What is a sheath wedding dress?

A sheath wedding dress features a skirt that falls straight and is a gown that tends to be more fitted to your body type. They show off your curves while having a more simple, minimalist design.

Who should wear a sheath wedding dress?

Of course, anyone can wear a sheath dress! If you're a bride who wants something more minimalist, modern, and shapely, then this style is a great choice.

How do I style a sheath wedding dress?

If you're looking for a clean bridal look, you really don't have to do anything to a sheath wedding dress. You can keep them unadorned and they will still look elegant. However, if you want to add some enhancements, a beaded or lace belt can nip in the waist for a standout silhouette. You can also add on jewelry for some extra sparkle and really play around with beautiful footwear.

26 Best Sheath Wedding Dresses of 2023

brides holding bouquet of flowers in long sleeve wedding gown — Photo by Alanna Hogan Photography

While unique, modern, and trendy wedding gowns can be fun, there's something to be said for a more classic look. For brides who want to go for the traditional rather than the unexpected, sheath wedding dresses are the perfect pick. This style offers a beautifully tailored silhouette, with a fitted look that also allows for some movement; the result being a glamorous frock that shows off your curves, while also embodying a minimalist but elegant feel.

What differentiates a sheath dress from other styles is that it's fitted through the bodice with a skirt that falls straight. Some sheath numbers have skirts that flare just a bit below the knee, but it is the straight skirt that really distinguishes them from a mermaid or fit-and-flare gown.

A Guide to Every Wedding Dress Silhouette

This style is also perfect for the bride who isn't into ballgowns, but still wants something that feels classic and timeless. And luckily, there are plenty of options out there, as this is a popular silhouette that will forever be a bridal fashion top pick.

Ready to shop for your favorite styles? Scroll on to find the best sheath wedding dresses that will certainly offer a classic bridal look.

Best Halter: DB Studio Sequin Leaf-Appliqued High Neck Sheath Gown

white floral halter sheath gown — Courtesy of David's Bridal

Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester organza

A high halter neckline is what makes this David's Bridal number unique. The gown is covered in a leafy sequin applique that gives off a touch of sparkle and a beautiful texture.

Best Beaded: BHLDN Sanders Dress

Size Range: 0-18 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester

The intricate beading all over this gown provides a vintage feel, and it would look beautiful for a '20s-inspired celebration.

Best Strapless: David's Bridal Collection Pleated Chiffon Sheath Wedding Dress with Beading

strapless sheath dress — Courtesy of David's Bridal

Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Chiffon

This empire waist sheath dress has a lighter and airer skirt than many of the other options. The pleated chiffon gives it a more delicate look, and we love the shimmering detail on the bodice.

Best One-Shoulder: ML Monique Lhuillier Lionel One-Shoulder Dress

Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester

This ivory gown makes for a very regal look, thanks to an oversized bow on the shoulder and a high slit. It's sleek and sophisticated, and the bow adds a feminine touch.

Best Embroidery: Phase Eight Poppy Embroidered Wedding Dress

embroidered lace gown — Courtesy of Phase Eight

Size Range: 2-14 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester

The intricate floral embroidering on this gown is so beautifully detailed that it will leave everyone in awe. We also love the halter neck and belt accent, and this is a great pick for someone who wants some sleeves.

Best Lace: Jenny Yoo Sydney Gown

Size Range: 00-32 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Cari chemical lace

This floral lace gown is gorgeous to look at and would be lovely for a spring wedding. Thin straps and a sheer panel on the back show just a bit of skin, while a hidden flounce in the skirt offers some really nice movement.

Best Budget: Watters Maverick Gown

Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Lucios charmeuse, knit lining

At just $500, this Watters gown is a great option for a bride trying to stick to a budget. The flouncy sleeves and flowy skirt give off a chic boho vibe, perfect for brides looking for a more casual look.

Best Off-The-Shoulder: DB Studio Crepe Off-Shoulder Sheath Wedding Dress

off the shoulder wedding gown — Courtesy of David's Bridal

Size Range: 16-30 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester, spandex

You can never go wrong with the form-fitting crepe and beautiful draping on this stunning, but otherwise simple, dress. The off-the-shoulder neckline gives it an air of elegance as well.

Best Cap Sleeves: Cassi Namoda X J.Crew Limited-Edition Wedding Dress

cap sleeve wedding dress — Courtesy of J.Crew

Size Range: 00-16 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Silk, ramie

This ethereal gown comes from a limited-edition capsule collection between Cassi Namoda and J.Crew, so snagging it is a must. Capped sleeves, a plunging neckline, and a gathered bowtie waist are all beautiful touches.

Best Slit: Reformation Melita Dress

Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Viscose

For those who want to show just a little skin, a high slit is an option that looks sexy without feeling over the top. This simple and lightweight gown is a perfect choice for a summer wedding.

Most Statement-Making: Adriana Papell Nicole Lace and Hand-Beaded Platinum Wedding Gown

lace and beaded wedding gown — Courtesy of Adriana Papell

Size Range: 0-30 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Beading and crepe

There is nothing minimalist about this gown, which features delicate all-over hand-beading, an illusion neck and back, a sheer waistband, and interesting lace.

Best for the Casual Bride: Reformation Lecce Dress

white floor length gown — Courtesy of Reformation

Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Viscoe

This gown is made from a lightweight, crepe-like fabric, and has a formfitting silhouette with a skirt that flows just enough. Simple and on the more casual side, the scoop back and bustier top keep it bridal.

