What styles are there?
In order not to get confused in hundreds of different models, it makes sense to start your search by deciding on a style. Current trends are a good guide, but fashionable wedding dresses should be tailored to your individual style. If the wedding banquet is planned in a classic hall with candles and columns, or a carriage has been ordered for a photo shoot, you need to look for a dress in a classic style, frivolous rococo or noble empire style. But this same dress with a crinoline is unlikely to be appropriate for a modern restaurant with neon lighting and a bright convertible. Here you can choose an outfit styled by Jacqueline, classic Chanel, or elegant chemizier dresses.
The idea of stylizing a wedding can be wonderful for many reasons: it’s easy to come up with an original scenario, a unique design, choose a comfortable outfit to your liking, which can be cheaper than classic complex wedding models.
Lace
Hand-woven lace appeared in the image of the bride several hundred years ago. Lace still remains a symbol of luxury and refined taste. Modern models can be made of lace entirely or partially. It is very beautiful when the dense fabric of the bodice goes into the neckline, decorated with lace, demonstrating a seductively modest image. By using lace on the back and sleeves, you can create a tantalizing outfit without showing too much. Lace for a cape, train or decoration will always be appropriate. Models made entirely of lace should include a lower case that delicately hides the bride's underwear. In modern dresses, you can use colored lace as a trim or insert that flashes when you move.
Greek style
Dresses reminiscent of Greek outfits - tunic and chiton - require soft, heavy fabrics that drape beautifully into spectacular folds.
Streams of fabric can cross on the chest, and also flow around one shoulder, leaving the other open, forming an asymmetrical armhole, like the Greek goddesses. This technique will create a bold image and emphasize the beauty of the body, which was so valued by the ancient Greeks.
A distinctive feature of the dresses is their high waist. This cut allows you to visually enlarge the breasts, show the flexible grace of the girl, and hide figure flaws. Another characteristic feature is the absence of a veil. Instead, capes are used, turning into unusual sleeves without a seam. These exclusive wedding dresses can be worn by a bride who loves original solutions.
"Mermaid"
It is also called “fish” or a dress-year. This exquisite bridesmaid dress resembles a little mermaid outfit. A tight-fitting top will emphasize all the advantages of the bride’s figure, and a skirt sharply flared at mid-thigh or knee level will add magic, graceful seductiveness and tenderness to the image.
The upper part of the outfit is usually open and sleeveless. But, depending on the wishes of the bride, you can use sleeves, a closed neckline and even a high neckline. The main thing is that the top should remain tight-fitting so as not to interfere with the full skirt. The skirt can be as voluminous as you like, multi-layered and even framed, have a train or cascades of folds on only one side or the back.
With a full skirt
A princess dress is the childhood dream of most brides. Delicate and elegant, decorated with embroidery, precious stones, with a rich neckline, laces, and most importantly - with a full skirt.
Skirts can be multi-layered, pleated, draped. For modern skirts, English mesh (tulle) is used. The elastic structure with a hole makes the skirt light and allows the body to breathe. Rings or a petticoat made of stiff fabric - crinoline - can be used to give shape.
Important: such an amount of fabric is difficult to wear; a bodice with bones and a frame made of rings can create a lot of inconvenience if you do not practice in advance. This outfit must be complemented with a veil to create the perfect romantic look.
Russian style
Preparing a wedding in the Russian style can be an exciting event for the family. A huge number of rituals associated with the clothing of the bride and groom will help make the wedding dress the key point of an unusual wedding program. A bride in Rus' got married in a red sundress; the veil was thick and opaque. On the same day, the bride's hairstyle was changed. A sundress “a la russe” in a modern wedding dress can be a practical solution for a bride with curvaceous figures; it will also hide the girl’s delicate position.
Spanish style
A Spanish-style outfit will certainly suit bright and showy girls. This is a country with an interesting history and traditions, demanding a strong character, appreciating beauty.
