Nude Wedding Dresses

Wed celebrates bridal fashion's most alluring trend...

Wedding world has been enjoying something of a nudey moment of late. We've had naked cakes, pared back neutral palettes, simplified menus and minimalist decor, so it was only a matter of time before bridal wear joined suit. From barely-there make-up to loosely flowing locks, brides are increasingly taking an uber-relaxed approach to their big-day style.

The latest, lusted-after trend for naked wedding gowns offers a fresh, daring and seductive approach to bridal fashion where the female form is celebrated in all its glory, while a new element of dress design is showcased to spectacular effect.


Suzanne Neville, Amanda K Bridal

Now before you start trembling in your boots, fret not: this isn't an all-out flesh flashing movement, but rather a way of merging the modern, more modest approach of styling with a personal-take-on-risque twist. Think form-sculpting silhouettes in translucent fabrics or cut to expose a head-turning slither of skin; or a classic ballgown betraying old school elegance but with a seductively low sweetheart bodice.

Here's the lowdown on how to achieve the latest 'naked' looks...

COLOUR
Shifting away from Gothic black and racy reds, dress shades have moved to a far subtler end of the spectrum. Dove greys, soft blues, silver, stonewashed shades such as taupe and a wash of watercolour are dominating designers' palettes.

White and off-white smack of simplicity and purity, while skin tones are a particularly popular choice. From pale buff to blush, an au naturel palette, where the lines between skin and dress are barely discernible, is de rigueur.


Annais, Little Anne-Maids


Justin Alexander, The Bridal House of Cornwall


David Tutera, Lavender Rose


Naomi Neoh, The Bridal House of Cornwall


Claire Pettibone, The Bridal House of Cornwall


Beautiful by Enzoani, Lavender Rose


Maggie Sottero, Amanda K Bridal


Maggie Sottero, Amanda K Bridal


Romantica, County Cream

CUT
Skin-exposing, shoulder-baring and curve-hugging is largely the order of the day, and whether you wish to embrace all elements of the naked trend or sport one or two components, the latest bridal collections are awash with options.

Revealing cut-outs, S-shaped gowns, thigh-high slits (double and single) and mini hems are the main, jaw-dropping features of the catwalk's naked frocks; while, for a more demure take on the trend, plunging V-necks, low and open backs and an accentuated hourglass silhouette will also cause a sartorial stir.


Bellice, Little Anne-Maids


Justin Alexander, The Bridal House of Cornwall


David Tutera, Lavender Rose


Claire Pettibone, The Bridal House of Cornwall


Claire Pettibone, The Bridal House of Cornwall


Blue by Enzoani, Lavender Rose


Ellis Bridals, County Cream


Maggie Sottero, Amanda K Bridal


Maggie Sottero, Amanda K Bridal


Romantica, County Cream


Mojgan Couture, Amanda K Bridal


Suzanne Neville, Amanda K Bridal

FABRIC
Pure cotton mirrors the minimalist, boho aspect of the naked movement and is ideal for a number of settings and themes from beach to country festival. An element of illusion is achieved through lashings of lace, body-hugging silk, skimpy mesh and see-through tulle, with overlays and sheer panelling complete with strategically placed sequins or floral embellishments in place to protect modesty.

Throw in some fun and flirty feathers with the accessories or built into the dress itself via feather-trimmed sleeves or full feather skirts, and it's largely a mix of light, frothy, feel-me transparent materials sashaying along today's designer bridal catwalks.


D'Zage, Little Anne-Maids


D'Zage, Little Anne-Maids


Bellice, Little Anne-Maids


Kelsey Rose, County Cream


Claire Pettibone, The Bridal House of Cornwall


Romantica, County Cream


Blue by Enzoani, Lavender Rose


Blue by Enzoani, Lavender Rose


Naomi Neoh, The Bridal House of Cornwall


Maggie Sottero, Amanda K Bridal

SILHOUETTE
The shape of the dress is an unabashed homage to the female figure, where the hourglass reigns supreme. Lingerie-inspired and close-fitted, the craze covers everything from corsets and slips to floor-length mermaid silhouettes.

Cinched waists, flowing and A-line skirts and sculpting bodices all serve to exaggerate womanly curves; while detachable skirts allow those desiring a more traditional look for the ceremony the option of a more bold evening reception transformation of their own.

Long, floor-skimming designs composed of transparent skirts, micro mini skirts and flaring fishtails (with elaborate trains optional) evoke modern high fashion, and, when combined with delicate beading, floral embroidery and intricate patterns, complete the naked look to exquisite effect.


D'Zage, Little Anne-Maids


Annais, Little Anne-Maids


David Tutera, Lavender Rose


Claire Pettibone, The Bridal House of Cornwall


Mori Lee, Amanda K Bridal


Blue by Enzoani, Lavender Rose


Blue by Enzoani, Lavender Rose


Suzanne Neville, Amanda K Bridal

words Hannah May

Copyright Wed magazine 2016