Let your personality shine from your tresses to your toes in the season’s dreamiest dresses.

Forget about your heart: your outfit should be showcasing your soul. This season and beyond, trends are paving the way for charismatic styling as the continual mixing of styles, fabrics, colours and contours give rise to unique looks that merge fashion with individual spirit. The key to self-styling is simple: consider your wedding dress as an extension of who you are and revel in a look that is timelessly yours.

To help you get started, we’ve compiled a series of personality types to help you pin down your style tendencies and find the frock to suit your self. Not only will you be saying ‘I do’; you will also be announcing, ‘I am’…

THE FASHIONISTA
You’re so cutting edge you can detect the on-trend pulse before it even hits by your close à la mode monitoring. Drawing from your intuitive take on modern movements, you’re seeking to create a signature, ultra modish look.




The limelight doesn’t faze you. In fact, you prefer heart-stopping showmanship to slinking in the shadows and love to rock statement styles fresh from the catwalk. Frock swapping midway through the day is a great way to incorporate several key looks; perhaps ditch the dress for a cocktail piece or a palazzo pantsuit for the reception.
 

Amanda Wakeley

The latest wave of origami or architectural designs is perfect for the fashionista bride. Consider sculptured, multi-layered and tiered styles and boldly defined creations, such as Art Deco patterning, which ooze drama.


Art Couture

Asymmetric lines are the height of chic, as demonstrated by New York’s recent Spring Bridal Fashion Week. Colour was also flashing down the catwalks with red igniting a statement of passion, whether through head-to-toe chroming or outfit alluring accents. Other fashion-forward shades include metallic marvels gold and silver, though in muted tones via greys and champagnes rather than brassy overstatement.


Justin Alexander

Otherwise, concentrate on your silhouette. Beyond the swamping material mass of multi-layering and highly structured styles, shapes to vie for include A-line, strapless, sweetheart, v-necklines and trumpets. The cream of modern couture is torn between the charmeuse sheath and super short mini; whichever contour you favour, and however you individualise as you assemble it, your outfit will be assuredly and spectacularly ‘now’.

THE BOHO BRIDE
Your personal style is less high maintenance and more laidback elegant. Concerned predominantly with the way you move and interact with your clothing and audience, you have a relaxed, yet aware approach to the material world.


Justin Alexander

You’re not overly anxious about mimicking the top fashion houses’ apparel. For you, it’s about customised consideration and personal interpretation.

As the leading lady must schmooze with ease, the comfort factor is a chief concern. For you, a ravishing ensemble is achieved through stripping down the fuss and flirting with a few frills. Apt dress types are floaty, drapey and floral numbers: anything akin to an earthy, hippy vibe to reflect your core chilled out ethos.

The recently reinvigorated Southern Belle style is a further option for boho brides. Although full skirts teamed with a ribbon sash and bonnet may seem a little Bo Peep, if worn well the ensemble exudes romantic flair.

Alternatively, consider the über cool ethnic genre. Finding form through Indian type kaftans and saris, African print and safari style, exercise and borrow subtly with caution to avoid trend-tailored overdrive.


Pronuptia

Fabric wise, sheaths, sheer silks and chiffon are key elements to the boho bridal look and can be exquisitely offset by some delicious detailing. In particular, floral embellishments are staging a central role and rose and daisy blueprints are in popular demand.

THE BEACH BABE
The coastline is an intrinsic part of our everyday life and as many of the venues – both wedding and engagement – are likely to have an ocean focus, reflecting the space in your dress seems sweetly appropriate.


Ella

Whether you’re a surf goddess, coastal explorer or summertime beach barbecue fan, an affiliation with our surrounding sands often has a vital impact on our nuptial styling. Though it’s often a casual aesthetic, the beach look can take a variety of guises.


Eternity Bride

Grecian and Roman inspired pieces are beautifully en vogue; whether as a full on toga or simple sheath, the twist and wrap style is awash with potential as demonstrated in New York.

Goddess gowns are replete on the runways, as are more skin baring, seductive styles such as figure-clutching empire lines and baby dolls, which also signifies the influx of lingerie as outerwear trend. If you’re set on a beach wedding – either thematically or as a location – your laidback, water-loving personality will be in splendid form.


Impression Bridal

A bevy of beachside colours was also carousing the New York catwalk: most notably an array of blues, greens and lavender by the likes of trendsetter Reem Acra. Shape wise, flared forms are ultra hip. Fitted neck to knee gowns that kick out either in a bell shape or waterfall silhouette are flying off the rails, otherwise classic mermaid shapes with exaggerated flaring or tiered ‘tails’ comprise an ethereal take on beachside style.

THE CLASSIC BRIDE
Revelling in a seductive fusion of romance and nostalgia, you lust after a dress sourced from history. Whether it’s a modern take on a vintage design or a pre-worn family heirloom, you can customise and update or fuse features and vogues. Replicating past fads or wearing a piece of genuine history blends times and trends, smacking of romance and glamour: the hallmarks of classic styling.


Amanda Wakeley

Your regard for the past may incite an opulent and regal air that affords a classy edge; but it also harks back to past decades – ‘50s flirty, ‘60s hippy, ‘70s retro or ‘80s glam – revealing not only the reinvigoration of a trend, but an entire cultural narrative.


Ian Stuart

If you’re dreaming of decadence, lavish vintage gowns adorned with intricate beading and lace may satisfy your stylistic criteria. Think satin and velvet, long trains and sleek, über chic contouring.
 

Sophia Tolli

For a fun take on classic, delve into the world of retro throwback. As an outfit change or for the main event, consider kitsch polka dot, ‘80s princess or crazy psychedelic cat suits – it needn’t be confined to clear-cut lines and modest minimalism.


San Patrick

Otherwise, the detail can be the dealmaker. Feathers, beads, brocade and bows make decorative add-ons, embossing your dress with the finery for a grand and delicate look. Embroidery, pleats, ruffles and ruching add texture whilst carefully elaborating to showcase the best of you.

words Hannah May

Copyright WED magazine 2010