Spotlight Brides

Designers give bridal gowns a narrower silhouette

Elegant bride or fashionista? It may be difficult to tell, judging from the newest gowns shown by Carolina Herrera, Jim Hjelm, Maggie Sottero and other leading bridal designers. Princess and trapeze gowns, popular for many seasons, are being pushed aside to make room for silhouettes more associated with the red carpet than the wedding aisle. Designers are narrowing skirts, emphasizing waists and turning up the volume on pleats, ruffles and tiers.

• The popularity of off-the-shoulder dresses continues. The look calls for minimal accents — a single, “statement” piece of jewelry such as a pair of dangle earrings that sparkle or a thick, signature bracelet, says Shawn Diddy, a trend tracker for Jewelry Television. Wear hair up to show off your shoulders.
• Pleats, ruffles and tulip tiers abound in light and frothy fabrics. Because of the unusual silhouettes of these trendy dresses, keep hair and jewelry simple. A loose chignon softens your face while a classic pair of diamond stud earrings adds elegance and light to the ensemble.
• Instead of white or ivory, why not go with a pastel shade? Color is making its way into wedding dresses, said Kristin Carnaby, co-owner of Sposa — A Wedding Boutique in Omaha. Shades of peach, blush and baby blue are fresh and stylish.
• Gowns tinged with a hint of color are very popular, said Cindy Emge, owner of Thomcyns Formal Attire in Council Bluffs. “They’re moving out about as fast as they’re moving in,” she said. “There’s just a little bit of light color. That way the moms are still happy that it’s traditional.”
• Accents such as a colored sash or a brooch are popular, too, Carnaby said. Pull your hair back into a soft ponytail to show off crystal earrings or a necklace in a complementary color.
• Lace is always in, but this season’s unique lace details work especially well with long, flowing hair. Rich, jewel-toned, vintage-look jewelry adds texture to the ensemble.
• Whether the dress is short or long, designers have put the emphasis back on the waist. Nipped-in lines and wide belts or sashes showed all over New York’s runways.