One of the primary focal points of every dress is the neckline. Choosing the right neckline will draw focus to the beauty of the natural facial features of the wearer and enhance the overall appearance of the dress style selected. In addition, it will draw attention to the most attractive features or camouflage the less desirable traits when chosen appropriately.
When choosing bridesmaids’ dresses, choosing a single dress is no longer stylish for your entire bridal party. This is because your girls won’t be the same size or have the same body shape. So instead, we suggest you consider a range of options and mix and match dresses to suit the individual traits of each of the girls in your bridal party.
One good mix and match option is to vary the dress’s neckline while keeping the colours or silhouette constant for the entire group. This gives the group a super-stylish and modern look. It is easy, as most collections offer the same shade for several dresses. So you can find suitable silhouettes and necklines for each of your bridesmaids while keeping the colour uniform.
This guide looks at the most flattering neckline styles for different body types. Use this advice to choose the best neckline styles for your bridesmaid’s dresses. We are sure it will help you come one step closer to making your bridesmaids happy with your dress choices.
One of the things we look at when choosing an evening dress is whether it flatters our natural figure. Apart from finding a dress that flatters your figure, it is also essential to choose one appropriate for the weather when you are wearing it.
Social events happen all around the year. So, the perfect dress for one season may not be the right one for another. Having said this, we must tell you that there are no hard and fast rules on what should or shouldn’t be worn during a particular season. Nonetheless, choosing a suitable dress for the season will ensure more comfort and colours that look right at the time.
Here are some style tips to help you choose the best dress, depending on the weather at the time.
SPRING
Spring is one of the best times of the year, weather-wise. The days are pleasant after a cold winter. The natural landscape takes on bright colours, and you can draw inspiration from this when choosing your dress. This is also when many events are held outdoors, making the most of the pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. So, your dress for such events should preferably be lightweight.
Here are some points to consider when choosing a dress for a spring-time event.
A cover from the cold: While a warm wool coat may look out-of-place at a spring-time event, the weather can still be windy this time of year. So, we suggest that you choose a dress with short sleeves to keep your shoulders covered and warm. Cap-sleeve dresses or three-fourth sleeves are great to cover up your arms, while allowing you to look smart and stylish too. The other option is to choose sleeveless or strapless dresses, and carry an accessory like a stole or shrug that you can wear it if gets chilly.
Smart necklines: Spring in general has a casual, fun feel. So, instead of looking overly dressed up and sophisticated, the better option would be to look smart. Off-the-shoulder necklines, halter necks and slits in skirts add thrill to a dress. So, explore these options.
Simple silhouettes are best: Simplicity is stylish, and minimal no-fuss dress silhouettes pack an instant impact. The sheath and A-line are better than ball gown and fishtail styles, when you choose a floor length gown. For more impact, add sparkling accessories. If you choose shimmery fabric in your dress, avoid bling elsewhere, so your look isn’t too cluttered.
Stylish skirts with interesting hemlines: Soft, breezy skirts in chiffon, voile and organza with a lot of liquidity are ideal for spring. Asymmetrical hemlines make a skirt casual, yet stylish in an instant. Cocktail and tea length dresses would normally be better choices than full-length gowns.
Flower power: Flowers are synonymous with spring, and they are the perfect print for spring dresses. Choose dresses with soft floral designs on them as an ode to nature, and look fresh and feminine.
Soft and neutral palettes:In spring, soft muted colors are a great choice. Take inspiration from the colors of the natural scenery, and choose hues with touches of blue and green in them. Soft pastels, pinks, yellows and greens are suitable for this weather. You can also consider intense floral and nature prints on light backgrounds, if patterns are your thing.
SUMMER
Summer starts with warm weather, and then goes on to become hot and humid. Base your dress choice on the intensity of heat you expect at the time of the event you will be attending. During the first half of summer, choose heavier and elaborate fabric, but transition to light, breathable and airy fabric as the weather becomes hotter.
Here are some tips to help you choose your summer event outfit.
Relaxed dress code: Summer is the time to dress down, get rid of layers and stick with minimalist dress patterns. Focus on colors instead of design details. Look to bright flora and fauna for inspiration. Even at an evening party, it is best to choose an outfit that is more informal than strictly formal. It will not only feel comfortable but will look good too.
Strapless and sleeveless for indoors, but full-sleeves for outdoors: As the temperatures rise, we wold all prefer to shed layers and stick to the bare minimum pieces of clothing. However, if the event you attend is outdoors fully covered tops are recommended to stay sun-safe. You can still choose fabulous designs that don’t look frumpy, by keeping colors light and the design balanced in the silhouette.
