The Shape of Things To Come

For brides-to-be on the path to matrimony, after the question has been popped another almost as crucial remains to be answered: which dress? The search for 'the one' can be the trickiest aspect of the planning period as brides the world over seek the single gown that not only epitomises their individual sense of style, but perfectly portrays their personality and, of course, imparts that million dollar look.

Between stints at numerous boutiques and hours spent researching and deliberating the dress, whittling it down can seem a nigh impossible task.

Having taken stock of the latest fresh-from-the-catwalk trends, we've investigated those all-important wedding dress silhouettes: what they are, who they suit and how to wear them 'now' - to help you get started. A very voguish and hassle-free dress hunting experience starts here...

Ball gown
Shape: full skirt with slim, waist cinching bodice
Ideal for: all body types, especially curvy

Fairy tale and ball gowns smack of statement style. Lending themselves perfectly to fashions with wow factor impact, think voluminous skirts, layer upon layer of light-as-air fabrics, and gorgeously cut bodices featuring the most eye-catching details and designs.

The current designers' craze for ruffles and feathers marries well with the silhouette, while glitter inscriptions, top-trending colours of (canary) yellow and blue, and floral embellishments all serve to accentuate modern fairy tale style.


Little Anne-Maids


Little Anne-Maids


County Cream


Amanda K Bridal


County Cream


The Bridal House of Cornwall


The Bridal House of Cornwall


Amanda K Bridal

Mermaid
Shape: elongated bodice with knee/mid-thigh flaring skirt
Ideal for: hourglass and/or tall figures

Seeing a recent resurgence on the catwalk, mermaids ooze old school glamour, making them the ideal choice for vintage-inspired brides while simultaneously lending a modern edge through contemporary features such as the neckline.

Bare, off-the-shoulder cuts epitomise femininity, while modern romantics can relish everything from beautiful blush-coloured skirts to whimsical floral accents and sensuous, deep plunging necklines.


Amanda K Bridal


Amanda K Bridal


Amanda K Bridal


The Bridal Room St Ives


Little Anne-Maids


County Cream


County Cream


County Cream


Amanda K Bridal

A-line
Shape: gently flaring skirt in 'A' shape from a fitted waist
Ideal for: all figures

The classic cut flatters every figure, making it a reliable staple and blank canvas on which to stamp some unique and personalised style. Whether you prefer a traditional piece of vintage couture or modern bridal separates, A-lines are the silhouetted solution to many a sartorial quandary.

Spruce up the simple silhouette with contemporary lace-up and 3D details, a pair of statement earrings, a cape, gilded embroidery, or opt for head-to-toe lace, which remains perennially on trend.


Amanda K Bridal


Amanda K Bridal


Amanda K Bridal


The Bridal House of Cornwall


Little Anne-Maids


Little Anne-Maids


Little Anne-Maids


County Cream


County Cream


The Bridal Room St Ives

Sheath
Shape: body-skimming designs
Ideal for: slim and petite frames

The sheath is a clingy number that accentuates the female form and can be donned in a variety of guises, from festival hipster favourite, broderie anglaise lace, to glam silk columns and wispy, barely-there skirts.

Sheaths support the lingerie-inspired and boudoir lace look, along with the ever-popular 'nude' movement, where illusion fabrics and panelling remain one of the top lust-haves. Add long sleeves, dramatic trains and/or veils, high Victoriana necklines or a low-plunge back for a contemporary twist.


Amanda K Bridal


The Bridal Room St Ives


The Bridal House of Cornwall


The Bridal House of Cornwall


The Bridal House of Cornwall


Amanda K Bridal


Amanda K Bridal


The Bridal Room St Ives


Amanda K Bridal


The Bridal Room St Ives


Little Anne-Maids


Little Anne-Maids


The Bridal Room St Ives

Short
Shape: body-conscious styles and short hems from micro-minis to calf-length
Ideal for: petite builds

Whether you wish to nod to bygone fashions with a flirty '50s skirt, channel a free-spirited boho vibe with a pair of tanned legs and mini skirt, or flash some ankle - and a pair of killer heels - with a midi-length skirt, short styles brilliantly extend the options when it comes to choosing and combining trends.

Tea-length gowns are de rigueur on the runways, which can be worn to vintage effect via glamorous halter-neck or strapless styles, or modernised with floral prints, lace appliques, gold brocade or flesh-exposing cut-outs.


The Bridal House of Cornwall


Little Anne-Maids


The Bridal Room St Ives


The Bridal Room St Ives


The Bridal House of Cornwall

Suit
Shape: two and one-piece tailored designs
Ideal for: all body types, especially slim frames

Marking a return to minimalism while nodding to highly structured styles, suits are no longer reserved for the androgynous look. The move from masculine to sultry is achieved through soft feel-me fabrics, figure-celebrating (and waist-baring) bridal separates and softly draping jumpsuits.

Think couture lace trousers, tailored playsuits, silk peplums and wool suits cut to perfection, with oversized bows, delicate boudoir-lace bodices, backless blazers and tulle trains all making a jaw-dropping appearance.


Theia


The Bridal House of Cornwall


Elizabeth Fillmore

words Hannah May

Copyright Wed magazine 2017