Best Flutter Sleeves: DB Studio Lace Flutter Sleeve Draped Sheath Wedding Gown

Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Nylon, spandex

All-over lace, delicate flutter sleeves, and gathering at the waist make this dress appear light and feminine. While it's sometimes hard to find wedding dresses with sleeves, this is a beautiful example and it comes at a budget-friendly price point.

Best Satin: Jenny by Jenny Yoo Briony Gown

Size Range: 0-26 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester

Flowing satin gives this gown a dreamy, romantic look. A delicate metallic applique keeps it from being too simple, and we love the cut-out in the back.

Most Chic: BHLDN Ludlow Gown

Size Range: 00-16 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester

This beautiful ivory gown is covered in an intricate lace detail. The high neck and cap sleeves make it so chic, and the scalloped edges are a lovely touch.

Best for the Minimalist Bride: Katie May Sheath Gown

Size Range: S-XL | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester, spandex

While not technically a wedding gown, this is a great budget-friendly option that is ideal for the minimalist bride. Thin straps and a deep V-neck, in both the front and back, make this very flattering.

Best Back Detail: Adriana Papell Fluted Off The Shoulder Wedding Gown

back of a wedding gown — Courtesy of Adriana Papell

Size Range: 0-30 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Crepe

From the front, this looks like your standard off-the-shoulder crepe gown, but from the back, it's much more fun. A Chantilly lace insert paired with a modern bow tie keeps this gown on the unique side.

Best for Old School Hollywood Glamour: Jenny Yoo Marnie Dress

white sheath wedding gown — Courtesy of Jenny Yoo

Size Range: 00-32 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Satin

There's something effortlessly glamorous about this simple satin gown. The pin-thin straps, scoop V-neckline, and open back make it equal parts sexy and elegant.

Most Feminine: Watters Bennett Gown

illusion neck gown — Courtesy of Watters

Size Range: 10-12 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Crepe, uncorded Venna lace, illusion tulle

Panels of delicate Venna lace and a creamy ivory crepe shade give this dress the most dreamy feel. We love the flutter sleeves and the large buttons down the back.

Most Classic: Jenny Yoo Sylvanna

Size Range: 0-18 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Satin

What could be more timeless and classic than a simple white satin gown for a wedding dress? This one doesn't need all of the bells and whistles thanks to a sophisticated cowl neck and a beautiful silhouette.

Best Crepe: Justin Alexander Cora PS Dress

Length: Floor-length | Material: Crepe

This crepe gown is anything but boring, especially if paired with the optional chiffon cape. Perfectly placed hand-beaded appliques add a touch of sparkle, as well.

Best Floral: BHLDN Brigitta Gown

Size Range: 0-26 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester

This embroidered tulle gown was inspired by the look of pressed flowers, and is full of texture and dimension. It's a beautiful dress with the addition of a lovely train.

Most Romantic: By Watters Marmelade

white lace wedding gown sheath — Courtesy of Watters

Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Coddington lace, stretch poly charmeuse, illusion tulle, tulle, poly lining

This gown is the definition of romantic, thanks to the blush color, the all-over lace, and the corset top.

Best Sequin: Katie May All A Dream Micro Sequin Gown

Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester, nylon

All-over sequins give this dress a glamorous and luxe feel with just the right amount of sparkle. A cowl neck and back, which plunges deep, shows a little bit of skin.

Best Long Sleeve: Anne Barge Manhattan

long sleeve wedding gown — Courtesy of Anne Barge

Size Range: 0-24 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Stretch crepe

If you're getting married in the winter, this comfortable stretch crepe gown will be a stunner. A high neck keeps the front conservative, but the back features a gorgeous draped cowl silhouette and oversized buttons that make for excellent details.

Most Traditional: Whispers & Echoes Milano Gown

Size Range: 0-26 | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester

It doesn't get more traditionally bridal than this all-over lace and a sheath number. We also love the tiny flounce sleeves.

What to Look for in a Sheath Wedding Dress

Sheath wedding dresses are a classic and traditional style, ideal for the bride who wants to keep things simple but chic. If you are looking for a full ballgown skirt that evokes a princess feel, then a sheath wedding dress isn't for you. Also, since these silhouettes are more fitted, you will want to look for a material that is comfortable and not too restricting.

For those who want their look to be a little more dramatic, opt for pieces that feature embellishments like beading or lace. For the bride who wants a sexier look, shop for gowns with sleek cut-outs, slits, or plunging necklines.

FAQ

What is a sheath wedding dress?

A sheath wedding dress features a skirt that falls straight and is a gown that tends to be more fitted to your body type. They show off your curves while having a more simple, minimalist design.
Who should wear a sheath wedding dress?

Of course, anyone can wear a sheath dress! If you're a bride who wants something more minimalist, modern, and shapely, then this style is a great choice.
How do I style a sheath wedding dress?

If you're looking for a clean bridal look, you really don't have to do anything to a sheath wedding dress. You can keep them unadorned and they will still look elegant. However, if you want to add some enhancements, a beaded or lace belt can nip in the waist for a standout silhouette. You can also add on jewelry for some extra sparkle and really play around with beautiful footwear.

The 20 Best Simple Wedding Dresses of 2023

About the Author

Contributing writer Jessica Booth is a freelance writer and formerly served as an editor for seven years. Her work has been featured in Bustle, Insider, Redbook, and Refinery29.