The silhouette of this model really resembles a mermaid or a fish tail, which is why it has such an interesting name. Of all the long dresses, the “Fish” wedding dress can rightfully be considered the most seductive and sexy, because it follows every curve of the female body. After reading our article, you will learn everything about this style: its advantages, who it is suitable for and what is best to combine with it.
Peculiarities
The second name of the style is “mermaid”. The newlywed in such a formal attire looks like a mythical creature. The dress sexy fits the chest, waist and hips, flaring out at the hips or knees and ending in a mermaid tail-like skirt. The length is usually floor-length.
Asymmetry is common: the skirt is short in front, but long in the back. Advantages of the style:
- emphasizes the lines of the figure and the grace of the bride;
- combines with a long veil without overloading the image;
- many girls like the combination of a tight top and a fluffy bottom.
Advantages
- It advantageously emphasizes the figure of the newlywed , making the silhouette visually perfect.
- It harmonizes wonderfully with a classic head decoration - a veil.
Advice. It's a good idea to replace the veil with a floor-length chiffon cape - this is one of the most fashionable trends. - Due to the tight skirt, which slightly restricts movement, the girl’s gait becomes more seductive , smooth and graceful.
- “Rusalka” has all the details that many brides love - a long, fluffy hem, a tight-fitting top, and a feminine look in general.
Who is it suitable for?
“Fish” is not a style for everyone, and to look perfect, you should remember a few rules:
- Tall height desirable. Due to its tight fit, the fishnet visually widens the hips, and the low waist shortens the legs. A short bride will have poor proportions;
- Slender and long legs. Otherwise, the outfit looks bulky and adds extra pounds;
- Slim stomach. The silhouette emphasizes the roundness of even a small tummy;
- The ideal type of figure is “hourglass” with a narrow waist and chest volume approximately equal to hip volume;
- The bride does not have to be thin. The dress is also suitable for a stately girl, but provided that she has harmonious proportions: tall height, beautiful breasts and no tummy;
- The model is not recommended for those with a pear or apple figure. In the first case, wide hips will stand out, in the second - a wide waist and tummy;
- A straight back and a beautiful gait. Incorrect and ungraceful posture can be corrected by products of a different cut. In a “fish”, all the shortcomings will immediately catch your eye;
- Flawless décolleté area. Since the shoulders, back and upper chest will most likely be exposed, it is necessary that the skin be free of defects: scars, inflammation, bruises. If you really want such a dress, you will need the services of a professional makeup artist to disguise the flaws.
Important! It must be taken into account that due to the tight cut there will be limited movement. The newlywed should think carefully about whether she is ready to endure inconvenience throughout the day. “Fish” is not for a wedding with an “incendiary” scenario and a rich competition program.
A little history
Many people think that mermaid or fishtail dresses are a recent invention. In fact, this style came into fashion during the time of Queen Victoria.
In the eighties of the last century, dresses that tightly fitted the figure to the knees and flared downward were worn by representatives of high society as everyday outfits. But since this style is not the most practical, over time, fishtail dresses have become evening models.
A simplified version of this style are dresses and skirts of the “godet” cut. In essence, it is a straight skirt, in which wedge inserts extend from the knee line, thanks to which the hem widens downwards.
Varieties
If the silhouette of the dress is almost identical, then the difference in the details of the cut and decoration is often huge. The skirt can start either from the middle of the thigh or above the knee.
The classic version features a one-piece skirt with wedges. Depending on the number and volume of wedges, the shape and width of the “tail” is modeled. The front part of the skirt can be solid, and the back wedges can be cut to create a lush train. Most often, the material expands from the knee. It looks very impressive, but it is not easy to move in such attire.
In the cut-off version, a skirt is sewn to the sheath dress, having the same volume on all sides. It is decorated with ruffles, draperies, frills.
The flamenco version involves a full skirt with wedges and flounces in the Spanish style. At the front there are assemblies with many tiers.
The volume of the skirt is achieved in two ways:
- many layers of tulle;
- the use of a petticoat that goes from the waist like a regular skirt, and at the intended height it expands with the help of sewn-in wire rings.
