Looking to make a jaw-dropping impression on your wedding day? All it takes is a little creativity, a great designer and an above-the-knee hem. Once considered too daring for a bride's big day, the short designer dress has come out of the closet to become one of this season's hottest wedding wear trends. Get in on this fabulous and fashionable style with a short designer dress of your own.
When is a Short Wedding Dress Appropriate?
If you're worried that the short dress could be a fashion faux pas, relax. Short designer gowns will blend seamlessly with nearly any style wedding ceremony. With the exception of very formal, large-scale evening weddings, the short dress can be designed to look sophisticated, innocent, casual or highly dramatic. Check out your favorite designer's offerings under the short dress or short gown category (most designers display their latest gowns online, or you can go browsing at your local formal wear boutique).
Your Personal Style
Let your personality be your guide in selecting the short designer dress of your dreams. Do you love to kick off your heels and run on the beach? Are you a drama queen (and proud of it)? Do you long for the glamorous retro style of the 1940s and 1950s, or is your closet stocked with the very latest from the most daring designers? Let the specialists at the bridal boutique know your personal preferences and fashion flavor. They can help guide you toward choices that will suit both your body and soul.
Short But Sweet
Romantics-at-heart will love cap sleeves, pearls and embellishments such as oversize bows or lace edging. Look for retro touches and sumptuous fabrics, such as silk satin. Silk cotton can also lend an air of fresh, romantic innocence. Go for a hem that lands at mid-knee or as long as mid- calf; note that in the case of short wedding dresses, a slightly longer hem is actually considered more casual.
A Party to Remember
The party dress is another highly popular short wedding dress style. Usually, the party dress has a wide skirt and a fitted bodice. The short party dress can have spaghetti strap, slim or cap sleeves. Strapless is another option; add a sophisticated bridal shawl or long gloves if you need more of a formal feel during the wedding ceremony.
High Glamor
The glamorous short designer wedding gown is usually fitted for at least two thirds of the length of the dress. You don't need to go ultra-tight for the glamorous look; a fairly close fit, perhaps with an empire waist and gathers, makes a sophisticated impression. Try touches such as embroidered fabric and fabric flowers or bows at the waistline to complete this look.
Your Wedding Party
True fashionistas will love the latest: a short dress for the bride and long gowns for the bridesmaids. You'll make waves as you walk down the aisle following your traditionally-garbed wedding party. Another option is to have your bridesmaids wear dresses that are similar in length to your own gown but contrast significantly in the bodice style or sport a deep, eye-popping color. Use your imagination to create a dress--and day--that's all your own.