Recognizable features of the dress are a lace-up corset that demonstrates the curves of the figure, a lush train of the dress, decorated with flounces, ruffles and frills. It is reminiscent of flamenco; only a confident, proud girl can wear it. Bright lips, perfect posture and a simple, strict hairstyle of the dancer will balance out such an outfit. A Spanish veil will complete the look. The lace, cut on the bias, is secured with a comb and creates a beautiful drapery around the face. Any type of face with such a veil looks noble.
The bravest brides should choose a bright color for the dress and veil, such as scarlet or green, or complement white with bright accessories. For fair-haired girls, a beige color option is suitable.
Shirt dresses
A chemizier dress will highlight energy and determination and create a modern look for girls. In this look, you can go traveling straight from a banquet, spend your day enjoying the convenience of a simple cut, or go on a picnic with friends without worrying about a multi-layered skirt.
A distinctive feature of this dress is the clear shape of the stand-up collar. Button closure along the center front seam to the waist or hem. Fabrics for dresses - bleached linen, silk, satin and others, depending on the season. The dress can be decorated with embroidery, the yoke or back made of lace.
Wedding suits
Modern brides are increasingly choosing suits for their weddings. Skirt or trousers as a bottom, top - a blouse, jumpsuit or jacket. This solution will allow the bride to stand out with a special style and choose a comfortable outfit for moving or dancing. After the wedding, the suit will fit perfectly into the young wife’s wardrobe; this is a practical, profitable solution. The suit can have a classic design or be as original as you like, purchased in a store or custom-made according to the bride’s personal sketch.
Short dresses
Dresses with a short skirt can be different. A skirt with an even cut, asymmetrical, a cancan dress, extension at the back or on the side - it all depends on the taste and desire of the bride. A short dress can be fluffy, like a long princess dress, or simple, in the style of Jacqueline Kennedy. Depending on the style of the wedding and the image of the bride, the dress can be complemented with a veil, a fan, or even a Japanese-style hairstyle with large pins.
Design of the neckline in a wedding dress
Sweetheart neckline
of great importance in a wedding dress, since such a detail gives the dress a special mood. A sweetheart neckline is a deep neckline that ends in a sweetheart scallop. This neckline makes the outfit very feminine and romantic. It can be decorated with or without the addition of jumper straps.
Such a neckline is universal - it will be appreciated by both girls with a small bust and those who have large breasts and who want to show only a small cleavage. The heart has a round shape, so with its help girls with a “strong-willed face” and strict features will be able to achieve a softer and more delicate image.
Cowl collar (American armhole)
The X collar is a loop collar with straps around the neck that helps hold the bodice in place. Such a bodice can be designed in completely different ways; most often, such a dress has a high collar and an open back. Such a stylish and sophisticated design of the outfit is appreciated by brides who want to look fashionable and modern. This style is good for those who want to show off their shoulders and arms. This is an excellent alternative to a strapless dress; it allows you to visually increase a girl’s height, so petite women can safely choose it.
V-neck (toe neckline)
A V-shaped neckline looks great in a wedding dress. This neckline can be designed in completely different ways, so you can choose how deep and bold the neckline will be. What you should pay attention to is that although the cleavage is visible in the neckline, the straight lines of the neckline will visually reduce your breasts. The neckline has an elongated shape, so it will “add” you a few extra centimeters of height.
Square neckline
In this case, the straps are sewn to the dress at right angles, making the neckline square or rectangular. This design of the neckline can look “angular”, and sometimes the neckline is made more rounded. This dress looks strict and elegant, it is suitable for those who want their shoulders to appear wider, in addition, this neck shape allows you to balance an overly rounded face.
How to choose
When choosing the most important outfit in life, you need to remember your own taste and preferences. When choosing, you need to take into account:
- Wedding style. The bride should fit harmoniously into the holiday;
- Budget. No outfit is worth paying off a loan for several years;
- Suitable size. Taking a dress with the hope of losing weight can be a mistake, because it is impossible to make a narrow cut wider. The tight outfit, pressed into the body, is terrible. But a wide bodice is very easy to fit;
- You have to like the image. In order not to succumb to the persuasion of friends or the older generation, you should not take them to fittings;
According to the consumer protection law, the dress can be postponed for a day. In the morning it will become clearer whether it is worth buying, especially if you try it on again the next day.