The “transformer” design is very convenient. In fact, this is the purchase of two products instead of one. The “tail” with a train is unfastened and remains a sheath dress with a length just above or below the knee. The newlywed can conduct the ceremony in full attire, and during the celebration or on the second day remain in a more comfortable version.
How to choose the right top part of the dress?
The mermaid style helps brides with the help of a wedding dress to emphasize the beautiful features of the female figure: high breasts, thin waist, beautiful hips. Ideally, you should have a 90-60-90 figure (or at least proportionate), as the dress will contour your curves like a sculpture.
The upper part of the dress is like a sheath that fits the body and accurately conveys all the lines of the figure. When trying on, please note that the outfit must fit perfectly. The sheath should be narrow enough to allow you to reduce your normal stride length. But at the same time, you must be absolutely free to sit on a chair and climb stairs. The bodice can be decorated with rhinestones, beads, sequins, fabric flowers, pearls, and ribbons. However, keep in mind: either the emphasis is on the mermaid’s chest, or on her “tail”.
Materials and colors
Wedding decorations are traditionally made from expensive materials - satin, brocade, taffeta. The “tail” is made of chiffon and translucent fabrics. Tulle is ideal. This is a lightweight material with a mesh structure. It is bulky but easy to handle. Fluffy skirts are made from it, as well as from draped satin.
A modest skirt can be made of the same material as the bodice. In this case, the waist is often emphasized with a belt.
A wedding dress is often embroidered with beads, embroidery and rhinestones. Decorations include lace and guipure inserts, as well as unexpected combinations of fabrics that give the outfit individuality.
Interesting! The traditional color of the outfit is white. Various variations are possible - ivory, cream, ivory, beige. Extravagant girls can choose fabrics of other shades. The most common outfits are red, lilac, and olive.
Fabrics
In order for a fishtail dress to fit well, it is sewn from fairly dense fabric that holds its shape well. The most common option is a satin outfit. This material drapes well, is pleasant to the body and has an attractive appearance.
In addition, taffeta or silk can be used for the dress. A lace mermaid dress looks impressive; it is usually sewn with a lining. Chiffon and other light translucent fabrics are most often used to sew a full skirt of an outfit.
Models with photos
There are many modifications of the “mermaid”, but we will tell you about the most popular among brides.
With a train
The image turns out to be especially majestic, “royal”. The train can be included in the design of the skirt or sewn above it.
Unlike straight-cut models, the train is not attached to the arm, as it looks awkward. It is usually trimmed with lace, pearls, sequins, beads, rhinestones, and embroidery.
The length of the train varies. Long suits exclusively tall girls. The newlywed will have to be very careful so that one of the guests present does not step on the train. In addition, it gets in the way when getting out of the car, and also gets dirty on the street. You need someone to help carry it while walking. A convenient option with a detachable train.
Lace
It emphasizes the gracefulness of young girls, and gives elegance to older ladies. The most common option is an outfit with straps or an open top. An open back looks sexy. You can expose it completely or choose a neckline with a heart, a triangle, or a boat. In combination with lace, you get an airy, light look.
The design is often two-layered: the base is thick fabric, and lace is on top. Usually they are used to decorate the hem or the entire wedding dress. This type of decoration looks gorgeous with a long train.
Advice! Lace fishnet wedding dresses are suitable for celebrations in vintage and retro style.
Brave brides will love the option of translucent lace. In this case, the bodice is tightly decorated with lace flowers. Outfits with a “fake” neckline are popular, when the deep neckline on the chest is draped with the finest lace or mesh.
With long sleeves
Sleeves will make the fish silhouette graceful and fragile. The image becomes more modest and serious. The dress is recommended if you are planning an autumn or winter wedding.
The length of the sleeve can be different - up to the hand, up to the elbow, three quarters. The shape is also varied - raglan, flared, flashlight. Often the sleeves are made of lace so as not to overload the image and distract attention from the “tail”.
What style?
