Tips for Stress-free Dress Shopping
Today's trends in bridal
gowns place the focus on a bride's uniqueness and individuality more than the dress
— and with the larger variety of gowns to choose from, today’s brides have the
luxury of finding a gown that truly expresses their personal style. In order to find out
what looks best on you it’s important to look at the elements of the gown:
Silhouettes:
Overall, narrower, more sophisticated silhouettes are in vogue, as they help to
make a body appear slimmer. A-line dresses remain popular, as they provide long graceful
lines that are very slimming on most figures. The newest sheaths with detachable trains
are cut with part of the train built into the silhouette, to gracefully trail behind the
bride. Bias-cut wedding gowns have gained new interest. These styles are cut in such a way
that they follow the curves of the body, softly flaring out at the hem. The ballgown style
has undergone some transformations in recent years. Where as all ballgowns once had a
basque waistline (a dropped waistline that dips down to a "V" in the front) with
a gathered skirt, many of today's ballgowns have raised the waistline to just below the
natural waist or even at the natural waist. Skirts are being pleated into deep folds or
cut to flare out without any gathers in a circular shape— helping to provide an
"hourglass" figure without the extra bulk. Depending on your shape consider the
following...
Straight (Thick Waist)
Do : Silhouettes: Empire waist, A-line, tiered skirts; Necklines: Any pretty, or
decorative neckline will focus eyes away from the waist.
Don't : Silhouettes: Princess line, or basque or dropped waist; Necklines: Avoid plain
necklines such as bateau or unadorned short scoops.
Broad Shoulder/Big Busted
Do : Silhouettes: Ball gown or A-line; Necklines: V-neck or plunging neckline.
Don't : Silhouettes: Empire waist; Necklines: strapless or spaghetti straps.
Full Figured (Round)
Do : Silhouettes: Ball gown or A-line; Necklines: V-neck or plunging neckline.
Don't : Silhouettes: Empire waist or sheath; Necklines: strapless or spaghetti straps.
Hourglass (Figure 8)
Do : Silhouettes: A-line or drop waist full; Necklines: sweetheart or V-neck.
Don't : Silhouettes: Empire or ball gown; Necklines.
Bottom Heavy (Pear Shaped)
Do : Silhouettes: A-line, basque waist or ball gown; Necklines: strapless or soft
round or scooped.
Don't : Silhouettes: Sheath; Necklines: V-neck.
Short Waist
Do : Silhouettes: Princess or A-line; Necklines: Portrait or Halter.
Don't : Silhouettes: Sheath
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- Necklines:
Square and curved square necklines and even v-necks have become popular — providing a
fresh, open look without risking "overexposure." Off-shoulder dresses continue
to provide a romantic neckline. Some of the more popular off-shoulder gowns feature
necklines that come around to the tip of the shoulder.
Sleeves: Sleeveless
gowns continue to be popular, providing the bride a light, summery look. Conversely, with
evening gown styles, going sleeveless can help to make a bride appear more glamorous. Cap
sleeves (small fitted sleeves) continue to be a popular alternative to the sleeveless
styles. The newest look in long sleeves is narrow and smoothly fitted in. Sheer sleeves
with little or no trim help to convey a modern look.
Waistline: Empire
waists remain a strong trend in wedding gowns because they add height to a bride. They
shift the focus upwards, which works well on petite brides. The newer style in dresses
that have a "drop waist" (a waistline 3 - 5 inches below the natural waist) is
to feature a straight-across waistline instead of the traditional basque waists that dip
down to a point in the front. This new waistline look gives a gown a more contemporary
feel.
Fabrics: Satins
and silk shantungs remain popular. Sheer fabrics (chiffons, organzas, and satin-faced
organzas) can give dresses a light breezy look. Tulle skirts remain popular for the way
they bring an almost cloud-like appearance to a skirt. Velvet has started making inroads
into today's wedding gowns, especially with a winter wedding. Cut velvet has also started
to come into its own, as this unique fabric can add interesting surface patterns onto the
gown's surface.
Surface
treatments: Embroidery is replacing the traditional lace appliques on
dresses, creating a lighter, "artful" design presentation. Scattered beads and
pearls are a newer way to accent dresses. Lace styles are lighter than their predecessors,
featuring smaller patterns and more intricate details. This new simplicity has given
wedding gowns a fresh new look. Overall, trims are creating a bigger impact on a gown by,
ironically, using less.
The ultimate test, however, is when you try the gown
on—when the silhouette, sleeves, neckline, and other elements work in concert to
highlight your unique personality. Look at the details, then look at the gown overall.
Find the gown that enhances your beauty on your wedding day! |