Season
An important criterion when choosing is the time of year. The image of the bride should be harmonious. Even the most beautiful elegant dress should look appropriate. Beach fashion is not suitable for Siberian latitudes. Conversely, an expensive white fur coat can ruin the entire impression of the main character at the off-site registration under the palm trees.
Autumn, summer
Spring
Winter
Wedding style
The princess dress is suitable for a limousine, a classic interior and a crowded party. Wedding dress - cancan for a Chicago style wedding. Modern trends are increasingly leaning towards stylizing the holiday.
Any dress, even denim, can be turned into a wedding dress, the main thing is that it looks appropriate in the surrounding environment and harmonizes with the outfits of the guests. You can write about the dress code in the wedding invitation.
Body type
The dream of wearing a princess dress can ruin a wedding if your figure suggests a more closed, loose option. It is worth choosing a wedding dress that will highlight your strengths and hide your flaws. Tall, long-legged girls often lose their beauty precisely in dresses with a full skirt. The wide waist, strong shoulders immediately catch the eye, the legs disappear under layers of fabric - only a massive figure is visible. Girls with plump legs and arms often choose open dresses, hiding an elegant waist and good shape of the buttocks under a loose cut. In order to make the right decision, you should consult a stylist.
Plastic boning is often used in wedding dress corsets. They break easily when tilted or turned, and often have an irregular shape, digging into the body. A high-quality comfortable corset can be purchased separately.
Historical reference
For centuries, the best clothes, not necessarily white, were worn to weddings. In the East, for example, wedding dresses were red, in Protestant Scandinavia - black. The European tradition of a white wedding dress appeared relatively recently, in 1840, when the English Princess Victoria got married. They began to imitate her outfit, and then this tradition became characteristic of all of Europe.
How to choose a dress for a second wedding
Wedding fashion is directly related to traditions and customs. In the past, it was customary to keep the second wedding modest, choosing a colorful dress with a simple cut. This rule is still in memory, but it is not necessary to take it into account. In the modern world, it is permissible to choose a dress according to your taste, budget and figure. Many brides choose an outfit different from their first for their second wedding. After remembering the floor-length skirt, on this day it is appropriate to try a spectacular short length that will show off the beauty of stockings and shoes. For a second wedding, a dress with a train is perfect - a real royal outfit. An interesting solution is to order a model based on your own sketch from a good dressmaker.
A trend that continues for second weddings is the move away from voluminous hoop skirts. Another rule is the refusal of a veil, but if a wedding is planned, you will need to provide this detail of the wedding suit or prepare a suitable scarf.
Purpose
The name speaks for itself: these are dresses intended for the bride on her wedding day. But a wedding dress is suitable even for several events that are interconnected. So, for example, for such a significant event you can choose several dresses. If you decide to consolidate your relationship not only in the registry office, but also before God, then for the wedding ceremony you should prepare a more modest wedding attire. A wedding dress should be gentle and modest, reflecting all the purity and innocence of the bride. The dress should preferably be white; bright colors are not allowed. You should avoid deep necklines, short lengths and overt transparency.
For those who are going to celebrate the second day of the Wedding and prefer to leave the formal attire, a small short wedding dress is ideal.
Also among future brides there are lovers of trouser suits, which will also look appropriate, solemn and feminine.
How many days before the wedding should I buy?
The dress must be purchased shortly before the wedding. Plans can change rapidly in a year:
- The bride’s taste will change, fashion will change, the dream outfit may become more accessible;
- The style of the wedding, the budget, the chosen restaurant or even the city will change;
- The date will be changed, and the wedding will turn from a winter one into a beach one. It is not easy to return a purchased dress; it will lose significant value, even if it remains new;
- The long-awaited pregnancy will come, the size will change and the dress will be impossible to wear;
- As a result of frequent fittings and discussions, the dress may suffer or simply become unpopular;
There is a case when you can buy a dress long before the wedding - a classic style with a simple cut, a suit with a skirt or trousers, or any other outfit that can be worn after the wedding. All types of wedding dresses are appropriate, there is a bride for each. The main thing is that it creates the right mood, is comfortable and emphasizes individual style.
