Certain words useful in the world of fashion and style.
Halter – Straps go around to back of neck
Off-the-Shoulder – Gown sits just below shoulder line and is held up by bodice
Portrait – Wide scoop that sits just on shoulder bone
Scoop – Wide “U” shape
Spaghetti Straps – Thin straps that go over shoulders
Square – Self explanatory
Strapless – No straps, gown is kept up by bodice
Sweetheart – Heart shaped
T-Shirt or Jewel – Round like a T-shirt
V-Neck – Shaped like a “V”
Fabrics
Brocade – Heavy material with a pattern
Batiste – Semi-transparent fabric
Chiffon – Lightweight, flowing sheer fabric
Damask – Medium weight patterned fabric
Crepe – Lightweight porous-like fabric
Duchess Satin – Hybrid of silk and polyester
Dupioni – Thick coarse looking silk
Gazar – Criss cross weaved fabric,linen-like
Organdy – Stiffer transparent fabric
Illusion – Semi-transparent fabric similar to organza
Organza – Sheer fabric similar to tulle but more tightly woven
Polyester – Man made fabric often blended with silks or made to mimic a certain type of fabric
Rayon – Similar to polyester but more elastic
Shantung – Rough textured fabric with lines and “nubs”. Comes in Silk or Polyester
Satin – Smooth textured fabric very common in wedding gowns. Comes in Silk or Polyester
Silk – A soft and fine fabric that comes in a variety of finishes such as shantung or satin
Silk Mikado – A type of blended silk that is heavier than regular silk
Taffeta – Crisp, rustling fabric
Tulle – Stiff netting similar to organza but stiffer and coarser
Silhouttes
2Piece – Separate skirt and top. This may apply to any of the silhoutees below
A-line – Fitted bodice with slight flare starting at the waist or higher and going to the floor
Ball Gown – Traditional full skirt and fitted bodice
Mermaid – Sheath gown to the knees and then a flare out
Sheath – Tube shaped gown following the contours of the body
Waistlines
Basque – Waistline dips below natural waist forming a “V” in the center
Dropped – Waistline dips below natural waistline and sits more on hips
Empire – High waistline just under bust
None – Many gowns especially a-lines have no defined waist