First Coast Register August/September 2015 | Page 19

shoulders—but designers this season are sending out more
and more dresses with spaghetti straps and illusion detailing.
The good news for brides is that these stylish trends—while
not covering much more skin—do help to make dresses more
comfortable by adding support.
Spaghetti straps were all over the runways, harkening back to
the rise in the trend during the 90s. If you love the trend, look for
rounded, tiny single straps. The understated detail can elevate a
typical dress and make it more fashion-forward.
Another huge trend that designers seemed to love in the
spring was the illusion detail. Generally designers integrated
these details by adding sheer panels of fabric—often across the
neckline, shoulders, or backs of dresses—and then embellishing
these “nearly nude” panels with embroidery, sequins and other
small flourishes. The sheer panels lend extra support to the dress
and give the illusion of applique details right on a bride’s skin.
Not for every bride, but definitely something to consider!

Bridal separates

Crop tops have been ubiquitous on runways for the past few
years, and the world of wedding gowns has not escaped the
trend. It’s difficult to imagine many real First Coast brides who
would love this trend (and if you do, more power to you!)—but
if you’d like to stay fashion forward while covering up, consider
looking at bridal separates.
Separate pieces tend to be more structured, with both pieces
following the same general styling. Rather than a nipped-in waist
as with a traditional wedding dress, a nicely styled separate takes

emphasis off of the belly and waist, moving it to the shoulders,
collar and hips. Separates tend to be more versatile than a
traditional gown, too—so there’s an option for every body shape.

Tiers and draping

On the opposite end of the spectrum from the chic and spare
bridal separates, you’ll find plenty of frilly tiers and draping in
this season’s best gown collections. Tiers add a dramatic flair
to your wedding-day style, and can range anywhere from huge
uniform ruffles to asymmetrical and spare draped tiers.
Tiered wedding gowns are a lovely option for any bride who
is looking to add a touch of the romantic and traditional to her
wedding look. The style is also a great way to amp up the texture
of a wedding gown, making the entire look extra feminine.

Full sleeves

And on the opposite end of the spectrum from the daring
illusion details and skin-baring crop top wedding separates,
you’ll find the full sleeve trend making a comeback. Many of us
grew up with beautiful images of our mothers’ and grandmothers’
wedding dresses featuring lacy, full sleeves. The trend is back in a
big way this fall, and is perfect for the cooler season.
Models hit the runway in a variety of sleeves—everything from
structured cap sleeves to the ever-popular ¾-length sleeve to
complete full sleeves down to the wrist. The choice is elegant
and stays fashion forward, even while giving a respectful nod to
the modest and traditional wedding dresses of the past.

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First Coast Register | August - September 2015 19