Wedding dress expert, Louisa Shulman, reveals the hottest trends for wedding dresses in 2013…
Lovely lace
Lace remains the single biggest story in bridal for the new year. There are some really gorgeous laces around now in the latest 2013 collections. Some designers use lace to embellish a particular feature, others have chosen it for an ‘overdress’ topping a simple silky sheath to give it a vintage look.
One of my favourite looks is the way some designers have layered tulle over lace so that you get an added dimension and an almost floating effect as you walk down the aisle.
Not a fan of strapless dresses? Sleeves are making the fashion headlines thanks to the more traditional gowns worn by Kate Middleton and Natalie Portman.
They could be anything from little lace cap sleeves that can be whipped off to give you two looks in one, see-thru three-quarter-length sleeves with a scattering of sparkly crystals or here-and-there appliques of lace.
One of the perfect cover-up solutions is the tiny little shrug – some lace, some taffeta with frilled edges – many designers are now doing this, to wear with a strapless dress to create a different impression from day to night.
Elegant folds
Cascades of ruffles are another clear trend, trickling down skirt fronts in soft folds – perfect for your dream wedding dress.
When it comes to styles, the fishtail (some call it mermaid) is the trend. Think sexy, body-clinging, red-carpet sort of look, with plenty of flounce coming out from mid-thigh. This is a great look in all sizes, and girls with curves will love the way the fishtail flatters them in all the right places.
Want something sleek and chic? Trumpet-styles dresses have less cling on the body but feature a similar fluted flare towards the hem. There’s a touch of vintage style on these dresses and that’s an important feature in design terms.
Vintage chic
The fifties, considered to be iconic in fashion terms, are also a strong influence for wedding dresses next year. We love the boat-neck short designs with neat bows at the nipped-in waist and layers of net petticoats peeping out below the hem. For a different look why not add a coloured underskirt? It will look amazing in your photographs.
There are plenty of other ways to make that dress YOUR dream wedding dress. Beautiful beaded belts, contrast-colour sashes and corsages of silky flowers are some of the many extras designers are offering so that you can customise your dream dress. The staff in your bridal boutique will be more than happy to give you some great ideas.
At Find Your Dream Wedding Dress you can use dozens of filters to search through your favourite gowns, from more than 40 top names. You can even make appointments in the shops that carry those collections. New designers and more dresses are being added all the time so don’t forget to check back regularly.
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