Getting married doesn’t have to mean buying into a world of frills and lace; if it’s simple elegance you’re looking for in a dress, there’s plenty of choice out there if you’re willing to look for it. You’ll need to dig through a lot of fluff and meringue before you find the ideal style for you, but whether you’re going for a high end designer dress or an off-the-peg number, simpler dresses can be flattering, stylish and cool.
So here’s my pick of this season’s off-the-peg dresses that use time-honoured tailoring techniqus to enhance your silhouette with minimal fuss and not a scrap of lace or chiffon in sight.
Follow the jump for details on the dresses.
Vera Wang Strapless Mermaid Gown
This strikingly simple dress is made from ivory cotton tulle and twill charmeuse with a ruched bust and softly draping skirt, finished with a back bow and wintergarden corsage. Elegance like this doesn’t come cheap though! Expect to pay from $2500. Vera Wang collection 12248.
Jasper Conran Ivory Horseshoe-neck Bridal Dress
On the opposite end of the price scales is this figure-enhancing empire line dress in ivory by Jasper Conran. Now just £75 (from £250) in Debenhams, it’s a steal if you’re looking for something basic from a strong design name whose signature look is simple elegance. I like the bias cut skirt, and the subtle beading on the sash gives it a neat finish.
You can see more of Jasper Conran’s bridal collection here
Forget-Me-Not Bethany
Forget-me-not designs specialise in ‘hidden’ corsetry that adds structure to the dress without any added fussiness. I like the way it’s been used in this ‘Bethany’ dress to give a clean-cut, nipped in look that creates a lovely shape.
Prices for this range, all of which is handmade in the UK start at around £900. Available in select bridal shops throughout the UK and Ireland or by visiting the label’s Isle of Wight shop where the collection is on offer along with a couture service.
Alison Blake Design ‘Skye’ bodice
Bespoke designer Alison Blake is particularly good at the streamlined, sculptural look and I really like this ivory ‘Skye’ bodice that’s made from Thai silk that’s sparingly decorated with tiny stars and pearls with delicate gold embroidery.
See the rest of Alison’s collection here.
