If your idea of the perfect wedding dress is one that highlights your waist, skims over your hips, and flares out into a wider shape, then a fit-and-flare wedding dress is undoubtedly for you. This classic look is one that’s incredibly popular among brides and not just for those with a specific body type. The most significant deciding factor in choosing one is whether or not you want to accentuate your waist and then have more room on the bottom for movement in your skirt. A fit-and-flare wedding dress can be a stunning look on a range of shapes and sizes.
What Is a Fit-and-Flare Wedding Dress?
A fit-and-flare wedding dress fits more tightly around the body and flares out at the area below the hips.
Whether you’re still figuring out your bridal aesthetic or have a clear idea of your dream look, fit-and-flare wedding dresses come in just about every style and iteration you can imagine. With sleeves or without. Embellished or minimalist. With an exaggerated flare or a softer one. Traditional or modern. Budget-friendly or designer. See? Endless options!
Read on for the best fit-and-flare wedding dresses we love.
Best Overall: Maggie Sottero Adelaide
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This strapless gown will catch eyes down the aisle, thanks to the beaded lace motifs gracing sparkly tulle and illusion fabric over side hip dips. A scalloped illusion lace train really brings the dress home.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Fit: True to size | Sizing: 0-28 | Materials: Tulle, illusion lace | Shades: Ivory over nude, ivory
Best Allover Lace: Sophia Tolli Frankie
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All lace, all the time. A body-hugging gown of guipure lace boasts a matching V-neckline and deep-V back with scalloped lace trim. It’ll look good in any venue, but we can really picture it down the aisle at a romantic garden wedding.
Price at time of publish: $1,798
Fit: True to size | Sizing: 0-32 | Materials: Guipure Lace, Lace, Stretch Jersey | Shades: White, Ivory, Ivory/Champagne
Best Timeless: Olivia Bottega Jacqueline Dress
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This dress is billed as a mermaid style, but we’d argue it’s more fit-and-flare considering it flares out at the thighs rather than the knees. With a wrap off-shoulder top that forms an elegant bow in the back and a stunning train, all in a pearly sheen, she’ll stand the test of time.
Price at time of publish: $1,450
Fit: True to size | Sizing: 4-34 | Materials: N/A | Shades: Light ivory
Best Off-Shoulder: Morilee Jolie Wedding Dress
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When it comes to the off-shoulder look, we’re a sucker for a draped cap sleeve. These ones are coupled with a corset bodice of frosted embroidered lace appliqués over Chantilly lace and matching draped details for a romantic feel, mirrored in a petal-shaped crepe and lace train.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Fit: True to size | Sizing: 0-28 | Materials: Chantilly lace, crepe, tu;;e | Shades: Ivory/Porcelain, Ivory/Honey
Best Budget: Show Me Your Mumu Paris Gown
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Classic and simple, this no-frills gown is exactly what the laid-back bride ordered—and her bank account will thank her for it. A side slit and detachable sash add just enough flair without detracting from the dress’s simplicity.
Price at time of publish: $178
Fit: Runs small | Sizing: XXS-XXL | Materials: Polyester | Shades: Multiple
Best Spaghetti Straps
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This sleek fit-and-flare gown is impeccably cut, and from the front, is the epitome of minimalist style. The back, however, features a romantic design element: sheer organza panels with floral appliqué.
Price at time of publish: $2,295
Fit: True to size | Sizing: 0-24 | Materials: Organza | Shades: Silk White, Ivory
Best Halter Neck: Jason Alexander Stretch Crepe Fit and Flare Dress with Plunging Jewel Neckline Dalton
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An elongated keyhole and open back in an illusion bodice bring a dash of sexiness on top of a skirt embroidered with romantic lace appliqués, ending in a chapel train.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Fit: True to size | Sizing: upon request | Materials: Crepe, lace | Shades: Ivory/Nude
For the Traditional Bride: Paloma Blanca Lace and Trim Wedding Dress
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Traditional brides will love this classic lace fit-and-flare, which features an off-shoulder neckline, sheer bodice, and scalloped hem.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Fit: True to size | Sizing: Upon request | Materials: Lace, tulle | Shades: Natural
Most Simple: Jenny Yoo Parker Gown
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This Jenny Yoo fit-and-flare is for the bride with an understated taste, featuring angled flounce seams and a strapless scoop neckline for a contemporary look. A column of buttons that trail down to the hem provide the only accents.
Price at time of publish: $2,400
Fit: True to size | Sizing: Upon request | Materials: Crepe | Shades: Ivory, Porcelain White
Best Back: Wtoo by Watters Brooks Strapless Beaded Tulle Wedding Gown
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This gown is a showstopper, thanks to its dazzling beaded embellishments in a floral design, which cascade down the skirt and around the back. The tulle illusion fabric gives off a glam-meets-ethereal effect.
