How To Choose A Timeless Wedding Look
From megawatt gowns and modern tailoring to sensational shoes and statement accessories, here are the standout designs that will turn heads on your big day
When it comes to choosing your wedding attire, everything from the vibe to venue matters, so it makes sense to start with the centerpiece – will you opt for a floor-sweeping gown, modern mini or slinky jumpsuit? Then, layer in knockout jewels and shoes for ultimate impact.
The minimal silhouette
With the ’90s holding firm as the decade of the moment, look to the era’s most enduring trend to inspire your wedding dress. The beauty of pared-back cuts is that they don’t date and will still look fresh in photographs for years to come. New York-based designer Norma Kamali excels as minimal cuts that don’t compromise on impact – see the label’s ‘Maria’ design in beautiful draped white satin. Alternatively, turn to Christopher Esber. The Australian designer’s masterful tailoring has quickly marked him out as a name to know and his artfully draped strapless column dress works just as well for bohemian beach nuptials as a more formal event.
“Sharp tailoring delivers a slick, modern mood and comes with repeat-wear potential
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The new tailoring
There are wedding looks to suit every style these days, and that needn’t mean a full-length gown. Sharp tailoring delivers a slick, modern mood and comes with repeat-wear potential. Look to Halfpenny London, a label that is committed to creating pieces that celebrate individual style, and delivers closet longevity post-wedding with designs handmade in the UK. The clean lines and mini hemline of its double-breasted satin coat dress, for example, makes for the perfect power piece at an evening affair, black-tie wedding or modern city event. Simply add understated gold jewels and towering heels.
The romantic design
If all-out romance is the order of the day, make Erdem your first port of call. A champion of craftsmanship, this London-based brand is famed for creating beautiful pieces that fuse dark romance with directional details. We love the label’s asymmetric gown, which features exquisite embroidery and a dramatic bow detail. Alternatively, look to Danielle Frankel, a New York-based designer who honed her craft at Marchesa and Vera Wang before launching her own label. The result? Delicate, gathered tulle styles that fuse expert tailoring with a whimsical sensibility.
“It’s worth widening your search beyond dresses. After all, a sleek jumpsuit delivers contemporary chic in droves
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The high-octane jumpsuit
Remember, it’s worth widening your search beyond dresses. After all, a sleek jumpsuit delivers contemporary chic in droves, particularly when it’s crafted by wedding-attire pro Jenny Packham. All-over sequins and a beautiful built-in cape that swirls makes the label’s signature jumpsuit the ultimate high-impact choice. Also good: this intricately detailed design needs very little in the way of accessorizing, so it will segue from ceremony to drinks to late-night dancing with effortless ease.
The finishing touches
No wedding look is complete without a few well-chosen jewelry pieces, so turn to designers who excel at timeless designs and impeccable craftsmanship, like Jade Trau. A fifth generation diamantaire, Trau’s eponymous brand specializes in delicate, sentimental gems – the perfect choice for your nuptials. Or, seek out elegant pieces by LA-based brand Octavia Elizabeth, whose collections perfectly balance eye-catching design with classic style for the ideal investment jewels. Finally, don’t overlook shoes – designs by the likes of Jimmy Choo are guaranteed to up the ante on your big day.
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