July 2006

Women's Wedding Fashion

by Rebecca Walker

photo by Elizabeth Messina

When it comes to wedding style there is an overabundance of choices that every bride needs to make. This issue, theskini scopes out modern wedding fashion.

BALLGOWN

The most classic of wedding dress shapes, the ballgown features a close-fitting bodice, with either a natural, dropped or basque (v-shaped) waist, and a very full skirt. The skirt helps to hide curvy hips, and the volume can make a thick middle look less so by comparison.

MERMAID

Evocative of the 1930's screen goddess, this sexy style hugs the body to about mid-thigh then flares out slightly (looking at the hem a bit like a mermaid's tail). A mermaid silhouette is best on slim or hourglass figures.

SHEATH

The clean-lined sheath made its mark on fashion in the 1950's. It features a straight skirt, no waist seam and employs darts and seaming to achieve a proper fit. Those with balanced proportions can wear this one well, especially petite brides, for whom this style helps give the illusion of height.

EMPIRE

Napoleon's Empress Josephine first popularized this neo-classic style, known for its high waist and slim skirt. Because the waist falls just under the bustling, creating a sort of shelf, it can give the illusion of a fuller bosom. It also acts to lengthen the torso so short-waisted brides look particularly attractive in it.

A-LINE

An A-line dress, as its name suggests, is narrow at the top and widens slightly at the bottom, making it a nearly universally flattering choice. Often it features princess seaming (long, vertical seams down the length of the dress), which can serve to make a short bride look taller. Those with large buntlines should choose a version with an open neckline.

SLIPDRESS

Think slinky. Often cut on the bias in fabrics like lightweight satin or chiffon - and often featuring such delicate details as spaghetti straps -this unstructured style came into vogue as a wedding dress choice after the late Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy wore one. Best for thin women that aren't too full-busted.

THE VEIL

The veil comes in many lengths. A royal or cathedral veil measures three yards, while a birdcage or petal veil just covers the face. Generally speaking, the more formal the gown, the longer the veil.

THE SHOES

Depending on the style of the dress and the setting of the wedding, sandals, slingbacks, mules and even jewel embellished flat sandals are acceptable, while colored satin is one of the biggest trends in bridal wear.

THE JEWELERY

The style of your hair and gown dictates the type of jewelry you wear. Pearls are a classic choice but glittering stones are becoming more popular. Remember: less is more!

...Now That's Theskini!::permalink


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