Wearing a Dress That Drags on the Floor

When finalizing the design of a gown, you will encounter a number of mind-boggling questions. What should be the length of the gown? Do you want your gown to have a train? Should the train be removable? This article will help you answer all these questions with ease without getting overwhelmed by design terms that seem like jargon. Here is all you need to know to pick the right hemline and train length for your perfect gown

Picking the Right Hemline

The hemline of a gown is the lowest edge of the gown's skirt which essentially defines the length of the gown. The right gown hemline is one that is appropriate for the occasion and the weather, but it should also tick the right boxes in terms of comfort and being flattering for your height and frame. Here is a list of some of the most popular gown hemlines along with some tips on which one will suit your needs the best

1. High-Low

A High-Low hemline is an asymmetrical hemline that is higher at the front and lower at the back. High-low skirts typically fall at the knees or right below the knees in the front and are almost floor-length at the back. This style of hemline allows the wearer to highlight their toned legs in a subtle manner with medium coverage. It is appropriate for casual and semi-formal events

2. Maxi

A gown with a Maxi hemline hits the legs just above the ankles. This hemline provides good coverage and is suitable for formal events. It can complement all body types when paired with an appropriate silhouette. A maxi hemline should be your hemline of choice if you want to flaunt a statement pair of shoes

3. Tiered

A gown with a Tiered hemline has a layered skirt, with each layer having a hemline of a different length. A tiered hemline draws attention towards the lower half of the body, and is suitable for those with a heavier bust area because it will create a balance between the torso and the skirt. This hemline is usually paired with an A-line silhouette, and offers a youthful appeal to the outfit

4. Floor

A Floor-length gown features a skirt that goes beyond the ankles and hits the floor. This hemline is your safest bet for formal occasions with a conservative dress code. It can, however, be given a modern makeover with a slit to show off your legs. A floor-length gown flatters most body types, and petite women can pair it with heels to create the illusion of a leaner and taller frame. A popular Indo-Western rendition of floor-length gowns are Anarkali gowns, which are appropriate for Indian wedding functions and festivals

These were some of the most popular hemlines, specifically for gowns. Generic information on hemlines for skirts & dresses can be found here

Styling Hacks

If you are opting for a hemline that does not cover your shoes, then make sure to pick a pair that complements your height. Shoes with straps at the ankles will take a few inches from your height while nude heels without ankle straps will make you look taller

During your fitting sessions, you must carry the shoes that you are planning to wear with your gown on D-day. The length of the hemline will need to be altered based on the height of the shoes. Here are some more tips on how to ensure that your gown hemline is perfect for your shoes

Train or No-Train

A train is an extra stretch of fabric that extends beyond the skirt and sweeps the floor as you walk, giving the gown a more dramatic and fairytale vibe. It can be an extension of the gown's skirt or can be attached separately at the waist or shoulders. While trains are synonymous with Christian wedding gowns, they can add a glamorous touch to an evening gown for a special occasion and complement reception and engagement gowns beautifully as well. There is no rule as to whether you should or should not opt for a train, and you can make a choice depending on how much of a statement you want to make with your outfit. Of course, comfort is of utmost importance, and you should choose the length and style of your train depending on how freely you wish to move about in your gown. Here are some of the train styles that you can opt for as per your requirements

Design is a constant challenge to balance comfort with luxe, the practical with the desirable

American fashion designer and the creator of DKNY clothing label

1. Sweep

A Sweep train is a short train that extends 6-10 inches beyond the skirt and adds the perfect hint of elegance to the gown without being difficult to walk in. This minimalistic train style looks particularly alluring on mermaid gowns or trumpet gowns and is ideal for outdoor weddings because of the comfort factor. You can also wear it to a pre-wedding function where you need to walk around a bit, such as a cocktail party

2. Court

A Court train is an extension of the skirt which is approximately two feet long, and adds a more dramatic effect to the gown than a sweep train without being too uncomfortable. It is the perfect trade-off between comfort and drama because it is long enough to make heads turn without the wearer having to drag along a lot of fabric. This train style can add a wow factor to a reception or engagement gown with an otherwise minimalistic design

3. Panel

A Panel train is a separate stretch of fabric that can be attached to the gown (usually at the waist) as a train. The length of the panel can be varied as per the wearer's preference, and it can either be attached permanently to the gown or can be introduced as a detachable element. Opting for a detachable panel train gives the wearer the freedom to remove the train completely after making an entrance, so that they can move about freely throughout the event. A colourful, flared out panel train can add a stunning visual effect to your Sangeet performance

4. Watteau

A Watteau train is attached at the back neckline of the dress and falls behind the wearer like a cape, extending a few feet beyond the skirt. This train style imparts an ethereal touch to the gown and is perfect for fitted bridal gowns because the wispiness of the train balances the sleek silhouette. A Watteau train can also be detachable, giving the wearer the option to remove it later for added comfort. A vibrantly hued gown with a watteau train can be a modern alternative to a lehenga with a dupatta for the contemporary bride

5. Chapel

A Chapel train extends 3.5 to 4.5 feet from the waist and extends beyond the skirt for 12-18 inches, creating a beautiful sweep without being too uncomfortable. This train style looks particularly stunning on A-line gowns and adds elegance to the movements of the gown on the dance floor, making it ideal for a Sangeet performance. It looks flattering on most body types and is, therefore, a popular choice for wedding gowns

6. Cathedral

A Cathedral train extends between 6 to 7.5 feet from the waist and is suitable for wedding gowns for a traditional indoor wedding. This train style is more appropriate for taller brides because the length of the train may drown those with a petite frame and make them look disproportionate. A cathedral train pairs well with A-line gowns as well as ball gowns

7. Monarch

The longest train style that extends up to 3 metres on the floor, the Monarch train is definitely reserved for brides who are getting married at a spacious and lavish venue. You will need assistance from your friends or flower girls to be able to walk easily down the aisle with this extravagant train but you will get some eye-catching photographs or drone shots in return. It is recommended to opt for a detachable Monarch train so that you don't find yourself fumbling with the fabric throughout the event

8. Fishtail

A Fishtail train is a train that flares out from the mid-length of a fitted skirt and extends on the floor at the back. This train can vary in length from a few inches to two feet and creates a spectacular mermaid effect. Shorter fishtail trains look phenomenal on sleek party wear gowns and can be incorporated in bridesmaids gowns to make the sisters and friends of the bride stand out from the rest

Pro*Tips

Bustling

If you are not opting for a detachable train then you may want to gather the train's fabric and button it up for the rest of the day after the ceremony. This is called "bustling". Read this article on different bustle styles you can choose from

Overskirt

Another alternative to detachable trains and bustles is an overskirt with the train attached to it. This way you can have a different style of skirt underneath the overskirt, which will allow you to switch from one look to the other in the middle of the event

As with every other element of the gown, be it the silhouette, necklines or waistlines, the length of the hemline and the train can transform the look of the outfit completely. Consult your designer to figure out the length that will suit your frame and will look stylish while being comfortable to wear. With the right planning and attention to detail, you will be able to rock the longest of trains with confidence and ease!

Read our complete Gown Guide Series

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Source: https://www.lavendertheboutique.com/blog/gown-hemlines-train-selection/

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