Finding a gown style that is right for you: focusing on the sleeve

Does your wedding gown put you into a.poetic frame of mind?

It may be something up your sleeve

Bell: This sleeve is fitted at the upper arm and flares out at the wrist, often extends over the hand. A variation is the Butterfly, in which the ends of the sleeves are actually connected behind the back.

Bishop: A full sleeve gathered on a band.

Fitted: A long sleeve that extends to the wrist, fitted tightly all the way, a flattering choice for small, slender arms.

Fingertip: A long sleeve that covers the arm all the way to the fingertips. Same caution as for bell sleeve applies.

Juliet: the sleeve is fitted tightly on the arm with a little pouf at the shoulder, a Renaissance look..

Leg-of-mutton: full puff at the shoulder, fitted from the just above the elbow down to the wrist. A variation of this is called a Gibson.

Long pointed: fitted sleeve ending in a point of lace or fabric on the hand.

Poet: This is considered a Romantic look with long sleeves that  flare out from the far arm, often with pleats.

Puff: Pouf at shoulder that can appear on any length sleeve.

Three-quarter: covers the elbow but does not reach the wrist.  This sleeve style can make arms look longer, which may be something you wish for, or not. If you have a bracelet you want to show over your arm, rather than over a sleeve, this may be the one to opt for.

For more information on gowns, see Shades of White.