What is a mermaid dress?

A mermaid dress is fitted from the bust through the hips and then flares out around the knee.

What is the difference between a mermaid and a trumpet silhouette?

Mermaid and trumpet gowns have very similar silhouettes , so, when it comes to telling them apart, it all comes down to the skirt. With a mermaid silhouette, the flare begins at and around the knee, whereas the trumpet flare begins mid-thigh.

Are mermaid dresses flattering for all body types?

While mermaid dresses are ideal for those who love a body-hugging silhouette, they may not be ideal for those who don't want to emphasize their waist or hips.

21 Best Mermaid Style Bridesmaid Dresses of 2022

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mermaid bridesmaid — Courtesy of Show Me Your Mumu

There are many silhouettes to choose from when it comes to bridal party dresses, but if you’re looking for one that’s both figure-flattering and timeless, then mermaid-style dresses should definitely be on your radar. This form-fitting silhouette is perfect for flaunting or creating curves and comes in many iterations to suit different styles and body types.

While mermaid dresses feel especially appropriate for formal weddings, they're actually surprisingly versatile and can work for everything from casual backyard ceremonies to sun-filled destination nuptials. For black-tie weddings, floor-length gowns in classic black and navy look perfectly polished for formal affairs, while lightweight chiffon styles in neutral hues feel effortlessly chic for laidback nuptials.

Whether your tastes skew clean and classic or minimalist and modern, we've rounded up the best mermaid-style bridal party dresses that you and your bridal party will love.

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Most Classic: Amsale Emerson Mermaid Gown

This beautifully crafted gown is flattering from head to toe and features a sweetheart neckline, a belted waist, and a curve-hugging silhouette. Its soft blue hue and delicate spaghetti straps make it a winning choice for a formal summer wedding.

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Most Splurge-Worthy: Marchesa Draped Silk-Faille Gown

While this stunning gown isn’t exactly budget-friendly, it's one you’ll certainly wear long after the wedding weekend is over. Its perfectly balanced silhouette is designed with a mini train for added glamour.

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Most Sexy: Norma Kamali Low Back Slip Mermaid Fishtail Gown

This seriously sexy number is sure to please your whole bridal party and look utterly sophisticated in photos. Style it with shoulder-grazing earrings to highlight the flattering neckline.

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Most Timeless: BHLDN Crepe Maxi Dress

A woman wearing a black mermaid dress — Courtesy of BHLDN

For an utterly timeless look, opt for this gown from BHLDN. Not only does its figure-celebrating silhouette look great on everyone, but details like a halter neckline and a sexy side slit will never go out of style.

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Best Back: Dessy Collection Off-the-Shoulder Criss Cross Back Gown

This pretty pink gown hugs the body in all the right places and features a unique cut-out at the back. The off-the-shoulder neckline balances out the flared skirt, creating a flattering hourglass silhouette.

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Best Midi Dress: Markarian Floral-Embroidered Chiffon Puff Sleeve Dress

Mermaid dresses don’t have to be floor-length in order to achieve their iconic silhouette. We love this floral frock for garden or nature-inspired nuptials.

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For a Spring Wedding: Show Me Your Mumu Paris Gown

For a spring wedding, pretty pastel hues are a must. This soft blue gown is flattering on every complexion and would make the perfect addition to a lineup of mismatched dresses.

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For the Minimalists: BHLDN Crepe Dress

This sleek dress is proof that sometimes the most simple silhouettes can have the biggest impact. Striking the perfect balance between classic and sexy, this gown is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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For a Black-Tie Wedding: Galina Signature Sequin Off-the-Shoulder Plus Size

Your squad will look absolutely radiant in this shimmering gown that promises to sparkle in every photo. We love this look paired with simple accessories for a glamorous black-tie wedding.

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For City Nuptials: Reformation Mermaid Dress

Celebrate and flaunt your curves with this dreamy dress from Reformation. We can’t help but picture this style at a chic city wedding paired with sculptural accessories and barely-there makeup.

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Most Simple: DB Studio Scuba Crepe Mermaid Dress with V-Back

You can never go wrong with a classic navy gown. This simple yet elegant style is crafted from supportive and smoothing scuba crepe, and features a keyhole design at the back.

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For a Formal Wedding: Zac Zac Posen Floral Gown

If you’re throwing a formal wedding, this exquisite gown is a no-brainer. It features a burst of blue flowers and a flattering fluted hem, and would make a beautiful addition to a mismatched bridal party.

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Best Bold Color: Norma Kamali x REVOLVE Low Back Slip Mermaid Fishtail Gown

Looking for something a little different? Consider outfitting your ‘maids in this burgundy mermaid gown. Its bold hue is a striking choice for any season and can easily be worn with gold or silver accessories.

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Most Statement-Making: Oscar de la Renta Embroidered Laser-Cut Mermaid Dress

If your bridal party is picking out their own dresses, make sure to send this breath-taking gown their way. From its gorgeous full skirt to its exquisite back, this gown is truly a work of art.

The Ultimate Guide to Bridesmaid Dress Shopping

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Best Strapless: Jarlo Bandeau Overlay Maxi Dress

A strapless mermaid dress is perfect for showing off your figure and highlighting your shoulders and décolletage. We love this one in particular for its flattering draped overlay on the bodice and elongating thigh slit.

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Best Budget: Missord Asymmetrical Neck Mermaid Dress

This sophisticated gown proves that you don’t need to break the bank to look like royalty. Coming in at $50, this body-hugging number looks just as luxurious as other more expensive brands.

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Most Effortless: Lulus Green Backless Mermaid Maxi Dress

We love this more relaxed take on a mermaid silhouette for the bride-to-be who appreciates a pared-back aesthetic. This emerald-green style a gorgeous pick for a minimalist-inspired wedding.

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For a Summer Wedding: Jarlo High Neck Lace Back Maxi

In a refreshing blue hue, this mermaid dress is dying to be worn to a spring or summer wedding. Details like a lace keyhole back and cut-in shoulders sets this style apart from the rest.

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Most Unexpected: Markarian Yellow Wool Corset Midi Dress

This yellow midi dress is like a ray of sunshine and would be right at home at a destination wedding. Follow the styling lead and accessorize with a bold belt or a pair of statement-making earrings.

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Best Halter-Neck: Club L London Backless Halterneck Fishtail Maxi

Form-fitting and sexy, Club L London’s Fishtail Maxi is sure to land your bridal party tons of compliments. Style hair up to spotlight the plunging back.

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For a Destination Wedding: Johanna Ortiz One-Sleeve Floral-Print Cotton-Poplin Dress

A woman wearing a floral mermaid dress — Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

While this midi dress is definitely a loose interpretation of a mermaid silhouette, its flouncy hem and tropical pattern make it the perfect pick for a destination wedding.

FAQ

What is a mermaid dress?

A mermaid dress is fitted from the bust through the hips and then flares out around the knee.
What is the difference between a mermaid and a trumpet silhouette?

Mermaid and trumpet gowns have very similar silhouettes, so, when it comes to telling them apart, it all comes down to the skirt. With a mermaid silhouette, the flare begins at and around the knee, whereas the trumpet flare begins mid-thigh.
Are mermaid dresses flattering for all body types?

While mermaid dresses are ideal for those who love a body-hugging silhouette, they may not be ideal for those who don't want to emphasize their waist or hips.