slightly different silhouettes.
Going to the bathroom in a mermaid dress can be tricky. You may need assistance to hold the dress, find a spacious restroom stall, lift the back of the dress, and practice beforehand. A bridesmaid or friend can help manage the dress to avoid touching the floor or toilet.
Some brides consider removable trains for easier bathroom breaks. In addition, the best thing to do is to take off your wedding dress, use the bathroom, and put your wedding dress back on when you're done.
The mermaid dress cut creates horizontal and vertical lines that enhance the length of your body and make you look taller. The elongated waistline of this style will help you appear taller, while the flare at or below the knee will help balance your figure.
What's special about a mermaid dress is its dramatic and attention-grabbing silhouette. Mermaid dresses are known for showcasing the figure and emphasizing the wearer's curves, making them a popular choice for brides who want to make a bold and memorable statement on their special day. This style exudes elegance and confidence, making it a standout option in the world of wedding fashion.
A-line dresses have a fitted bodice that tapers to a flare below the waist, resembling the shape of the letter A. They have a classic, timeless look that suits all body types.
Mermaid dresses will help you achieve a unique mermaid silhouette. They fit better and showcase curves, often providing a flattering and dramatic look.