Bride of the Ball
BALLGOWNS AND SLEEVES ARE MAKING THEIR WAY BACK TO BRIDAL WEAR
It’s estimated that nearly 40 percent of all engagements occur between November and February.
Many of those newly engaged women have started the search for the perfect bridal gown. Will it be off-the-shoulder with long lace sleeves or a high-neck style? Accessorized with cape or cuffs? Feathers, tired skirt or cascading ruffles? Ballgown or sexy sheath with plunging neckline?
All vie for attention this year, but certain styles seem to be spending more time in the dressing room.
“Ballgowns are back, as well as long sleeves,” said Jane Kelly, owner of JJ Kelly Bridal Salon.
The reason is simple: Many brides just want something different from the ever-popular strapless gown, she said. Couple that with the fantasy of wearing a ballgown to your wedding, and it becomes the ideal choice.
“Princess comes to mind,” Kelly said. “We even hear that girls love the comfort of wearing a style such as a ballgown.”
Lately, bridal gown designers seem to have been inspired by two real-life princesses, Kate Middleton and Grace Kelly, though their weddings occurred half a century apart. Both dresses featured lace and long sleeves and offered a mix of traditional and modernity.
Reagan Allen, owner of Prescott
Lace is still a classic look that will never go out of style...
been the go-to for the past decade or so, and it’s still a strong option for many brides. But long sleeves, lace and illusion details feel fresh and new.
Off-the-shoulder, a trend popular in women’s clothing for the past year, is getting lots of attention on bridal gowns, too. Another emerging look focuses as much on the fabric as the style. Crepe is pretty and fluid and requires no embellishment for brides who prefer simplicity and sophistication.
Gowns got pretty flashy from about 2000 to 2009, but not so much the last couple of years, Allen said.
Starting in about 2013 or 2014, gowns became less adorned and more understated, thanks in part to Middleton’s wedding dress with lace bodice and long sleeves.
“Lace is still a classic look that will never go out of style and our brides continue to fall in love with,” said Meg Guess of Meg Guess Couture Bridal & Boutique.
“However, sheer, delicate low backs, plunging illusion necklines, long sleeves regardless of season, and high-neck collar gowns are all trending for 2017,” she said. “Beading, subtle sparkle, and detailed appliques are back on the bridal scene as well. Unlike most trends, these details blend seamlessly for a timeless look that brides won’t regret in five, 10 or 20 years.”