A-Line - Typically refers to skirt design characterized by a flared hem and a close fitting waist, often gathered into a train.

Antebellum waist - natural waistline that dips 2 to 2 1/2 inches to a point in the center front.

Applique - ornamentation created from decoratively attached fabric or lace.

Apron - overskirt joined at the back waist of the gown.

Basque waistline - elongated waist, about two inches below the natural waist, that may dip to a point at the center point.

Bateau neckline - boat-shaped design formed by a straight line between the shoulders, often dipping in front.  May or may not reveal the shoulders and is usually trimmed in lace.

Blusher - short veil covering bride's face as the enters the wedding ceremony.

Brush train - the shortest train that simply brushes the floor.

Bustle - exaggerated gathering of fabric or a gathering of fabric caught up with a detail at the back of the gown.

Cathedral train - train extending 3 yards from the waist.

Chapel train - train extending 1 1/3 yards from the waist.

Dolman sleeve - sleeve very wide at armhole and tight at wrist, often cut in one piece with the bodice.

Drop waist - waistline positioned several inches below natural waist.

Empire waistline - shortened waist style created by attaching to skirt to the bodice just below the bust line.

Leg-of-mutton sleeve - sleeve characterized by a full puff shoulder and a fitted forearm.

Moire - silk or synthetic fabric characterized by a watery or wavelike effect.

Organza - sheer silk or synthetic fabric characterized by a plain weave.

Peplum - short sleeve with layered panels.

Point D'Espirit - net fabric characterized by oval or square dots woven in a pattern.

Queen Anne neckline - sculptured design that is high on the sides and back, with an angled open bodice with a sweetheart shape.

Raised neckline - waistline about 1 inch above the natural waistline.

Royal train - the longest train length, extending more than 3 yards from the waist.

Ruche - strip of pleated fabric or lace used as a trim.

Sabrina neckline - straight neckline that begins 2 inches inside the shoulder length and is often trimmed in lace.

Sheath - straight, fitted gown, often floor length and is worn with a detachable train.

Shirred waistline - waistline characterized by gathered fabric that creates a horizontal panel at the waist.

Strapless neckline - neckline designed to reveal the shoulders, often designed with a coordinating jacket or wrap.

Sweep train - short train, slightly longer than a brush train, that sweeps the floor.

Sweetheart neckline - open neckline that begins 2 inches inside the shoulder line and is shaped like a heart.

Taffeta - silk or synthetic fabric of light or medium weight, characterized by a smooth, crisp, lustrous plain weave or fine rib effect.