Photos of outfits of the described style will allow you to make sure that the girl in it resembles a fairy-tale character - the Beautiful Little Mermaid. This is achieved with a complex cut: from above, the dress tightly fits the figure to the middle of the thighs or to the knees, and then expands, forming something like a “fish tail”.
Thanks to their interesting silhouette, mermaid style wedding dresses are the most feminine and beautiful models. They favorably emphasize the seductive curves of the female figure.
There are many variations of dresses with a mermaid silhouette, so the bride has the opportunity to choose the one that she likes best.
Accessories
Since the dress is self-sufficient, it should not be overloaded with many details, but accessories are still necessary to complete the look.
Bouquet and veil
The bouquet can be in traditional light colors. If you want to make a bright accent, a composition in a contrasting color , for example, red, is suitable. The main thing is that it is combined with the surroundings of the holiday. It is better to choose a cascade bouquet that flows down. It will once again emphasize the grace of the bride.
The veil is suitable for any design and length, but it is advisable to choose a lace one, especially if the dress itself is made of lace. Silk or tulle is too heavy for a lace outfit.
When choosing a veil, we follow the simple rule of harmony of contrasts: if the robe is richly decorated, then a modest veil is needed, and vice versa. Instead of a veil, you can wear a veil. It will add mystery to the look.
Shoes, belt, jewelry
Pumps or half-open sandals will go well with a mermaid tail dress. A heel is required - high or medium. Comfortable shoes with flat soles (for example, ballet shoes) will have to be put aside.
The belt emphasizes the waist and hips. However, it is recommended to wear it for those who have an impeccable figure, otherwise the belt will accentuate imperfections. Only a thin strap without additional decor is allowed.
Jewelry should not be massive, bright or too eye-catching. Gold and silver items are appropriate, as well as accessories with a marine theme, for example, a brooch in the shape of a shell or a starfish. It is advisable to wear a small elegant necklace and simple earrings made of pearls and corals. If the sleeve is short, wear a thin bracelet.
Gloves, handbag, cape
Gloves are suitable for wedding dresses with short sleeves. They will add rigor to the image. In the warm season, you should opt for transparent and translucent gloves made of lace, thin silk, chiffon, and tulle. In winter, gloves made of guipure and satin will come in handy.
A miniature clutch in the color of the robe or differing by 1-2 tones will help complement the look.
In cold weather, don’t forget about a bolero, a beautiful stole or a short fur coat.
Fashion trends
The modern rhythm of life sets trends in the fashion world, but some models of dresses for the main celebration remain unchanged for many years. Lace mermaid wedding dresses are a trend that has stood the test of time over the years.
A fish dress can be made entirely of lace or accent details can be inserted into some elements of the wedding dress.
Long sleeves in a dress are one of the few touches that can add innocence to an image.
Stylists' recommendations
Minor figure flaws can be corrected if you choose the “right” model:
- A wide waist can be narrowed by wearing a dress with a full skirt that widens from the middle of the thigh - in this case, the transition from a tight silhouette to a “tail” is not so sharp;
- If your posture is not ideal , we recommend a model with an open back, where the straps or shoulder straps will cross;
- Newlyweds with a small bust and curvy hips should focus on the neckline. Shoulders should be open. Frills and flounces are sewn onto the bodice or top to add volume;
- People who are short should choose a cut with a slightly high waist. High heels will help balance the proportions;
- Plump arms, scars, tattoos will be hidden by the sleeves;
- If the chest is lush and heavy , short sleeves or wide straps are required;
- Closed models with a lace top will visually increase the bust size .
IMPORTANT! Shapewear will help you create the perfect silhouette, tighten your tummy, and narrow your waist. It is better to choose seamless and elongated ones so that the borders are not noticeable.
When ordering tailoring or purchasing, we take into account the following nuances:
- if the choice fell on a model made of satin or brocade, you need to know that light shiny tones make you look fat ;
- It is advisable to try on products of different shades : white and ivory will suit very light skin, and beige, champagne, soft sand will suit dark skin;
- if the wedding dress is made to order, you should contact a trusted craftsman - he should be able to sew an outfit that fits perfectly to the body and does not restrict movement;
- When buying, you need to take a dress that is exactly the right size: a large fish dress will bunch up unattractively, and in a too-tight robe, the newlywed will not be able to even sit comfortably, let alone dance.