Time to play with pattern: Polka dots, chevron, stripes, floral prints; any pattern looks great in summer and is apt for the season. This is the time to pick vibrant colors and rich prints that look cheerful when the sun shines on them.
Short hemlines are in: Short hemlines are best in summer, for obvious reasons. Experiment with different lengths, varying from above the knee to ankle length. However, avoid full length gowns as they look out-of-place in this weather.
Simple silhouettes: A-line skirts and column style dresses are great in this weather. Sheer and illusion necklines and sleeves feel great and refreshing. Avoid layering unless it is in fabric with a smooth drape, or you can end up looking bulky.
Make sensible fabric choices: Cotton, satin, tulle and organza are ideal for summer events. It may be a good idea to avoid satin finishes and silk as these stain with sweat and can look terrible when it does.
Light and bright colors look good: Stay away from intense dark colors, as they are overly warm for the hot weather. Instead stick with light, pleasant colors or tropical colors that pop. Oranges, yellows and reds are all great for this time of year.
AUTUMN
The weather becomes cooler, as winter is near. Warm and cozy outfits look good in autumn, and you don’t need really warm accessories as you can still walk around without feeling too chilly. Here are some fashion tips to consider when choosing your autumn evening dress.
Jewel tones and prints are a hit: As the weather becomes cooler, increase the intensity of color in your chosen outfit. Deep jewel tones are wonderful and can be paired with metallic accents for a sophisticated and stylish effect.
Aim for style and elegance: Just like outdoorsy looks are great at summer and spring events, style and elegance are statement signs for autumn and winter. Formal gowns in earthy or intense colors are perfect for formal events, and they can either be cocktail-length or full-length. Accent colors like orange, brown and red work well with most neutrals.
Choose longer sleeves: As the days grow shorter, let the sleeves grow longer, for both practical and style reasons. High necklines like bateau, scoop or half-collar styles with a V-dip in the center are refined and sophisticated.
Elaborate silhouettes work well: This is the time when both long and short dress styles work well. You can either choose bold and elaborate embellishments with short hemlines, or long gowns with plenty of details. Layer up with a gown that adds volume to your frame and it will look just right in this weather.
Luxe embellishments: Hand embroidery, elaborate crystal work, sparkles and gems are all appropriate in autumn, especially when they are paired with deep, intense colors. Other accents that look good in this weather include ruffles and feathers. Animal prints, Aztec prints and leafy prints are other prints to choose from.
Experiment with necklines: With the weather relatively pleasant, you can consider all types of necklines for this season. While off-the-shoulder necklines and strapless styles are fun and flirty, fully covered high necklines, cowl necklines or those that skim the collarbones and expose no more look polished and perfect. In case it gets too windy, you may like to carry a stylish accessory like a pashmina wrap, that will not only look stylish but will also be a practical solution to stay warm when outdoors. Similarly, add style to your outfit with interesting footwear like knee-high boots that are in-keeping with the weather at the time.
WINTER
Winter is the holiday season, and there will be many functions to attend. This is the time when you should go shopping, so you have a great dress for every occasion that comes up. Refined elegance and bright colors should be the highlight of your look, so you look festive and blend in with the colorful extravaganza that is typical of winter partying. Here are the dress ideas that are good for winter.
Bring on the sleeves: Winter is the season when long sleeves are a good option. However, you can also choose shorter sleeves or sleeveless styles, as long as you have an accessory like a bolero or sash to cover up your shoulders and arms when you step outdoors. Illusion necklines and sleeves are dramatic and chic, perfect for the ambiance at a winter party.
Bold and modern accessories: Dress up a simple silhouette with big and bold accessories. Winter is the time to choose dramatic jewelry and makeup. Think in terms of gold, sparkles, pearls and colored gemstones which are big enough for a statement effect. For a modern look, it may also be fun to add an accessory like a belt or sash that adds greater impact to a simple color and design. Finally don’t forget a shawl, cape or jacket to stay cozy in, when traveling to and from your event venue.
Unexpected elements are fun: There are simple ways to add more oomph to an outfit. This includes ruffles, scalloped lace lines where you least expect it and powerful motifs as embellishments. A short skirt with abundant ruffles is youthful and interesting, while a two-piece dress with ruffles at the waist renders an informal touch to a formal dress.
Prints in one color tone: Although monochromatic color schemes are popular in winter attire, you can experiment with prints, as long as they don’t look like they belong to the summer. Prints in intense colors and with smaller motifs spanning over the entire length are the ideal choice. Don’t forget to mix it with plenty of plain colors for more drama. Alternately, look to shimmering fabric for an overall effect that isn’t cluttered. Color blocking with autumnal colors like browns and red are also a good idea.