Price at time of publish: $1,895
Fit: True to size | Sizing: 00-15, 16W-32W | Materials: Tulle | Shades: Light sand
Best Asymmetrical Bodice: Amsale Adriana Wedding Dress
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When the goal is simple and stunning, you can’t go wrong with heavy crepe fabric for a stunning effect. Even better is a unique design detail, like the asymmetrically draped bodice and skirt on the fit-and-flare gown.
Price at time of publish: $3,895
Fit: True to size | Sizing: Upon request | Materials: Crepe | Shades: Ivory
Most Unique: Rime Arodaky Joni Swiss-Dot Tulle and Crepe Gown
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This simple wedding gown is proof that a plunging neckline and thigh-high split can look utterly sophisticated. The clean lines and delicate sheer sleeves are dreamy as ever and perfect for pared-back tastes.
Price at time of publish: $5,055
Fit: True to size | Sizing: FR34-FR44 | Materials: Swiss-dot tulle, crepe | Shades: White
For the Classic Bride: Justin Alexander Charmeuse Fit and Flare Gown with Scoop Neckline and Cowl Back
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Calling all classy brides—this sophisticated number is for you. Charmeuse fabric emits a luxurious look, while a cowl back, pearl-style buttons, chapel train with a godet, and sexy slit combine for pure elegance.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Fit: True to size | Sizing: Upon request| Materials: Charmeuse, satin | Shades: Ivory
Most Statement-Making: Viktor&Rolf Mariage One-Shoulder Bow Fit-and-Flare Wedding Gown
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This fit-and-flare wedding dress is perfect for a fashion-forward bride, featuring a one-shoulder silhouette with a bold satin bow that trails down the gown. Keep accessories simple and let this gown do all the talking.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Fit: True to size | Sizing: Upon request | Materials: Crepe, satin | Shades: Ivory
For a Spring Wedding: Self-Portrait Beaded Tulle Maxi Dress
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Talk about a spring awakening! Floral appliqués set against glass beads along the bodice and hem and crystal embellished straps give this wedding dress elevated vibes that will add some glam to any flower-filled outdoor wedding.
Price at time of publish: $678
Fit: True to size | Sizing: 0-10 | Materials: Tulle | Shades: White
Most Elegant: Zhivago Betsy Gown
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Chic brides will love this dramatic gown, which brings in a hint of the ‘80s with padded shoulders in an otherwise contemporary design. A plunging neckline, quilted satin trim, and long sleeves complete the look. We love how the angled seam emphasizes the flare of the skirt.
Price at time of publish: $672
Fit: True to size | Sizing: 2-10 | Materials: Polyester | Shades: White
Most Sexy: Enchanting by Mon Cheri Style Me Beautiful
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By nature, fit-and-flare dresses are already complementary to the body. If you really want to up the wow factor, look for a low neckline that enhances the decolletage, illusion lace, and a thigh-high slit. Lace appliqués that shimmer with metallic embroidery makes this gown even more seductive.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Fit: True to size | Sizing: 0-20 | Materials: Schiffli lace appliqué with metallic embroidery, tulle | Shades: Diamond White, Diamond White/Nude
For a Modern Wedding: Wtoo by Watters Savvy Strapless Back-Bow Wedding Gown
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This fit-and-flare satin gown takes on a sculptural shape that contemporary brides will adore. From the front, it’s a classic look spiced up with a deep-v neckline covered in illusion fabric. But it’s all drama in the back with a statement bow atop an impressive train.
Price at time of publish: $1,550
Fit: True to size | Sizing: 00-10, 12W-32W | Materials: Sedaris Satin | Shades: Ivory
For the Minimalist Bride: Lela Rose Bridal The Opera House Dress
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With a gorgeous off-shoulder neckline, this minimalist fit-and-flare gown is gorgeous. It’s perfect for brides who want to draw attention to their neckline and arms.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Fit: True to size | Sizing: Upon request | Materials: Silk Mikado | Shades: Soft white
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Best Long Sleeve: Vera Wang Monique
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This Vera Wang masterpiece is feminine and regal. With a corset style bodice and Chantilly lace long sleeves, she evokes old world romance. A tulle skirt creates a dreamy effect.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Fit: True to size | Sizing: Upon request| Materials: Chantilly lace, tulle | Shades: Ivory
Best Cut-Outs: Lulus Devoted to Bliss White Lace Cap Sleeve Cutout Trumpet Maxi Dress
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At first glance, this dress seems simple enough. But the art is in the details—floral eyelash lace, cap sleeves, a keyhole in the back, and playful cut-outs on the sides.
Price at time of publish: $146
Fit: True to size | Sizing: XS-XL | Materials: Cotton, nylon, polyester | Shades: White
Best Beading: ASOS EDITION Alice Beaded Placement Wedding Dress
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You’ve got to appreciate some gorgeous beading, especially at an affordable price point. From head to toe, beads and sequin embellishments take over this dress in a relatively modest take on the fit-and-flare silhouette.
