1 minute read
Styling Your Colored Wedding Dress
WITH MAGGIE SOTTERO DESIGNS
We remember it so well… one of the fi dresses that stopped us in our tracks. It was Sottero & Midgley’s Zander. Indeed, brides have long sought out dresses that weren’t the traditional white (or ivory), but this dress was different. The stunning lace motifs, endless tulle, and plunging neckline, how could we not fall in love with it? It was also one of the first times we saw a black dress actually resemble a wedding dress. This dress wasn’t just any dress dyed black, it was intentionally designed and styled to be a bridal gown, a show-stopper. Just look at the hemline of the tulle ballgown skirt (trimmed in horsehair BTW !).
Since that dress, we have seen an upward trend in the number of colored dresses included in most designers’ collections. Interestingly, though, with an endless color palette, black is as popular as ever and remains very trendy right now with “anti-bride” and “dark fairytale” weddings currently trending, according to Maggie Sottero Designs (“MSD”). “Especially black floral like Watson by Maggie Sottero.” However some of their most popular colorful gowns include Norvina by Sottero and Midgley (black lace), Juniper by Sottero and Midgley (French blue), and Scarlet by Maggie Sottero (deep red). “Although, [their] favorite black gowns include Alexandria by Rebecca Ingram, Penny by Maggie Sottero, and Zander by Sottero & Midgley.” It’s apparent that with such a wide selection of colored wedding dresses in different silhouettes, they know a thing or two about styling them. So it only makes sense that their design team give you some advice on styling your colored wedding dress.
So what do they have to say? MSD tells us, “First, brides should consider color palette; a colorful gown should enhance and harmonize with the bride's skin tone. Second, the bride should strike a balance with accessories, especially with the bouquet. Coordinate the colors of the flowers with the dress and select flowers that complement and enhance the dress without overpowering it.”
And, as for accessories, they’ve got you covered, too! “When wearing a colorful wedding dress, accessories depend on the overall style of the gown. For example, Aspen by Sottero & Midgley comes in all black or all ice pink with a strapless scoop neckline, which works well with bold or chunky jewelry. Nerida by Sottero & Midgley, a gown with an all-over pink fl oral pattern, works with simple accessories that are complementary,” MSD explains, “Ultimately, the goal is to create a cohesive and balanced ensemble where the dress remains the focal point. Of course, the most important suggestion is to pick an accessory that makes you feel the most confident and beautiful [from head to toe]!”
For veils, the same advice applies, so “brides should choose a simple and understated veil design. A sheer tulle veil or a single-layered veil with minimal embellishments can complement the dress without overwhelming it.” And about those shoes, you’ll definitely want to remember the number one rule of comfort, but also allow them to “coordinate well with the overall theme and style of their wedding! Consider selecting shoes that complement or accentuate the dress color, such as metallics, neutrals, or even bold contrasting colors,” MSD suggests. “Matching the shoe color to a detail or accent color in the dress can also create a cohesive look.”
Photos courtesy of designer
