Fishtail dresses have a billowy hem that is longer in the back than the front, with a fitted waist and bodice. They have been popular for centuries and are still popular today for formal occasions. They are flattering on a variety of body types and look best in simple, elegant fabrics.
A fishtail dress is a garment with a billowy, billowing hem that is often longer in the back than it is in the front. Some of these types of dresses have a fitted waist and bodice to exaggerate the flared hem. Although many fishtail dresses are formal wear, they also come in knee length or even a mini skirt.
This particular style of garment has been around for centuries, especially in periods during which dresses with long, flowing trains have been popular, such as the Victorian era. The fishtail gown skyrocketed in popularity as an option for women’s cocktail and formal wear in the early 20th century. It’s still popular today, especially as a throwback to Jazz Age chic.
The floor-length nature of most fishtail dresses made it a popular choice for formal occasions such as proms and weddings. Fishtail-inspired styles are also favorites among stars and luminaries for formal occasions. In fact, many red carpet dresses have fishtail features.
Fishtail dresses are a perennial favorite for formal occasions because they offer the best of both worlds from a style perspective. The fishtail hem or train offers volume, drama, and visual interest. The fitted bodice and waist of the garment is flattering on women with a wide variety of different figures and body types.
For curvier women, a well-tailored fishtail dress can accentuate the natural hourglass shape and create the illusion of graceful lines. On the other hand, a fishtail dress with a fitted waist and an exaggerated flowing hem or train can add the appearance of curves to women who are naturally slim and angular and would like to appear hourglass shaped. Although the fishtail silhouette is flattering on a wide range of body types, some women with ample curves may want to avoid this body-conscious style, especially if they are looking to minimize the focus on the waist and hips.
Not all fabrics are suitable for fishtail dresses. In most cases, fashion experts say that small-scale prints don’t work for fishtail dresses, as they compete for attention with the severe undercut of the design. A simple yet elegant satin or charmeuse fabric with texture, depth, and a hint of shimmer is often preferred for a fishtail dress style.
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