THAT LITTLE WHITE DRESS
Mini, midi, or street-length, that little white dress has become a staple in most designer collections. Why? Some brides like the convenience of a shorter dress. For others, the abbreviated length suggests a playful, lighthearted tone. For courthouse and elopement nups, shorter dresses are simply a practical choice. Oh, and let's not forget all those pre- and post-wedding festivities: shower, engagement celebration, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner. Some brides opt for a second dress for their reception (easier to get around sans the bouquet, veil, train, etc.).
Once upon a time, like fifty years back, the size of the ceremony and cost of the wedding dictated what length dress a bride would wear. When I was seven, my aunt Sonia got married in a street-length white organza dress and a blusher veil that skimmed her shoulder line. She had a maid of honor and a bridesmaid in corresponding forest-green fabric. Her's was a small wedding because of family finances; for this reason she choose a shorter dress. So I was told. I asked my mother how much more yardage a longer dress would require, and didn't see how adding a yard more made much difference cost-wise. Certainly, the at-home cake and champagne reception Sonia had wouldn't demand a poached salmon sit-down dinner simply because she chose a floor-length dress. Would it?
Over the years, I came to realize that my aunt may have actually wanted a toned-down celebration and a shorter dress. Not every woman wants to be a princess on her wedding day.
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| Breaking the code, this ensemble still has most of the bridal touches, such as lace and tulle to keep in the spirit of being a bride. |
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| This knit mini can definitely be worn again and again. |
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| This is a condensed version of a traditional dress in lace and tulle sans the train is perfect for dancing. |
Brides have long since moved away from the traditional template in which finances and wedding size dictate dress code. As a designer, I see clients who want both options: they ask for something convertible — a mini or street-length dress with an overskirt (or dress) that is peeled away for the reception. Add to that, gone is the superstition about before-and-after wear. Some eco-conscious brides want to wear their dresses out and about after the wedding. Longer styles don't seem to offer the after-wear options that shorter versions do.
Shorter dresses are only one step in breaking the bridal-wear code. Think of the more casual menswear we've seen over the last decade, polka dot wedding dresses, and bright green shoes, to name just a few trends. Today, that little white dress is more about what makes you feel good and look spectacular on the most important day of your life.
Dresses by Amy-Jo Tatum
