| Antebellum |
|
| A bodice which finishes in a V shape about 2 to
2.5 inches below the Natural Waist. Similar to the Basque |
| Basque |
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| A fitted waist that forms a V beginning 2 to 3
inches below the Natural Waist. It is very common and quite flattering. It helps visually narrow both the waist and hips. Very similar to the Antebellum. |
| Bateau |
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| French for "boat," this neckline opens from one
inch of each shoulder with only a light curve. Similar to a Sabrina Neck. A variation is the Portrait Neckline. |
| Bertha Collar |
|
| A decorative collar which is attached to the neckline.
It ranges in length from 9 to 18 inches. It is often trimmed in lace. |
| Bishop Sleeve |
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| The sleeve is alternately full and gathered from
shoulder to wrist. Typically where it is gathered there will be a thin ribbon stitched. A full sleeve set into a normal armhole and gathered on a band. |
| Bustier or Strapless |
 |
| A bodice style which has no straps or sleeves.
Many religious sites do not allow them and you will need to buy a coordinating jacket for your service. Also known as a Strapless or Corset. |
| Butterfly Sleeve |
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| Very similar to a Bell Sleeve, but the ends of
the sleeves are actually connected behind the back. |
| Cap Sleeve |
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| A very short sleeve that barely covers the top
of the shoulder. |
| Corset |
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| A bodice style which has no straps or sleeves.
Many religious sites do not allow them and you will need to buy a coordinating jacket for your service. Corsets traditionally have boning and lace-up at
the back. Also known as a Bustier or Corset. |
| Décolletage |
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| A very deep, plunging neckline which reveals a
lot of cleavage. |
| Dolman Sleeve |
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| A sleeve which is full at the top and gently tapers
to closely fit the forearm. |
| Drop Waist |
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| A good waistline to help add height, this straight
waistline falls 3 to 5 inches below the Natural Waist. |
| Elizabethan Collar/Neckline |
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| A high neckline collar which may be removable.
Often flares out and is higher at the back, sloping gently and becoming more narrow to the front. It is very pretty with a square neckline. |
| Empire |
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| The Empire waistline is very high. It is set just
below the bust and falls to a slimmer, fluid skirt. It is nice on most figures, but the busty bride should avoid it. |
| Fitted Sleeve |
 |
| Available in full length (Juliet Sleeve) or 3/4,
these sleeves are fitted very close to the arm. |
| Gauntlet or Pointed Sleeve |
 |
| Long, fitted sleeves which end in a point over
the back of hand. Also referred to as a Pointed Sleeve. |
| Gibson Sleeve |
|
| A sleeve that is full from shoulder to wrist,
often with a puff at the shoulder for added fullness. |
| Gigot or Leg O'Mutton Sleeve |
 |
| A sleeve which is full at the shoulder and upper
arm and fitted at the forearm. Also known as a Leg O'Mutton Sleeve. |
| Halter |
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| A V-neck or scoop front neckline with straps which
wrap around and connect at the nape of the neck. |
| Illusion or Net |
 |
| 1.)A semi-sheer net-type fabric, Illusion is often
used for skirts and in some veils. It may also be called Net or Tulle. 2.) Any style neckline which is covered with chiffon or netting. |
| Jewel Neckline |
 |
| A high, rounded neckline at about the base of
the neck. It is especially pretty on sleeveless gowns and dresses. |
| Keyhole |
|
| This term refers to a tear-drop shaped opening
(or keyhole) below a Jewel Neckline. |
| Poet's Sleeve |
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| Very full sleeves with pleats at the upper arm,
usually tapering or fitted at forearm. |
| Portrait Neckline |
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| Similar to a Bateau or Sabrina Neck,
except this neck actually stands or flares out to form a mini collar effect. It may also be lined in a contrasting fabric. |
| Princess Waist or A-Line |
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| A dress style with a fitted bodice with gently
flares to the skirt. Almost anyone can wear it well. It is also called an A-Line. |
| Puff Sleeve |
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| As you'd expect, this sleeve features a puff at
the shoulder. It may be used with either short or long sleeves. |
| Queen Anne Neckline |
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| A neckline with a higher back and the front is
shaped like the bottom of a heart. |
| Raised Waistline |
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| A waistline designed one inch above the Natural
Waist. |
| Sabrina Neck |
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| Very similar to the Bateau, however it
starts two inches in from the shoulders for a smaller neckline. A variation is the Portrait Neckline. |
| Scoop |
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| 1.) A curved front neckline, lower than a Jewel
Neckline. 2.) A curved back neckline, may plunge. |
| Spaghetti Straps |
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| Tiny straps which go over the shoulders or wrap
behind the neck. |
| Square Neck |
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| A neckline which forms half of a square at the
front, the back or both. |
| Sweetheart Neckline |
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| Very typical bridal neckline which looks like
the bottom of a heart. It is flattering on most brides. |
| Wedding-Band Collar |
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| A very high neckline fitted around the middle
of the neck. |