Thick and flowing fabric: Layered dresses and thicker fabric are perfect for winter. Not only does this keep the cold at bay, it also helps you look dressed up. Voluminous skirts, embellished sleeves and decorated necklines are best sported in winter. Fabrics that work in this weather include velvet, velveteen and silk. The smooth finish of silk makes it ideal for night-time affairs.
Dressy silhouettes: The trick is to balance your overall look with a silhouette that complements the color of the dress and the embellishments on it. For a simple silhouette like the A-line or sheath, make sure you look good with the right choice of bold accessories to go with it or with a dress that is embellished aplenty. However, this is the time to sport modern silhouettes like the mermaid, as it is appropriate for the weather and looks glamorous. Ball gowns are good on women who want more impact with the dress and not bother too much about accessories.
At Best for Bride, apart from wedding dress collections, we have a wide variety of designer evening dress collections to satisfy all your expectations. Take a look today and you are bound to find many that will catch your eye. Dressing up for any event, be it in any season, has never been easier!
Wedding dress shopping is an exhilarating experience for a bride. But, as her bridal gown is one of the most expensive dresses she will wear in her life, this can also make her nervous. Fortunately, you will have your entourage and bridal consultants to help you make your dress decision. And, as with everything wedding-related, there are specific etiquette rules that you should stick to when shopping for your wedding dress too. Let us take a look at what they are.
Modern brides constantly seek innovative designs and ideas to set their look apart from the rest. Every bride wants to look different, so her bridal look is memorable and impressive. Modern bridal dress designers understand this interest in distinctive fashion choices in bridal wear. Hence, they also experiment with various styles and details to create one-of-a-kind bridal dresses that are sure to captivate.
One of the main elements dress designers use to create impact is the neckline. Take a look at this article on Wedding Ideas to understand the popular wedding dress neckline styles available. Contemporary bridal dresses offer unexpected and interesting twists to traditional necklines, making it the statement feature of bridal gowns. From illusion necklines, unique embellishments, mixed necklines in a single dress and keyhole details, there are plenty of options that will steal focus without any focus.
The right neckline will enhance your facial features, draw attention to your best assets, hide those you don’t like to highlight and also add to the beauty of your bridal gown. This feature will also add subtle drama to the bridal look. Here are some dresses from our collection that feature such dramatic necklines.
The plunging neckline is a bold choice in wedding fashion, and one that not every bride is brave enough to sport on her wedding day. In this Sophia Tolli dress Y11723 Lucille, the typical plunging V-neckline style gets a feminine update with beautiful lace appliques. Although a bold dress, lace appliques trim the sweetheart neckline and extend into the dipped neckline, all the way down. The effect is romantic and unusually attractive. While the neckline allows ample display of skin in the bust region, it is surprisingly demure.
The Sophia Tolli Y11720 Felicity has a necklace formed of lace appliques on a sheer illusion layer. This separates it from the sweetheart bodice. Although it is actually a single piece, the neckline details stand out separately from the rest of the dress. Matching embroidered lace appliques also extend along the arms into three-fourth length sleeves. This adds a special effect. With such embellishments, the bridal look is complete even without a necklace, pendants or other neck accessories. This dress design is very attractive, with beautiful layers of tulle, V-shaped back, illusion sleeves and dropped waist. Nevertheless, it is undeniably the neckline that stands out as a statement feature and steals focus.
Sparkling elements create a striking effect in the Sophia Tolli Y11714 Celestia with the halter neckline detail. Fine hand embroidery with sparkling crystal and bead accents embellish the entire neckline and extend over the fitted yoke over the inner plunging sweetheart bodice. The designs are classy, with fine details that form the statement element of this dress. Illusion details in the bodice and neckline of this dress have unique charm, and their sparkling effect beautifully complements the soft textures in the skirt. The result is a romantic wedding gown.
Enchanting illusion details within the V-neckline of this Sophia Tolli A-line wedding dress add unique charm to the overall dress. The entire dress has ruchings that add beautiful texture. However, the illusion details in the center of the bodice spread out between the V-shaped plunging neckline and create a mesmerizing effect. The illusion appliques have sparkling floral swirls with stunning details below the bust and at the waistline, for added effect. Similar illusion motifs also punctuate the back, adding the perfect finishing touches to this gorgeous dress.
Definitely a choice for the bold bride, the Mori Lee 6870 Malin has a distinct plunging V-shaped neckline that extends all the way down to the natural waistline. It has a barely visible sheer panel holding the shape in the center. The bodice is trimmed piping along the edges, while the entire length features peek-a-boo floral lace appliques that extend to the natural waistline. Sultry and sexy, this dress stands out because of its vivid neckline and details in the bodice, while the soft satin skirt is traditional fare with no extra embellishments.
