Mermaid Style Evening Gowns

Mermaid style evening gowns are one way to play up your gorgeous curves when you have a formal event to attend. You may see these referred to as fishtail or trumpet styles, as well, but they all have the fitted shape that flares out at the bottom. If you see something you like in the following slides, click on the 'More Details' button to find shopping information.

This Alfred Sung Dupioni trumpet gown is available in pearl pink, navy blue, or black, and it looks elegant in any color. Get it in sizes 0 through 16. The jewel neckline keeps things modest while the bow and cutout in the back keep things interesting. If you want a subtle flare but still love the mermaid style, this one could be your perfect match. Expect to pay about $250.00.

Not shy about making a statement? If you want to stand out at your next formal event, this Dress the Population Harper Mermaid Gown is the way to go with its deep V-neck, sequins from shoulder to hem, curve-hugging bodice, and flared skirt. Get it in one of eight stunning colors, including berry, brushed gold, white, rose gold, and more. It's available in sizes X-small to X-large and costs around $300.00. Add a simple shoe, a clutch, and some earrings and you're ready to go. You won't need to accessorize much with this one.

For winter or fall events, the Mikado Jersey Bodice Trumpet Gown by Alfred Sung could be a winner. It's available in aubergine and black for around $200.00 in sizes 0 to 16. This one really emphasizes the waist and will look great on hourglass shapes because of the removable sash around the middle that ties in a bow at the small of the back. As far as jewelry goes, you won't need much. Grab a statement bracelet and a pair of diamond studs and that's all you'll need.

Sometimes a girl just needs an extravagant dress that is sure to turn heads and epitomizes the word "glamour" in a single design. The Beaded Sweetheart Feathered Mermaid Gown by Jovani is one of those dresses. This one combines a strapless style, beads, sweetheart neckline, a bodice that hugs the curves all the way down to the mid-thigh, and a flared, feathered skirt.

Get it in sizes 2 through 14 in ivory/nude or red/nude for about $750.00. Because there's so much about this dress that grabs attention, keep jewelry to a minimum and go with an understated ivory or nude sandal to complete the look.

Lace in one of several dozen colors (black, royal blue, watermelon, lavender, peach, golden, chocolate, and more) lies on top of a nude lining in this attention-grabbing number with a mermaid skirt and train. Choose the color that best complements your skin tone and fits the season and event you'll be attending. Get it in sizes 2 through 26W for less than $200.00.

This stretch satin off-the-shoulder style with a train has a Pretty Woman vibe and comes in six colors: black, burgundy, royal blue, white, navy, and red. Get it in sizes 0 through 20 Plus, and it can also be customized. Expect to pay less than $100.00. Because of the stretch material, it can fit your body like a glove and show off your shape. Take your pick between a statement necklace or dainty pendant, but make sure it's short.

What could be more va-va-voom than a V-neck, floor-skimming mermaid style in red, black, blue, wine red, or purple? This dress has a built-in bra and halter top to show off your upper body while the skirt hugs the hips and then flares at the bottom to emphasize your feminine shape. Expect to pay around $100.00 for this dress, which comes in sizes 2 through 16. A pair of sparkling earrings and a dainty bracelet can finish the look.

The mermaid silhouette is a classic, but it can be mixed with current trends to get a youthful, modern look. The sheer hem, lace bodice, and one-shoulder style combination gives this dress a fresh twist. It's available in petite sizing, from 2 to 12, for just under $150.00. The only color option is black/nude, but the contrast is striking. A pair of black shoes and a structured clutch will be all you need to go with it.

A two-piece option is another youthful, trendy interpretation of the mermaid style evening dress, especially when the top and bottom have different but complementary patterns. This one's available for less than $150.00 in sizes 2 through 26W. The top has shimmering, beaded detail while the bottom has an alternating striped pattern of solid aqua and tie-dye. If the school's dress code permits it, this could be an option for prom for the girl who doesn't normally go for traditional styles. Keep jewelry simple if you wear any.

The lace detail at the back of this dress, combined with the flowing skirt with a train, gives this option an elegant, mysterious, vintage vibe. The deep V-neckline and nude look draped in black lace also give it a sexiness that's balanced out by coverage everywhere else. Expect to pay around $200.00 for it. It's available in sizes 2 through 26W. You could get by with just accessorizing with a just a small pair of earrings, understated shoes in black or nude, and a clutch or wristlet.

Baby pink can still make a stunning, grand statement when it's in the form of a strapless bodice paired up with a mermaid skirt and sweeping watteau train. Delicate embroidery takes the overall look up one more notch. The gentle flare of the skirt balances well with the volume of the train so you're not as likely to feel overwhelmed by fabric. Get it in size 2 through 26W for under $200.00. Consider adding a choker and a bracelet to this style.

This white one-shoulder maxi dress is perfect for pear-shaped ladies who want to wear a mermaid dress but want a little help balancing their top and bottom halves. The ruffle adds volume at the top while the fabric plays up the curves on your lower half. This style is available in white or black, in extra-small to extra-large. It does a wonderful job of showing off your shape without appearing too clingy, and maneuvering through a crowded room in this dress shouldn't have any additional complications due to the gentle flare of the skirt and lack of a train. Expect to pay less than $100.00.

Mermaid dresses can play up almost any body type and add balance or emphasis where you want it. Choose one with a subtle flare or go all out with a train. You'll make a statement either way.