Mermaid Dresses are typically fitted from the bust to below the knees where they flare out, giving the impression of a mermaid tail, hence the name. This type of evening dress is great for the woman with a smaller bust or waist and is perfect for the woman with a shorter stature by focusing the eye on the length of the dress.
The Empire Dress style is a style of evening gowns that is fitted just below the bust line and then falls straight to the floor. This dress style is for the woman who has a larger bust and larger hips by focusing the attention on the bust and hiding the hips.
Hourglass shaped evening dresses typically have a more defined top, slender waist, and fuller bottom. Women who have the classic figure will benefit more from this dress style as it will accentuate their curves in all the right places. And of course there is the Ball Gown type of dress. This dress style is by far the most classic style of evening gown and is perfect for complimenting any figure and style.
Choose the exact type for your own look.