What is the difference between a fit and flare wedding dress and a mermaid wedding dress?

While both silhouettes are fairly similar, traditionally a fit and flare dress expands just past the hips and a mermaid dress flares right 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!

19 Most Flattering Fit-and-Flare Wedding Dresses of 2022

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 is stunning on anyone!

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, 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!

So, without further ado, scroll below for gorgeous fit-and-flare wedding dresses we love.

Best Allover Lace: Jenny by Jenny Yoo Cap Sleeves Gown

Though the silhouette and cap sleeves are timeless, we love the modern effect of this dress’s plunging neckline. The open back makes it even better!

Most Timeless:Alex Perry Laura Strapless Crepe Gown

Alex Perry Laura Strapless Crepe Gown $2,900

Sleek and minimal, this strapless wedding gown is impeccably cut. With boning in the bodice for shaping and support, it beautifully frames the upper body while flowing smoothly over your lower half.

Best Off-Shoulder: David’s Bridal Collection Tulle Floral Plus Size Wedding Dress

David’s Bridal Collection Tulle Floral Off-Shoulder Plus Size Wedding Dress $374.50, was $749

We love the romantic feel of this fit-and-flare wedding dress. The pretty tulle and floral embroidery are classic features that feel modern in this combination.

Best Budget: ASOS EDITION Lace Cami Wedding Dress

ASOS EDITION Lace Cami Wedding Dress $190

Simple but with a traditional feel to it, this spaghetti strap, lace slip dress is fit for a beach or bohemian bride. We can just picture a flower crown topping this gown off.

Price at time of publish: $225

Best Spaghetti Strap: Nouvelle Amsale Millie Wedding Dress

Nouvelle Amsale Millie Wedding Dress $2,295

This sleek git-and-flare gown is impeccably cut, and from the front, is the epitome of minimalist. The back, however, features a romantic design element: sheer organza panels with floral applique.

Price at time of publish: $2,295

Best Halter-Neck: White by Vera Wang Illusion Waist Halter Dress

White by Vera Wang Illusion Waist Halter Dress $299, was $598

For the bride unabashed by a chic reveal of skin, this illusion waistline gown is stunning. It’s cute from a stretch crepe that comfortably skims over the figure for a flattering look that’s not at all restricting.

For the Traditional Bride: Jenny Packham Venus Off-The-Shoulder Tulle and Cady Gown

Jenny Packham Venus Off-The-Shoulder Tulle and Cady Gown $3,775

We love this fit-and-flare gown for the traditional bride craving a sleek and romantic look. The wispy tulle sleeves set this dress apart.

Most Simple: Halfpenny London Dion Stretch-Duchesse Satin Gown

This slinky slip gown is simple yet striking. We love the lustrous effect of the material as much as we do the sexy cut-outs and pin-thin straps.

Price at time of publish: $2,365

Best Back: Whistles Maria Halter Wedding Dress

halter neck dress — Courtesy of Whistles

A hybrid of Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton’s wedding gowns, this halter-neck lace design is sleek and sophisticated. We can picture it on a coastal bride with bare feet and some Baby's breath.

Price at time of publish: $1,199

Best Asymmetrical Bodice: Amsale Adriana Wedding Dress

When the goal is simple, 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

Most Unique: Rime Arodaky Swiss-Dot Tulle and Crepe Gown

sheer sleeves dress — Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

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 for pared-back tastes.

Price at time of publish: $5,055

For the Classic Bride: David's Bridal Collection Off-Shoulder Button Back Plus Size Wedding Dress

David's Bridal Collection Off-Shoulder Button Back Plus Size Wedding Dress $399.20, was $499

Riffing off Meghan Markle’s Givenchy wedding dress, this affordable style features a similar neckline and minimal design. We love it with a delicate pair of earrings so as not to distract from the stunning open neck.

Most Statement-Making: Viktor&Rolf Mariage One-Shoulder Bow Fit-and-Flare Wedding Gown

Viktor&Rolf Mariage One-Shoulder Bow Fit-and-Flare Wedding Gown, price upon request

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.

For a Spring Wedding: Self-Portrait Tiered Floral-Embroidered Tulle Gown

We love this fresh take on lace in a simplified silhouette to appeal to aesthetics from traditional to modern. Following the styling lead and pair with a statement clutch and simple shoes.

Price at time of publish: $630

Most Elegant: Safiyaa Crepe Gown

If you need a more conservative wedding dress but don’t want to sacrifice on style, look no further than this fit-and-flare design. Short sleeves and a V-shaped neckline make up the sophisticated upper half while covered buttons and a not-too-slim body-skimming fit make up the lower portion.

Most Sexy: Rat & Boa Ruffled Dress

For a sexy fit-and-flare wedding dress, this fitted style will showcase your curves. Crafted from leopard-devoré, this body-hugging style is at once flattering and whimsical.

Price at time of publish: $284

For a Modern Wedding: Alex Perry Strapless Satin-Crepe Gown

strapless dress — Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

This bright white dress is a striking wedding gown for minimalist takes. The folded neckline feels super unique and with a small train for just enough drama.

Price at time of publish: $2,700

For the Minimalist Bride: Lela Rose Bridal The Opera House Dress

Lela Rose Bridal The Opera House Dress, price upon request

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.

Most Sleek: Lulus One-Shoulder Maxi Dress

Architectural and sleek, this fit-and-flare wedding dress is fit for a contemporary bride. A simple neckline finished with a bow gives this modern design a timeless feel.

Price at time of publish: $89

FAQ

What is a fit and flare silhouette?

A fit-and-flare wedding dress fits more tightly around the body and flares out at the area below the hips.
What is the difference between a fit and flare wedding dress and a mermaid wedding dress?

While both silhouettes are fairly similar, traditionally a fit and flare dress expands just past the hips and a mermaid dress flares right 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!