Rustic
Another “easy” style that can turn any girl into a fairy-tale beauty. Rustic style wedding dresses have a simple cut, but at the same time they look elegant. The delicate folds of the skirt go well with the lace top. In general, the rustic style is an idealization of village life. The cozy and beautiful features of the models are emphasized by natural materials, high-quality fabrics, and original antique elements.
In the rustic style you won’t find fluffy skirts, voluminous folds, crinoline, or a lot of sparkling rhinestones. The dresses have a simple cut with a slight vintage touch.
Model from the new Temperley collection
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Empire style
The Empire style is often called Greek, although in fact only isolated elements remain from the traditional Greek toga. Characteristic details of empire style dresses are a wide belt under the bust, a flared skirt and a straight neckline. Sometimes wedding stylists add an airy train to the look, thereby compensating for the almost complete lack of jewelry on the dress itself.
When sewing wedding dresses in the Empire style, light or translucent fabrics are used - silk, chiffon or organza.
Dresses in this style are suitable for girls of any height and with any type of figure: the empire silhouette favorably emphasizes the chest and hides the stomach and hips. In addition, this dress model is suitable for pregnant brides who do not want to draw attention to their rounded belly.
By silhouette
Direct
Straight dresses are a classic style and you should definitely have one in your wardrobe. It is perfect for both celebrations and everyday wear.
Straight cut, different lengths, colors, the presence of sleeves, neck design - all this is like a construction set from which fashion designers assemble excellent models.
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Most models have a zipper on the back, which often serves as a real decoration. Another characteristic nuance for a straight dress is the absence of seams at the waist.
The neckline of a sheath dress is most often oval or round, but there are models with a square neckline, open shoulders, and with asymmetry, as well as with a non-standard neck design.
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Straight dresses make it possible to emphasize a slender figure.
The most popular representative of products of this style is the famous black dress from Chanel. Nowadays, it is a classic of business wear, as well as the most popular type of cocktail dresses.
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Godet (mermaid, fish)
The Godet dress originated from the Princess silhouette in the 50s. It fits the figure to the knee, and at its level it expands sharply.
Although the cut of the dresses seems to be the same, in fact there are many design options.
The only constant detail of year dresses is the fitted top, which can be complemented with any element:
- open shoulders;
- thin or wide straps;
- one strap pulled over the neck.
As for the back, this part of the outfit becomes the key detail of the image:
- Open back;
- asymmetrical cutouts;
- various weaves.
Typically, such dresses are made without sleeves, but through experimentation, fashion creators created mermaid dresses with long, fitted sleeves.
A-line
Dresses of this style are usually long and are characterized by the presence of a tight-fitting, rather narrow bodice and a skirt widened at the bottom, which resembles the letter “A”.
Thanks to this cut, the products emphasize the waist and add femininity to the figure. Most often, A-line models are presented in retro-style evening and cocktail dresses or wedding dresses.
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Designers experimented and offered high-waisted A-line dresses.
There are no length restrictions. At the same time, the dress can be short in the front and long in the back.
Designers are increasingly adapting retro style for everyday life. This is expressed in simple materials, calm colors, and prints.
Trapezoid
The trapeze dress came to us from the sixties and immediately became one of the most beloved for its sophisticated simplicity. Narrowed at the shoulders and widening towards the bottom, it becomes almost weightless and imperceptible on the body.
The style is similar to the A-line, only here the waist is not visible.
When making a dress, manufacturers take into account the season and pricing policy, as well as the place where you will wear it. That is why it is impossible to list all the materials and colors from which A-line dresses are made.