Price at time of publish: $329
Fit: True to size | Sizing: 0-14 | Materials: Polyester | Shades: Ivory
Best Train: Randy Fenoli Wedding Gown Dominique
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We can’t say no to a show-stopping train. This fit-and-flare gown delivers, with a sheer lace train that starts just below the shoulders and cascades down and out several feet behind. Pair it with coordinating detachable sleeves.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Fit: True to size | Sizing: 0-30 | Materials: N/A | Shades: Ivory/Nude, All Ivory
Most Romantic: Pronovias Emilia
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Our hearts are singing over this beauty. Glittery tulle, 3D daisies, sea-of-pearl beading—what more could you ask for? Draped sleeves and a sweetheart bodice combine for a look that’s both sweet and sexy.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Fit: True to size | Sizing: 0-32 | Materials: N/A | Shades: Ivory
Best Boho: Dreamers & Lovers Willow Lace Wedding Dress
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Vintage meets boho in a fit-and-flare wedding dress that is meant for the desert or or a rustic woodland wedding. No matter your vibe, its lace fabric and diamond cut-out back will look stunning against any outdoor backdrop.
Price at time of publish: $2,658
Fit: True to size | Sizing: 2-18 | Materials: Cotton nylon lace | Shades: Off-white lace with nude, vanilla, or off-white liner
Best Strapless: Alyne by Rita Vinieris Poppy
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With floral lace and satin detailing in bodice seams and a dainty bow-belt, this strapless dress is about as sweet as a fit-and-flare silhouette can get.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Fit: True to size | Sizing: Upon request | Materials: Lace | Shades: Ivory
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Best High-Neck: Kelly Faetanini Adair
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You’ve heard of color blocking, but what about texture blocking? The Adair gown juxtaposes a high-neck lace bodice with a crepe skirt for a polished look.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Fit: True to size | Sizing: Upon request | Materials: Crepe, lace | Shades: White
Best Ruffle: InterTexWedding Mermaid Bridal Dress
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A ruffled V-neck bodice takes center stage on an otherwise minimalist gown. We also love how the train is designed to fall in a way that mimics the ruffles up top.
Price at time of publish: Starting at $630
Fit: True to size | Sizing: 0-20 | Materials: N/A | Shades: Ivory
Best for the Fashion Forward Bride: Mira Zilwinger Sonil
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We can’t get enough of the head-to-toe illusion fabric covered in floral embroidery in this stylish gown. It’s dramatic, but in a refined, understated way.
Price at time of publish: Available upon request
Fit: True to size | Sizing: Upon request | Materials: N/A | Shades: White
Meet the Expert
Lesley Brickman is a bridal concierge stylist and founder of THE ONE Gown in Los Angeles.
What to Look for in a Fit-and-Flare Wedding Dress
Fit
You’ll want to look for a fitted bodice that flares out at the area just below your hips. Try on plenty of different options—since half of the dress is form-fitting, you’ll want to make sure you feel good in it. The fabric and details can help with that.
Fabric
You’ve nailed down the silhouette you want—but what kind of fabric fits your vibe? Fit-and-flare silhouettes come in all types of fabrics, from satin and crepe to tulle and lace. Different materials or embellishments will add to the shape and feel of the gown.
Neckline and proportions
The neckline and proportions will be the final verdict of a fit-and-flare dress, says Brickman. “A strapless fit-and-flare gown with large details at the top such as bow or ruffles may not work for a bustier woman, while a heavily ruffled or large tulle flared skirt with long sleeves may not work for a petite,” she explains.
FAQ
What is a fit and flare silhouette?
A fit-and-flare wedding dress features a more fitted or tighter upper and a flared or looser bottom (hence the name). Brickman says the term can also be an umbrella for similar fitted gowns, like “mermaid” and “trumpet” silhouettes.
What is the difference between a fit-and-flare wedding dress, mermaid wedding dress, and trumpet wedding dress?
While similar, Brickman says, there are subtle differences between all three cuts in where the gown flares out. A classic fit-and-flare flares just below the hips, trumpets flare mid-thigh, and mermaids flare below the knee.
What body types work best for a fit and flare wedding dress?
If you're looking to show off your waist, backside, and curves, a fit-and-flare wedding dress is the silhouette for you! Brickman believes they work on nearly any body shape given the bride’s height, but especially well on women with an hourglass shape.
“The cut of the fit-and-flare gown helps cinch in and define the waist of an hourglass shaped woman, thus creating a beautiful silhouette that hugs you in ‘all the right places,’” she says.
“Athletic or rectangular shaped women can also benefit from a fit-and-flare, as it can add curves to narrow hips.”Curvy brides also shouldn’t count themselves out. “Don’t shy away from this style if you’re plus-sized as it can truly help give you a lovely shape and highlight those gorgeous curves,” Brickman says. “Same goes for petites—certain cuts of a fit-and-flare gown can help the eye draw a long line and thus create some added height.”
Why Trust Brides
Brides contributor Hillary Hoffower has a decade of experience writing for the wedding industry, covering everything from bridal fashion trends to wedding decor. She’s been following the bridal dress runways for years, so she knows exactly what you should wear on your big day.
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