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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.
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.
Best Halter: DB Studio Sequin Leaf-Appliqued High Neck Sheath Gown
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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.
Size Range:0-14 |Length:Floor-length |Material:Polyester organza | Fastening/Closure Type: Zipper and buttons
Best Strapless: David's Bridal Collection Pleated Chiffon Sheath Wedding Dress with Beading
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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.
Size Range:0-14 |Length:Floor-length |Material:Chiffon | Fastening/Closure Type: Zipper
Best Embroidery: Phase Eight Poppy Embroidered Wedding Dress
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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.
Size Range:2-14 |Length:Floor-length |Material:Polyester | Fastening/Closure Type: Zipper
Best Lace: Jenny Yoo Sydney
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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.
Size Range:00-32 |Length:Floor-length |Material:Cari chemical lace | Fastening/Closure Type: Zipper
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Best Budget: Watters Maverick
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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.
Size Range:0-14 |Length:Floor-length |Material:Lucios charmeuse, knit lining | Fastening/Closure Type: Zipper and tie back
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Best Off-The-Shoulder: DB Studio Crepe off-the-Shoulder Sheath Wedding Dress Style WG-4033
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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.
Size Range: 0-30W | Length: Floor-length | Material: Polyester, spandex | Fastening/Closure Type: Zipper
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Best Beaded: Adrianna Papell Nicole Wedding Dress
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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.
Size Range:0-30 |Length:Floor-length |Material:Beading and crepe | Fastening/Closure Type: Zipper
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Best for the Casual Bride: Reformation Lecce Dress
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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.
Size Range:0-12 |Length:Floor-length |Material:Viscose | Fastening/Closure Type: Buttons
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Best Flutter Sleeves: DB Studio Lace Flutter Sleeve Draped Sheath Wedding Gown
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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.
Size Range:0-14 |Length:Floor-length |Material:Nylon, spandex | Fastening/Closure Type: Zipper
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Best Cap Sleeves: Jenny by Jenny Yoo Briony Cap-Sleeve Deep-V Beaded Floral Wedding Gown
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Flowing satin gives this gown a dreamy, romantic look. A delicate metallic applique keeps it from being too simple, and we love the cap sleeves and cut-out in the back.
Size Range:0-26 |Length:Floor-length |Material:Polyester | Fastening/Closure Type: Zipper
Best for the Minimalist Bride: Katie May Bambina Gown
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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.
Size Range:S-XL |Length:Floor-length |Material:Polyester, spandex | Fastening/Closure Type: None
Best Back Detail: Adrianna Papell Off The Shoulder Wedding Dress
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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.
Size Range:0-30 |Length:Floor-length |Material:Crepe | Fastening/Closure Type: Buttons
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Best for Old School Hollywood Glamour: Jenny Yoo Marnie Dress
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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.
Size Range:00-32 |Length:Floor-length |Material:Satin | Fastening/Closure Type: Zipper
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Most Classic: Jenny Yoo Sylvanna
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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.
Size Range: 0-18 |Length:Floor-length |Material:Satin | Fastening/Closure Type: Zipper
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Best Crepe: Justin Alexander Plunging V-Neck Plus Size Crepe Fit and Flare Gown Cora PS
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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.
Size Range: Not listed, curvy | Length:Floor-length |Material:Crepe | Fastening/Closure Type: Buttons
Most Romantic: Watters Marmelade
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This gown is the definition of romantic, thanks to the blush color, the all-over lace, and the corset top.
Size Range: 0-12 |Length:Floor-length |Material:Coddington lace, stretch poly charmeuse, illusion tulle, tulle, poly lining | Fastening/Closure Type: Zipper
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Best Sequin: Katie May All a Dream Micro Sequin Gown
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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.
Size Range: XXS-XL |Length:Floor-length |Material:Polyester, nylon | Fastening/Closure Type: Side zipper
Most Traditional: Anthropologie Whispers & Echoes Milano Gown
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It doesn't get more traditionally bridal than this all-over lace and a sheath number. We also love the tiny flounce sleeves.
Size Range: 0-26 |Length:Floor-length |Material:Polyester | Fastening/Closure Type: Zipper and buttons
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Best Low Back: Galina Low-Back Soft Lace Wedding Dress
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This simple lace sheath dress features a low scoop back and a long graceful train. The form-fitting style and spaghetti straps give the dress an effortless elegance.
Size Range: 0-14 |Length:Floor-length |Material:Polyester | Fastening/Closure Type: Zipper
Best One-Shoulder: Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Gosia One-Shoulder Gown
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This stunning one-shoulder gown is simply elegant with a single floral decoration and keyhole cut-out at the shoulder. The simple sheath dress has ruching a the hip and an easy, pull-on style.
Size Range: 0-16 |Length:Floor-length |Material:Polyester | Fastening/Closure Type: None
Best Long Sleeve: Anne Barge Manhattan Crepe Long Sleeve Wedding Dress
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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.
Price at time of publication: Available upon request
Size Range: 0-24 |Length:Floor-length |Material:Stretch crepe | Fastening/Closure Type: Zipper and buttons
Most Feminine: Watters Mirall Cowl-Neck Button-Slit Satin Sheath Wedding Gown
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With flowing satin fabric and a drapy cowl neckline, this sheath gown from Watters is feminine and sophisticated. It has an asymmetrical strap style and a row of buttons at the slit that allow you to show as much or as little as you’d like.
Size Range: 0-18W |Length:Floor-length |Material:Polyester | Fastening/Closure Type: Side zipper, button slit
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Best Train: Maggie Sottero Hamilton Dress
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For a sheath dress with a dramatic style, Maggie Sottero’s Hamilton fits the bill. The beaded lace and illusion back give this dress elegance and style, and the cathedral-length train is a stunner.
Price at time of publication: Available upon request
Size Range: 0-28 |Length:Floor-length |Material:Tulle and organza | Fastening/Closure Type: Buttons
What to Look for in a Sheath Wedding Dress
Materials
Since sheath silhouettes are more fitted, you will want to look for a material that is comfortable and not too restricting. Crepe and charmeuse materials are commonly used in sheath wedding dresses. One of our favorite crepe gowns is the elegant off-the-shoulder sheath wedding dress from DB Studio. For a romantic lace gown, we adore the Watters Marmelade which is made of stretchy charmeuse.
Fit
The classic sheath dress has a fit that is close, but not too tight. You’ll want the dress to be fitted through the bodice with a straight skirt, or slightly flared skirt, at the hemline. For the bride who wants a sexier look, shop for gowns with sleek cut-outs, slits, or plunging necklines.
Embellishment
For those who want their sheath dress to look a little more dramatic, embellishment with be a key addition to the simple silhouette. Opt for pieces that feature intricate embroidery, like the Poppy Embroidered Wedding Dress from Phase 8. Or look forembellishments like beading or lace. You can have both with the Adrianna Papell Nicole Lace and Hand-Beaded Platinum Wedding Gown which features intricate lace and latticwork and all over beading.
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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.
How should a sheath wedding dress fit?
A sheath dress is made to be fitted at the bodice with either a straight or slightly flared skirt at the hem. It’s meant to have a close fit, but not a tight fit, so it’s easy to move and walk in.
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About the Author
Contributing writerJessica Boothis a freelance writer and formerly served as an editor for seven years. Her work has been featured in Bustle, Insider, Redbook, and Refinery29.