As for the cut, there is also plenty to choose from:
- various designs of sleeves, even their absence;
- interesting design of the neckline and collar;
- with and without pockets;
- decorated with embroidery;
- with print or plain.
Princess style ball gown
The difference between this dress and other styles is the presence of a beautiful neckline or open back, as well as a long fluffy skirt.
Such models are especially attractive on tall ladies.
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Designers are experimenting with volume, using layers, with different options for the top of the dress, as well as with prints and even high slits.
Vintage
Vintage dresses, but in a modern version - this is vintage style. Length varies. Wedding dresses most often have a low waist; in such cases, the skirt flares out at approximately knee height.
They sew vintage dresses from airy, floating fabrics and decorate them with a variety of decorative stones: bugles or rhinestones. It is also possible that there is an abundance of lace elements in dresses of minimal length; sometimes embroidery is found.
A distinctive feature of the vintage style is the obligatory presence of catchy colors of some finishing elements or the presence of provocative makeup. Short dresses are preferred by girls who create a graceful and playful image.
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Dresses of this cut emphasize the elegance of the figure, giving the image femininity and tenderness.
High waist
Empire style
The main feature of this style is the high waistline, which emphasizes the bust and hides figure flaws below the chest. The length of a dress of this type can be very different, and the fabrics used for sewing it are mainly flowing.
Made in different lengths, trimmed with stones, ribbons or rhinestones, they are suitable for going to the store and down the aisle.
Greek
If you want to charm your man or attract the attention of others, your choice should be a dress in the Greek style. Manufacturers select light and weightless fabrics for these dresses so that you look like a goddess who has just descended from the heights of Olympus
Manufacturers select light and weightless fabrics for these dresses so that you look like a goddess who has just descended from the heights of Olympus.
The Greek dress in its cut has both a high waist and a low one. Combines with sleeves, different lengths, and flowing folds of airy fabric. Such dresses are suitable for absolutely everyone, you just have to choose your own model, of which there are countless numbers on the market.
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Combine them with light sandals with heels, platform or without, with clutches on a long chain or without it.
For jewelry, thin bracelets made of precious metals or made to match them are best; you can also combine a Greek dress with a wide bracelet, ring, various earrings and a small number of rings.
You can tuck a flower into your hair, add a small tiara or a metal hair clip with stones.
Smoke
The name of this style is associated with the English word “smock”, which means decorating a dress with frills. And therefore, the main feature of such outfits is lush frills. In addition, a smoky dress usually has a high waist and a loose bottom.
Most of these outfits are above the knee length. Many of them do not have sleeves or straps.
Since the cut of the smoky dress is loose, it is perfect for girls with a smaller body. This model would be a good option for a cocktail dress and is also comfortable for pregnant women.
According to the cut of the top
Wrap dress
This style is distinguished by the presence of a V-shaped neckline, formed by folding one shelf onto another, and numerous folds. This dress is recommended for girls with an expressive figure, as it helps to emphasize the hips and waist, and especially the chest.
The first wrap dresses were made from cotton fabric with a floral pattern. American women liked them because they were universal and simple. Nowadays, different materials with many color options are used to make models of this style.
The length of wrap dresses varies greatly. By choosing the right variation, you will get an outfit for a date or celebration, or a casual model for the office.
With American armhole
The top of dresses of this style is similar to a top; it clasps the woman’s neck. Such American dresses look very feminine, so they are often presented as evening dresses. They suit short girls with thin waists more.
Dress shirt
In this style, women's fashion is combined with men's, since the outfit is represented by a shirt at the top, and a full skirt at the bottom. Shirt dresses became especially widespread after the 60s of the last century. If previously such a dress always had a collar, in modern models it may not be present.
A shirt dress can also be straight or slightly fitted. Many models have a belt.
The main advantages of the style are practicality and comfort.
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Polo dress
This sports dress appeared in Great Britain at the end of the 20th century, based on a polo shirt. Cotton and knitwear are used to sew this dress.