Ready-made image options
Such a robe should be worn if the image is carefully selected. Since a combination of different colors is popular, the bride is recommended to resort to a combination of additional tint colors on the dress with the colors of the accessories. The fish dress model looks great with a small handbag for the bride. Although this is not the most common accessory for a wedding dress, the handbag fits perfectly with this style.
For dresses with a neckline covered with guipure and sleeves, it is better to choose a short veil. If your shoulders are bare, you can use either a medium or long veil or a veil that covers your shoulders. This model can be paired with high gloves that cover the elbows.
If the bride cannot decide on the choice of image, for inspiration you can use ready-made classic options that can be adjusted to your taste:
- Fishtail dress + bright belt in a contrasting color to the dress (blue, red or purple) + colored shoes or sandals
- Belt color + shining tiara adorning braided hair;
- White or powder-colored off-shoulder mermaid dress + sandals or open-toed shoes + clutch with clasp clasp + medium-length veil or veil + string of pearls or necklace with light stones;
- A bright-colored outfit will be well complemented by gold-colored jewelry + a short veil + high-heeled shoes or sandals + a long-handled handbag and short lace gloves.
The “mermaid” model is common and very feminine. Not every girl decides to wear such an outfit, but some create stunning images based on it. By carefully analyzing the proportions of the body, figure, choosing the right material and color of the dress, each bride looks special!
Dress trends 2022
The mermaid is one of the leaders in the fashion shows of wedding dresses in 2017, notes the portal for stylish brides Svadbaholik.ru. So this season, seductive mermaids lead the collections of wedding dresses.
What's interesting about fish in 2022:
- Models with a train are popular;
- extravagant models in the nude style or at least with translucent skirts are in fashion;
- designers are developing transformable dresses that are comfortable for brides;
- sexy deep V bodices or split corsets.
About jewelry in detail
Skilled couturiers decorate their masterpieces in a wide variety of ways. Beads, pearls, rhinestones, sequins, lace and ruffles, small voluminous appliqués, exquisite embroidery and intricate patterns are used. Masters avoid large flowers inherent in traditional decoration of wedding dresses.
Designers pay special attention to the open area of the neck and chest. Models with a deep neckline or a corset that reveals the shoulders require additional decoration. But even here it is important not to overdo it; unnecessary details can spoil the image, making it too pretentious and heavy. A chain, pendant or an elegant but discreet necklace will perfectly complement the look. Under no circumstances should you try to complement your look with voluminous earrings, rings or bracelets.
An equally important detail is the shoes. Mermaid dresses love high heels, especially midi length models. Platforms and wedges are strictly excluded, as are massive heels. Only graceful and elegant models of shoes or sandals. You should avoid decorations such as flowers on shoes. When choosing shoes, you should give preference to laconic options.
The best makeup is a smile.
Wedding dresses do not like bright makeup, and even less so for such a delicate model as a mermaid. It is better to give preference to calm pastel colors: beige, peach, gray, soft pink. Bright lipstick is allowed.
Many girls are crazy about red lipstick, but don’t forget that it requires perfectly white teeth. The natural color of the enamel turns yellow against the background of bright red lipstick. Therefore, you should not take risks with bright lipsticks, but stick to trendy nude shades that will look no less beautiful.
Combination rules
To make the image complete, think through all its components. Exquisite earrings, a necklace and a delicate bracelet made of stones, rhinestones and precious metals will look perfect with a floor-length outfit.
Shoes and sandals should have stiletto heels and look neat and graceful. Choose shoes that match the color of your basic outfit; the height of the instep should correspond to your height: the shorter your height, the higher the heel should be.
You can put your phone and keys in a small and neat clutch bag. A delicate translucent shawl will come in handy on a cool day.
