Bridesmaid Dresses. They’re the dress that evokes fear and loathing into every stylish girlfriend. The dress that can have the chicest glamour puss shaking in her Manolos. The dress that induces nightmares of apricot hued taffeta spewing forth in vile spectres of hooped petticoats, ruffled skirts and leg-o-mutton sleeves.
The dress that has the power to make you want to punch your (potentially former) best friend in the face. The dress that has inspired countless laugh-out-loud chick flicks such as 50 Dresses and Bridesmaids. Yup people, it’s they’re the dress that incites lunacy.
If you are a Bride about to embark on The Bridesmaid Dresses Journey, or are a Brides-slave, err I mean “Bridesmaid” yourself… you need to read on.
Here are my top tips for pursuing perfect bridesmaid dresses. Without getting a punch in the face.
Bridesmaid Dresses Checklist:
1. There is not one dress that will suit EVERY body shape in your Bridal Party. Unless the Bridal Party are the Victoria Secret models. Such a dress does not exist. It is as mythical as the Yeti. Nor can one dress turn your Bridesmaids INTO Victorias Secret models.
2. Bridesmaids dresses are NEVER worn again. Ever. Ask anyone. Attempting to find a style that “can be worn again” is futile. Once a Bridesmaid dress, always a Bridesmaid dress.
3. It is cruel to force a grown women wear sickly sweet pastels, flamenco flounces, full length sequins or anything of the Big Fat Gypsy Wedding variety. Please don’t.
4. No Bridesmaid EVER loses weight. Their declarations may seem sincere at the onset, but believe me, IT WON’T HAPPEN. Shop for the size they are today, because that’s what they will probably be on Wedding Day.
With that said swig back a glass of champagne and read on…
BODY SHAPES
Chances are, you have one Size 8 (aka “the bitch”); two size 12 – one vertically challenged and pear shaped; the other netballer statuesque broad shouldered with narrow hips; one size 14-16 and one is pregnant. What to do for such an array of different body shapes?
Well… I’ve discovered that there are two styles that just work on MOST figure types.
1. The V-neckline
This is undoubtedly the most flattering neckline ever. The horizontal V minimises a fuller bust, yet at the same time can give the illusion of a fuller bust on a flatter chest. Weird I know, but it just does.
2. The A-Line skirt
Hides a myriad of hip, thigh, bum n tum issues, cellulite and wobbly bits. Yes girls, this is the dress you can wear AND continue your Tim Tam indulgence at the same time.
Here are some other tricks…
Heavy arms? Try a sheer or lace cap sleeve.
Cinch in the waist and rib area with corsetry. It draws attention to the smallest part of the body and distracts from other areas.
Diagonal waistlines create cut podgy tummies and hips in half.
Empire lines under the bust will elongate the leg, making you appear taller.
Ruching and drapery are flattering over curvaceous shapes.
3 CELEBRITY BRIDESMAIDS DRESS TRENDS
Mismatched Dresses
Thank you Sex and the City for dragging us out of the Amish “sister wife” look achieved with identical Bridesmaid dresses. I love that each girls’ personality can shine through with different styles and colours like Carrie’s girls wore.
White Out
An all white wedding has been a long time favourite of mine, and is perennially chic and glamorous. Kim Kardashian and Kate Middleton apparently agree.
Chic Mid-Summer Nymphs
Kate Moss opted for vintage shades of nougat, cream and latte for her party of 12 flower girls. A textural festival of modern Boho cool.
By Alex Perry
www.alexperry.com.au
@AlexPerry007
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