What is a mermaid dress?

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

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 or below 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.

13 Best Mermaid Style Bridesmaid Dresses of 2023

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, while lightweight styles in neutral hues feel effortlessly chic for laidback nuptials. No matter your bridal aesthetic or wedding's formality, there are certainly more than a few to choose from. A few of our favorite places to shop these form-fitting stunners include, REVOLVE, Azazie, Show Me Your Mumu, Net-A-Porter, and BHLDN.

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

Our Top Picks

Most Classic:

Amsale Emerson Dress at Amsale.com

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For a Black-Tie Wedding:

Azazie Leela Velvet Dress at Azazie.com

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Best Back:

Dessy Group Off-the-Shoulder Criss Cross Back Gown at Nordstrom

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Most Sexy:

Norma Kamali Low Back Slip Mermaid Fishtail Gown at Revolve

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For a Spring Wedding:

Show Me Your Mumu Chicago High Neck Gown at Showmeyourmumu.com

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Most Effortless:

Lulus Forest Green Backless Mermaid Maxi Dress at Lulus

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For City Nuptials:

Reformation Antoine Dress at Reformation

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Most Bold Color:

LIKELY Prina Gown at Revolve

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For a Summer Wedding:

Jarlo High Neck Lace Back Maxi Dress at Asos

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Best Off-the-Shoulder Neckline:

Azazie Nicolina Dress at Azazie.com

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Courtesy of Amsale

View On Amsale.com

Size range: 00-32 | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free shipping on orders exceeding $75 | Return policy: Final sale

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.

Price at time of publish: $290

Azazie Leela Velvet Mermaid Bridesmaid Dress

Courtesy of Azazie

View On Azazie.com

Size range: A0-A30 (custom sizes available | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of purchase for standard sizes

This classic, streamline silhouette is paired with the most romantic lace bodice and velvet skirt. The strapless, sweetheart neckline is ideal for framing the décolletage. Plus, this timeless beauty is available in a variety of color ways to accommodate all types of weddings.

Price at time of publish: $109

Courtesy of Verishop

View On Nordstrom View On Verishop.com

Size range: 0-18W | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free shipping on orders exceeding $35 | Return policy: Free returns accepted within guidelines

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.

Price at time of publish: $257

Norma Kamali Low Back Slip Mermaid Fishtail Bridesmaid Gown

Courtesy of REVOLVE

View On Revolve View On Neiman Marcus View On Saks Fifth Avenue

Size range: XXS-XL | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 60 days of purchase

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.

Price at time of publish: $350

Show Me Your Mumu Chicago High Neck Gown

Courtesy of Show Me Your Mumu

View On Showmeyourmumu.com

Size range: XXS-XXL | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of delivery

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.

Price at time of publish: $198

Lulus

View On Lulus

Size range: XXS-XL | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free standard shipping on orders exceeding $50 | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of delivery

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.

Price at time of publish: $89

Reformation Antoine Mermaid Bridesmaid Dress

Courtesy of Reformation

View On Reformation

Size range: 0-24 | Length: Midi | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of delivery

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.

Courtesy of REVOLVE

View On Revolve View On Saks Fifth Avenue

Size range: 00-12 | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 60 days of purchase

There's simply nothing quite like a fiery red hue to make a statement. We're obsessed with this striking silhouette paired with its one-shoulder neckline and tiered skirt.

Price at time of publish: $438

Jarlo High Neck Lace Back Maxi Mermaid Bridesmaid Dress

Courtesy of ASOS

View On Asos

Size range: 2-12 | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within guidelines

In a refreshing light 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.

Price at time of publish: $190

Azazie Nicolina Mermaid Bridesmaid Dress

Courtesy of Azazie

View On Azazie.com

Size range: A0-A30 (custom sizes available) | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of purchase for standard sizes

Delicately romantic, the off-the-shoulder neckline of the Nicolina gown is beyond beautiful. Available in a variety of colors, this dusty lavender is perfect for a spring or summer affair.

Price at time of publish: $99

Norma Kamali x REVOLVE Low Back Slip Mermaid Fishtail Bridesmaid Gown

Courtesy of REVOLVE

View On Revolve

Size range: XXS-XL | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 60 days of purchase

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

Price at time of publish: $350

Anthropologie

View On Bhldn

Size range: 0-26W | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of delivery

The Serephina gown's sophisticated high neckline beautifully balances the striking slit adorning the skirt. Plus, take a look at that back! This stunner is available in a variety of colors including black, cocoa plum, dusty rose, forest, and moss.

Price at time of publish: $220

Norma Kamali Sequin Mermaid Fishtail Bridesmaid Gown

Courtesy of REVOLVE

View On Revolve

Size range: XXS-XXL | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 60 days of purchase

Your bridesmaids will shimmer the night away in this head-turning sequin gown. Ideal for New Year's Eve nuptials, we love the metallic pop this dress undoubtedly makes.

Price at time of publish: $550

What to Look for in Mermaid Bridesmaid Dresses

It's simple, really! It all comes down to selecting a dress—or an array of dresses—that elevate the look of your wedding and your gals will love. Most importantly, be mindful of the fit. Ensure that your entire bridal party feels comfortable and confident in a mermaid silhouette. The best way to find this out? Try it out! You'll want every person in your squad to try on a few different looks before committing to just one. With that being said, the fabric is especially important to consider. Materials such as crepe and satin have a smooth and minimalist appearance. However, crepe tends to be thinner while satin will offer much more structure. On the other hand, fabrics like linen and chiffon will provide a little more give. Materials such as these are ideal for nuptials taking place in warmer weather. They also appear a little less form fitting. Last but certainly not least, don't forget to consider undergarments. The right bra, shape wear, cups, or even boning can truly do wonders! Prioritizing what is worn underneath will surely enhance your bridal party's entire look and confidence on the big day.

FAQ

What is a mermaid dress?

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

Why Trust Us / About the Author

Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former Brides editor and a current contributing author. She earned her degree in Media and Society from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. With over seven years of professional experience in the fashion industry and five years of experience in bridal, she is an expert on all things bridal fashion.