The top of the model is similar to a T-shirt, and the length of the outfit is most often medium or mini (maxi is much less common).
The main characteristics of a polo dress include the presence of a stand-up collar, patch pockets and buttons at the top of the product.
This style of dress is suitable for any woman, but looks most attractive on fit, athletic girls. Dark models, complemented with a belt, look especially feminine.
Most often, such dresses are bought for relaxation, walking or sports, but in a modest model of medium length it is also acceptable to wear to work in the office.
Cheongsam
This is the name for elegant and elegant dresses, the appearance of which was influenced by the culture and fashion of China. They are fitted models with a vertical collar, a diagonal wrap and small slits on the sides.
Most often, bright silk is used to sew them, on which a floral pattern can be depicted.
Characteristics
The peculiarity of such wedding dresses is their versatility. With the right selection of a model, it will be possible to emphasize the advantages of the figure, emphasize the waist and hide flaws. A silhouette wedding dress is visually similar to the letter A. Dresses with a tight-fitting top often use a corset equipped with lacing. Thanks to its presence, it is possible to give the breasts an ideal shape.
In addition, A-silhouette dresses are characterized by maximum comfort and attractiveness and will harmoniously fit into any style. The figure in such clothes seems light and as elegant as possible. Products with a train allow you to create a truly royal look.
According to the cut of the skirt
Baby dollars
A dress of this style is often chosen by young women, as well as young girls. This style of dress combines elements of childhood and femininity.
Baby doll dresses are made from light, airy fabrics, often trimmed with lace. The skirt of most models of this style is fluffy, with many frills and ruffles. Very often, a baby dollar outfit is chosen as a prom dress.
Balloon
This dress has a more voluminous bottom and looks as if it is inflated, which is where the name of the style comes from. This cut allows you to hide figure flaws such as a bulging belly and fullness of the hips. Also, this dress suits very thin girls well.
Typically, the lining of a balloon dress is shortened to create shape. There are also variations in which the lower part protrudes (it is folded and trimmed with embroidery or a pattern).
You can wear a balloon dress every day (if the model is made of knitwear) or choose this style for a holiday (for example, a bright chiffon dress).
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Tutu
Fashionistas borrowed this style from ballet. A special feature of tutu dresses is the combination of a tight-fitting top with a short, voluminous skirt, sewn from 6 to 15 layers of airy fabric, such as tulle.
Although the tutu dress began to be worn back in the 80s of the last century, these days such an outfit remains a curiosity, even if it is no longer provocative. This dress is most often chosen for a party or wedding.
Flared
Dresses of this type are flared from the waist, so their use helps to hide voluminous hips, but at the same time can favorably emphasize the bust. They are often complemented with a belt to further emphasize the waistline.
Most often, dresses of this style are presented in light summer models, which can be either plain or with different prints.
Culotte
This dress looks youthful and daring. Its main feature is the absence of a skirt - it is replaced by wide trousers or shorts. To sew a dress of this style, denim or knitwear is traditionally used. The advantage of a culotte dress is the ability to hide the fullness of the hips and emphasize the waist.
Since this dress model is often chosen by young girls, the colors of the culottes are usually bright and expressive. The outfit can be a good option for a summer walk, and if you choose a product with subdued colors, it will make an excellent work suit.
Features and Benefits
A-line wedding dress models are universal
Proper selection of the style of the upper part will highlight the advantages and focus attention on the waist, and a loose bottom will hide imperfections in the legs or hips
As the name suggests, the silhouette resembles the letter “A”. Models with a fitted top are often complemented by a lace-up corset to give the ideal bust shape. An elongated corset emphasizes the waist, while a less full skirt lightens the overall weight of the dress. This allows the bride to feel comfortable throughout the entire wedding celebration.
The deep neckline of the dress emphasizes the beauty of the chest, soft folds at the hem give lightness to the figure, models with a train create a truly regal and aristocratic image.
Interesting! The A-line dress received an additional name - “princess”. These are the kind of outfits that charming girls wear in fairy tales, fantasy films and animated series.
