If you’re in the market for a new formal dress for your upcoming events, you might find yourself confronted with a ton of unfamiliar terms and silhouettes that you don’t often wear in your daily life. It can also be hard to know what shape is best for your body.
Two of the most popular and classic shapes for formal dresses are A-line and ball gown dresses. At first glance, these silhouettes seem similar, but there are some key differences that affect which one is the best choice for you. We’ll walk you through the differences between the two styles and help you make your choice.
The Differences Between A-Line and Ball Gown Dresses
While these dresses do share some similarities, they are different and give a different effect. Both styles have wider hems, making them perfect for a bit of drama. They also can come in a variety of lengths and are paired with many styles of bodice.
A-Line Dresses
An A-line dress or skirt gets its name from resembling a capital ‘A.’ The skirt is fitted at the waist and gradually flares out over the hips, getting wider as it gets longer. Typically two or more skirt panels in that ‘A’ shape will be stitched together to create the skirt.
This style of skirt is very flattering for most body shapes, giving an elegant silhouette. If your hips are wider than your waist, the flare helps make space for your curves in a way that fitted styles like pencil skirts or mermaid gowns don’t. It can also help create the illusion of an hourglass figure if your hips are narrow.
When paired with a shorter hemline, an A-line shape creates a flirty and feminine look while giving you a bit more breathing room, since it’s not as fitted below the waist. Long A-line dresses have a sophisticated look that is perfect for black-tie events.
One of our favorite lengths for an A-line dress, though, is tea-length. Tea-length dresses usually hit at about mid-calf, a great length for many occasions and a reference to vintage mid-century styles.
Ball Gown Dresses
Similar to an A-line silhouette, ball gowns are fitted at the waist and then flare out to a wider skirt. The main difference is that instead of being cut at an angle, gradually getting wider, ball gowns have all the width of the skirt gathered or pleated into the waistband. Usually, the skirt will be cut in rectangular panels rather than an ‘A’ shape.
Ball gowns can be worn by most body types, but a long ball gown can sometimes overwhelm a petite figure. They are best for pear shapes that want to highlight their small waist and have enough space for their larger hips.
Many ball gown dresses feature multiple layers to give the skirt more volume and structure. That’s why ball gowns are sometimes referred to as princess gowns. They definitely make you the star of the show with a lot of drama.
Choosing the Silhouette for Your
Both ball gowns and A-line dresses have great features, so you might be wondering what to choose for your next event. Every dress has its own character, so you have to consider the bodice, the color, and any embellishments along with the skirt shape.
A-line and ballgown shapes look great on most people, but you should also consider the length and volume of the skirt to make sure it works for you.
If you are petite, it can be easy to get swallowed by a voluminous ball gown, for example. If you’re a very curvy hourglass or pear shape, you might find that some A-line skirts don’t flare out enough at the widest point of your hips. It’s important to try on dresses in person whenever possible to check the exact fit.
Having some idea of what the terminology is around these dress shapes can really help you start to narrow down what you’re looking for.
One of our favorite designers at the moment is Sherri Hill. Their collection of formal dresses comes in a wide range of silhouettes, with cute and on-trend A-line and ball gown styles that you can try on at many retail locations.
Being an Informed Shopper
Better understanding the difference between different shapes and styles can help you to shop more efficiently. Whether you’re looking online or talking to a salesperson in a shop, knowing how to describe what style you want can really help you find what you’re looking for.
While A-line and ball gown silhouettes have some similarities, they do fit differently and have stylistic differences that can have a big effect on your outfit for your next big event.
