The Ultimate Guide to Fishtail Dresses: What They Are & Where to Buy

A fishtail dress is a fitted silhouette that hugs your curves through the bodice and hips before dramatically flaring out at or below the knee, creating the distinctive "mermaid" or "fishtail" shape. This glamorous style has become a red-carpet favourite and wedding dress staple, but with the right styling, it can work for everything from cocktail parties to formal events. After styling countless clients over the years, I can tell you that when done right, a fishtail dress is absolutely transformative—it's the ultimate confidence booster that celebrates your natural curves whilst creating an undeniably elegant silhouette.

Understanding the Fishtail Silhouette

The magic of a fishtail dress lies in its construction. Unlike other fitted styles, the fishtail creates drama through contrast—the tight, body-skimming fit suddenly gives way to a voluminous flare that can range from subtle to show-stopping. This silhouette works by emphasising your natural waistline and hip curve, then creating visual weight at the hem that balances your proportions beautifully.

What sets a true fishtail apart from other fitted styles is the positioning of the flare. Whilst a trumpet dress typically begins flaring around mid-thigh, a fishtail dress maintains its fitted silhouette right down to the knee or even below, creating that distinctive "mermaid tail" effect when you move.

Who Can Wear Fishtail Dresses?

Here's the truth I tell all my clients: fishtail dresses are incredibly flattering on most body types, but you need to choose the right variation and styling. If you have an hourglass figure, you're in fishtail heaven—this style was practically designed for you. The fitted bodice showcases your waist whilst the flare balances your hips and bust perfectly.

For pear-shaped figures, opt for fishtail dresses with embellished or detailed bodices to draw attention upward, balancing your proportions. Apple shapes should look for empire waistlines or dresses with strategic draping around the midsection. Even if you're more rectangular in shape, a well-fitted fishtail can create the illusion of curves through clever seaming and the right undergarments.

Styling Your Fishtail Dress

The Foundation

A good fishtail dress lives or dies by its undergarments. Invest in proper shapewear—a high-quality bodysuit or corset-style undergarment will smooth your silhouette and provide the support needed for the dress to sit properly. Don't skip this step; it's the difference between looking polished and looking squeezed in.

Footwear Choices

The drama of a fishtail dress demands equally dramatic footwear. A classic pointed-toe pump with at least a 3-inch heel will elongate your legs and complement the dress's proportions. For evening events, consider strappy sandals or even a bold statement shoe—the full skirt provides enough coverage to experiment with interesting heel shapes or embellishments.

Accessories and Styling

Keep accessories elegant but not overwhelming. A delicate necklace works beautifully with most necklines, whilst statement earrings can add glamour without competing with the dress's silhouette. A slim belt can define your waist further if the dress doesn't have one built-in, but choose wisely—the wrong belt can break the clean lines that make this style so effective.

Where to Buy: From High Street to Designer

High Street Heroes (£30-£150)

ASOS offers an incredible selection of fishtail dresses in various price points, from their own brand to premium collaborations. Their size range is excellent, and the reviews are typically honest about fit.

Zara consistently delivers on-trend fishtail options with that elevated look their Spanish design team is known for. Their tailoring is surprisingly good for the price point.

& Other Stories creates beautiful occasion wear with unique details and excellent fabrics that punch well above their weight class.

Premium Picks (£150-£500)

Reiss excels at sophisticated fishtail dresses that work for both business events and evening occasions. Their attention to fit and fabric quality justifies the investment.

COS offers minimalist interpretations of the fishtail silhouette with their signature architectural approach to design.

Whistles creates contemporary fishtail dresses with interesting textures and modern twists on the classic silhouette.

Designer Investment Pieces (£500+)

Roland Mouret is the master of fitted dresses—his fishtail designs are engineering marvels that create the most incredible silhouettes.

Alexander McQueen brings drama and artistry to the fishtail silhouette with their signature attention to structure and detail.

Victoria Beckham offers sophisticated, wearable luxury versions that work beautifully for special occasions and can be dressed down with the right accessories.

Never Guess Your Size Again with Tellar.co.uk

Finding the perfect fishtail dress is only half the battle—getting the right size is crucial for achieving that flawless silhouette. This is where Tellar.co.uk becomes your secret weapon.

As the UK's leading sizing tool, Tellar matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly. No more guessing, no more size guide confusion, no more disappointing returns because the dress doesn't fit quite right.

How Tellar Works

1. Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or your existing brand size

2. Use their Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand—COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket & more

3. Always free, no downloads needed—works directly in your browser

Plus, the Tellar Fashion Hub is a treasure trove of styling advice from top stylists. Every post is honest, unbiased, independent, and completely free. Whether you're looking for the ultimate clothing sizing guide, exploring the best jean trends, or need help with Next clothing sizing, their comprehensive dress guide has you covered.

When you're investing in a fishtail dress—especially a premium or designer piece—getting the sizing right first time isn't just convenient, it's essential. With Tellar, you can shop with confidence, knowing your fishtail dress will fit exactly as it should.

Final Styling Tips

Remember, confidence is your best accessory when wearing a fishtail dress. This silhouette is designed to celebrate your figure, so own it completely. Practice walking and sitting in your dress before your event—the fitted nature means your movement will be slightly different, but once you're comfortable, you'll feel absolutely unstoppable.

The fishtail dress isn't just a fashion choice; it's a statement of confidence and elegance. Whether you choose a high street steal or invest in a designer masterpiece, the right fishtail dress will become one of those special pieces in your wardrobe that never fails to make you feel extraordinary.