Today's brides have more freedom to express their personal style
Nontraditional Wedding Dresses Thinking Outside The Box
Whether it is a long puffy full skirt or an elegant wedding dress train with abundant decorative touches, there are some styles of wedding dresses that never go out of fashion. But what if you decided to make a bold choice and choose a modern style that shows off your individuality and creativity? More and more brides these days are doing just that. After attending wedding after wedding, and paging through bridal magazine after magazine, many brides decide to think outside the box and choose a nontraditional wedding dress.
Today's brides have more freedom to express their personal style and are not letting convention get in the way of their dream dress. Be on the lookout for cutting-edge designers with beautiful, original ideas. Runway designs are grabbing the attention of fashion-forward brides looking for a dress that stands out from the crowd. So ditch the pressure and start exploring all the possibilities there are in today's bridal fashions.
Short and Sweet
Who says a bride's dress has to include a long train. Isn't everyone expecting your dress to look like this anyway? Why not make a show-stopping appearance down the aisle in a fun and flirty short dress that embodies youthful energy and a daring spirit. A strapless silk satin short dress for example does not have to forget adornment, even though it is an above-the-knee dress. The decorative illusion hem might be adorned with crystal and pearl and embellished with Alencon
Lace and feathers. This ivory dress has the movement and energy reminiscent of a Jazz Age flapper, but with the sophistication of delicate lace touches.
For a more traditional look in a shorter, flirtier interpretation, try a silk and satin strapless short dress with spilt front over-skirt. A dress such as this creates the illusion of a full wedding dress, with the casual charm of the knee-length hem. This particular design is available in ivory and petal (a very subtle light shade of pink). For those brides that dare to be different, the strapless silk taffeta cocktail dress might be just the look. Full of intricate detail, this dress features a modern bubble skirt that plays up the 80s retro trend so popular right now.
Add an air of elegance
Veils have traditionally been demure features of a dress that covered a bride's face in yards of taffeta. Today, veils and other accessories are transforming wedding dresses, with bold statements and stylish additions. Take for instance the silk organza strapless slim gown embellished with embroidery, ribbon, Swarovski crystals, cut silk flowers and bows. This ivory dress features a floor-length veil that frames the face, but doesn't obscure it, while adding decorative touches to the look courtesy of its intricate lace detail. The silk chiffon strapless slim gown with empire bodice and spilt front flowing skirt features a light and feathery ivory stole that's perfect for autumn or winter weddings. Much more than cold-weather gear, this accessory adds sparkle to the look with glistening fibers and a metallic satin bow.
White in long sleeve lace wedding dress many ways
Although few can argue with the simplistic beauty of a crisp white wedding dress, there are more ways to enjoy the white wedding beyond opting for a stark color. Toned down whites, in champagne, ivory and antique white all embody the spirit of the occasion just as easily as traditional white, while adding a sophisticated touch to the look. These colors should especially be considered when selecting a tint that works best with individual skin tone and color. Many nontraditional dresses come in a choice of ivory or white, so you can select the style you want and get the right color to match you as well.
Heavenly headpieces
Tiaras and crowns have always been traditional to secure a veil, but today's hair accessories are adding a whole new level of style to contemporary dresses. A headband of white satin curls and flowers for example compliments a variety of beautiful dresses. Feathers, satin flowers and decorative hats can enhance the look of a simple gown and add a daring touch to a conservative gown.
As you can see, there are many styles and options to consider when it comes time to select a wedding dress. Trusting in your natural style and choosing a dress that not only looks fabulous, but feels comfortable will allow you to enjoy one of your most special days. By adding an unexpected touch, whether it is noticeable in the cut, shape or accessories of a dress can make your dress and your wedding the most talked about event of the season.
How To Choose The Color Of Your Prom Dress
Prom night is your chance to shine, and by choosing the right set of colors for your prom dress and ensemble, you can make not only your figure and your dress look fantastic, but your face, skin and hair as well. Use your skin's natural hues influence the dress color or pattern you choose. A dress which matches your skin's natural tone will make you appear more vibrant and glowing, while the wrong color can make you appear sallow, sleep-deprived or pale.
Determining Skin Tone
Before choosing a prom dress color, you must first know your skin tone! Skin tones are broken down into two main categories: cool and warm. People with cool skin tones have pinkish-blue undertones to their skin, while those with warm tones have golden undertones. The easiest way to determine which type you belong to is to wash all makeup from your face, then alternately hold silver and gold foil up to your face. The right metal will make your face appear glowing and healthy, while the wrong color will make your skin look grayish and washed out. Silver looks best on cool skin tones, and gold looks best on warm tones.
Once you've determined whether your skin tone is warm or cool, you'll need to find out which season you are. Winter complexions (cool) are typically pale white, yellowish-olive or dark, typically belonging designer gowns to people with brown or black hair and dark eyes. Inversely, summer complexions (also cool) also have blue or pink undertones, but people with these complexions tend to have hair which doesn't contrast their skin tone as much; most summer-complexioned people are natural blondes or brunettes with light colored eyes.
Spring skin tones, which are warm, often belong to women with creamy ivory skin, freckled pink skin, or darker, suntanned skin coloring. Most people with spring skin tones have strawberry blonde or light red hair with blue or green eyes. Autumn complexioned skin tones have golden undertones which are more bronzed or orange-colored than spring tones. Women with ivory or dark, beige or golden brown skin tones, dark red or brunette hair and brown eyes often fall into this category.
Colors for Winter Tones
Winter complexioned girls have a lot of options when it comes to choosing the best prom dress colors; winter skin tones tend to look best in intense, rich colors such as navy blue, crimson, hot pink and black, but lighter colors such as bright white or fluorescent pastels look great too. Winter complexioned girls should avoid prom dresses in earth tones, which may make them appear pale or sallow.
Colors for Summer Tones
Summer skin tones look most stunning in cool, muted colors and pastels such as baby blue, rose, lavender, plum and even pale yellow. Intense, harshly contrasting colors and earth tones tend to make summer skin tones look washed out.
Colors for Spring Tones
Girls with spring skin tones tend to look best in prom dresses with pale, soft colors such chiffon long dress as camel, yellow, ivory, kelly green, coral and sky or aqua blues. Spring complexioned girls should avoid dresses with colors that are too harsh and contrasting, such as black, stark white and dark brown. Girls with spring complexions look stunning in the kind of flowing, soft floral patterned fabrics and soft pastels which are popular this season.
Colors for Autumn Tones
Girls with autumn skin tones should look for prom dresses in rich, earthy or spicy colors such as olive orange, gold, rust red, dark brown or a rich gray. Autumn colors always work well on autumn skin tones, but prom dresses in excessively bright colors and blue tones should be avoided.
