HAIL TO THE SHEATH
Today's post is about one silhouette that's on fire right now--the sheath or evening gown silhouette. The style is long and columnar like a cylinder and can vary with waistlines and skirt features that are usually as snug up top as on bottom. The sheath can work for the bride who wants a stylish, simple presence as well as one who wants to make a more powerful statement with her veil or accents of laces and a train added. This is an ideal gown if you’re short and slim. The unbroken columnar line creates height. Although, it’s also great for tall, thin, physically fit brides as well. If you’re statuesque or prone to heaviness, look toward more flattering A-lines.
Chemise or Shift-Relaxed version of the sheath. Falls in a straight line usually cut on the grain of the fabric. The waistline if any, is loosely fitted and fits low on the hips a la 1920s style.
Fitted Shell-Think of enchanting Nancy Kwan in The World of Suzie Wong, sporting her Mandarin collared Shell and you’ve got the lines right. In fact, a floor-length Mandarin shell in ivory brocade would be an excellent choice for the bride who wants to add an exotic aspect to her look. The shell was also popularized by Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn circa 1960s. Check out Audrey’s celebrated black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s only think white.
The Mermaid-Like the legendary creature herself, this silhouette is half and half: half sheath, half ball gown. Fitted long and snug to the knees then POW! Either a full flared skirt or tiers of ruffles complete the look, sometimes falling into (no pun intended) a fishtail train in back. Big glam look in the 1950s in heavier, highly polished satins. Bombshells like Jane Mansfield donned some high voltage, kitschy-chic with this cut.
