What is a Mermaid Dress?
If you’re looking for a dress that will accentuate your curves and make the most of your feminine figure, the mermaid dress is an ideal style for you. Mermaid dresses are designed to hug the body down to the hips, where they splay out at thigh level to create a sensual, curvy look. This dress style is always long and flares out in the shape of a fish tail, which is why it’s also called a fishtail dress. The chic, timeless silhouette of a mermaid dress makes it an ideal choice for formal evening wear, weddings, and proms.
Mermaid Dress Style
The mermaid dress gets its name from its characteristic flared-out bottom, which resembles a mermaid fin. This style is designed to accentuate the curves of the female body by hugging the waist and chest and flaring out at the bottom, creating an hourglass figure or a “mermaid silhouette.”
Fabrics
Mermaid dresses can be made with just about any fabric. It will have a soft, flowing ruffle extending from the knees if made from thinner fabric, such as satin, taffeta, or silk. If made from a thicker material, the fishtail section of the dress will naturally be stiffer. Either way, the shape of these dresses gives each one a glamorous, dramatic look.
Sleeves
Most mermaid dress styles are strapless, but there are also plenty designed in long- and short-sleeved styles. Some come with or can be paired with a short, tight-fitting, long-sleeved lace jacket (better known as a shrug). Others feature short, puffed-out sleeves for added texture and dimension.
Necklines
Mermaid dresses can also be made with just about any neckline style. They come in everything from square and V-neck to halter and sweetheart necklines. However, this type of dress's most common neckline style is the sweetheart neckline, which has a slight dip in the missile to resemble the top of a heart.
History of the Mermaid Dress
Mermaid gowns made their first appearance in the fashion world in 1877. During this time, the style of the day was in the midst of transitioning from maximum width to maximum narrowness. The trends featured corsets called corset coraza, which extended down to embrace the hips and back of the legs. In the early 1880s, magazines started promoting a new type of suit that played off the silhouette created by the corset coraza. These suits featured puffed flanks with a marked silhouette at the waist and a tail that resembled a fishtail.
In 1930, a noted designer of the time named Marcel Rochas designed and popularized the first mermaid gown, which was showcased on haute couture catwalks. The September 1950 issue of Vogue featured one of the most iconic photos of the mermaid dress, donned by a Swedish model named Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn. That moment skyrocketed the popularity of the mermaid silhouette, and everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Rita Hayworth adopted it as a favorite.
Fast-forward seven decades, and the mermaid dress is still one of the top choices among women. Never losing its elegant appeal, the design is generally a number-one choice for special events, red carpets, parties, and weddings.
Why Choose a Mermaid Dress?
Elegance, class, and timeless appeal are just a few reasons to choose a mermaid dress for your next special event. Here are some more characteristics that make this silhouette so popular.
Accentuates Natural Curves
Unlike A-line dresses and ball gowns, mermaid dresses hug the chest and waist with the fitted style extending down to the knees. This style creates an exaggerated hourglass figure with tapering, rouching, and fitted necklines that complement the bust as well.
Flattering on Many Body Types
While some critics may argue that this silhouette isn’t for everyone, most would agree that mermaid gowns are flattering for every body type. What’s important is to find the perfect fit and work out other details to suit your body type.
Curvy women can showcase their curves by choosing designs that aren’t too clingy, while straighter body types can play with the proportions of the skirt and neckline to create an hourglass effect.
While dresses with full skirts can overwhelm petite body types, mermaid dresses are ideal because the longer bodice creates the illusion of a long body. Choose one with a slim skirt to maximize the look of length.
Tall, thin body types are also well-suited to the mermaid style. Since it’s fitted at the waist and flares out at the knee, it also adds a curvy look to lean and athletic body types.
Modern and Stylish
Mermaid gowns have a timeless, Old Hollywood charm. While the silhouette is historical, these dresses are always modern and stylish. They can be dressed up or played down. Choose a mermaid dress to ensure you’ll make a significant impact in any event you attend.
Provides a Unique and Memorable Look
Whether you’re getting married, attending a wedding, going to a gala, or planning another special event, you undoubtedly want to make an impact on the room when you make your grand entrance. Mermaid gowns are the epitome of elegance and provide the unique, memorable look you need to make that impact.
Mermaid dresses are unique in that they’re timeless, designed with a hint of classical A-line style, and more sensual than boho chic dresses. This style of silhouette enhances a woman’s figure and essence simultaneously, bringing out the best in every woman who wears it.
Versatile
While the silhouette remains the same, mermaid gowns come in all styles. While it’s a fundamentally sensual look, you can find these dresses made in every style, from super-sexy open-back designs with rhinestone detailing to romantic designs with pretty floral lace detailing, delicate and feminine designs with tulle details and heart necklines, or sophisticated boho designs with crepe and detailing.
If you have a special occasion coming up or a classy event to attend, look for a sensual, elegant, and timeless mermaid gown to enhance your femininity and bring out the best of your body, no matter the type.
Find the perfect mermaid dress for your next event at NYD. With thousands of dresses to choose from by dozens of today’s hottest designers, you’re sure to find a dress in our inventory that suits your personal style.
