By: Ask Bill
Submitted: 2009-11-19 01:10:30 | Word Count: 617
Its wedding season, and you have the honor of participating in your friend's fabulous wedding ceremony. (Hooray!) And now you have to help choose the bridesmaids' dresses (Hooray?) Don't stress, we promise this process can actually be'gasp'fun! It is possible to find a cut (or fabric) that everyone can agree on, and look fabulous in. You just have to know where to look!
The first (and one of the simplest ways to go) is to have the bride select a fabric/hue she loves, and then let the bridesmaids choose a cut that's most flattering for each. This way, everyone matches, while the bridesmaids wind up quite happy, as the curvier set can go for halter tops, while the long and lean can opt for a strapless take.
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The designer we'll be spotlighting in this case is the ever-delicate yet practical Ann Taylor. Look to her bridesmaid lines to time and again offer fabulous options in shapes and cuts within a set color palette. For example, look to her 'Karen Strapless Dress with Charmeuse Waist' for a fabulous example of a line that uses the same set of fabric in unique ways. This option is simple yet beautiful. This strapless cross-dye silk dress cuts straight across the top and lands just below the knee. Its interior bustier construction, complete with boning for structure and support is nicely balanced out with long, billowing pleats from just under the thick tie below the bust. Its empire waistband is classic, comfortable, and sleek'a dress shape everyone can agree on!
Available in a three tiered set: pistachio, rosette, and pacific blue, you can also snag a higher rise, v-neck shape with her 'Christine V-Neck Dress,' so those with bigger busts and sassy hips can swing in, too. Both with a retail of just under $200, you can snag them for half that if you get the timing right. Regardless, not bad for a seriously versatile, classy look for the ladies!
Another bridesmaids dress trend we're seeing for this season is a return to the traditional go big, or go home idea. In other words, welcome back the heavy hitting designers. From Calvin to Betsey, clean to crazy, the world's biggest designers are making an impact on weddings around the world. What could be holier than donning one of the world's most celebrated artists in a fabulously grand church? Take, for instance, Bagdley Miscka's 'Strapless Sweatheart Bridesmaids Dresses.' Absolutely heavenly, this option features an empire waist, a-line skirt, all at a tea length. The unique cross-over bust stitching is the height of femininity, while the deeper (think espressos and burgundies) keeps things simple, and all eyes on the bride. Who says you can't feel absolutely beautiful in a bridesmaid's dress? Plus, with a price tag of $250, it looks like luxury can be affordable!
The last of the latest moves in bridesmaids' dresses we'll be checking out is the funky neckline. One of the best ways to work with a bride who chooses an off-beat wedding dress is to support it with simple, classic shapes that showcase just a bit of a twist. In this case, we'll look to Betsy & Adam's Satin Dress for a fabulous example. This a-line shape shakes things up just a bit with a unique portrait collar and ruched detailing around the bodice. This fully lined, nylon, spandex, acetate blend holds a great, sturdy shape. Plus, with traditional fall solids like brown, navy, and plum, this is a fabulous way to work with a one-of-a-kind wedding dress that may not follow the straight and narrow.
With all these great options, we guarantee you'll be able to find the right dress for your friend's wedding'and for you!