The off-the-shoulder neckline is a bridal fashion trend that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon. This neckline is undeniably feminine and perfect for women who wish to show off their slender neck and beautiful collar bones. This is the defining feature of the pristine and posh Marquesa 8179 gown from the Mori Lee collection. The entire dress is finished in a stunning satin finish that is elegant and powerful. The beauty of the A-line skirt is significantly enhanced by the off-the-shoulder scoop neckline, and it has a charming bridal look. The dress also features a removable diamante beaded belt, that adds a touch of sparkle to the coolness and unblemished stark white dress.
All-over satin floral lace appliques create a whimsical effect in the entire length of this Sans Pareil bridal gown. However, the high bateau neckline with scalloped edges has a unique head to toe effect. Since the appliques spread out into the sleeves as well, the dress is a reflection of textural finesse. The illusion effect of the lace appliques against the inner inner strapless bodice is exquisite. This is a dress that is dramatic by itself, and doesn’t require any accessories to complete its beauty.
Observe how strategically placed embroidered lace appliques create a beautiful bodice with exquisite plunging V-neckline feature in this Sans Pareil 1061 A-line dress. The entire yoke has a sheer layer, that is barely visible, but supports the bust and holds the detailed embellishments in place. The lace along the bodice extends into thin straps and the almost translucent sheen of the appliques contrasts with the billowing layers of tulle in the skirt. The waistline definition with a satin sash further enhances the figure, and draws attention to a slender waist. This dress is equally interesting from the back, with lace appliques framing the yoke, and a fabric button train extending along the center.
Soft lace silhouettes embellish the entire length of this fit and flare Sans Pareil 1059 wedding dress. Nevertheless, the illusion effect that is created in the bateau neckline over sweetheart bodice has unique visual appeal. The neck region highlights details of the contemporary lace flowers. The high bateau neckline and cap sleeves draw attention to this area. With a thicker texture for the lace, the effect is modest and reveals no skin. Nevertheless it is very feminine and romantic. A well-toned structure is displayed to perfection with this silhouette, and the rhinestone embellished belt adds to the overall effect.
Here is another dress with a beautiful off-the-shoulder neckline, this time from the Sans Pareil collection. Elaborate floral lace details embellish the entire bodice all the way up to the waistline, where a hint of skin is revealed. The bodice is supported by a sheer yoke that extends into a barely visible scoop neckline. However, the dress looks like it sports just an off-the-shoulder neckline formed of lace, and scattered floral motifs spread over the length of the arms. The three-dimensional lace is striking and beautiful.
Gentle ruffles along the scoop neckline of this Sans Pareil modified A-line gown add extraordinary charm to it. It forms the perfect combination with sparkling crystal embellished details along the cap sleeves of the gown. The shimmering details in the sleeves matches the intricate crystal details adorning the chevron waistband beautifully. The gentle touch of texture along the neckline is the only discerning feature of this otherwise simple gown. However, this feature alone elevates the impact of the gown, making it a work of art.
Illusion lace appliques form a divine single shoulder strap detail in this sexy wedding dress from the Sans Pareil collection. The entire dress, including the yoke has a single sheer layer. Additionally, the strategic placement of the hand-embroidered lace appliques creates a unique neckline style. A thin layer of sheer also forms a high scoop neckline. The lace appliques along one shoulder extend into a thin strand in the back. This completes the effect with perfection. Although the bodice details are ultra-feminine, the dress is a bold choice with a mostly-sheer skirt and see-through effect.
An exotic floral lace band extends across the neckline of this Sans Pareil dress with A-line skirt and see-through bodice. With a lace necklace, this layer of lace stays in place by the sheer panel that covers the yoke. The same design continues in the sweetheart bodice, with a cohesive effect. With the width of the lace neckline extending beyond that of the bodice, the dress is elegant and graceful. The peek-a-boo effect in the waistline adds extra drama. Equally beautiful is the dainty corset detail in the back, with the same lace motifs on either side of it.
Regally bewitching, this Sans Pareil dress is gorgeous with its off-the-shoulder neckline. It also has slim three-fourth illusion sleeves and ruffled fit and flare skirt. It combines many fashion elements at once, and is both elegant and captivating. The sheer lace motifs along the neckline and sleeves have dainty scalloped edges, while the detailed motifs add beautiful texture to the dress. The strapless satin bodice opens out into a ruffled skirt. It is simply amazing with gently gathered pleats that flow into a majestic court train at the rear.
From the Jasmine collection is this stunning sheath wedding dress with a softly scalloped lace embellished V-neckline that continues into cap sleeves over an inner sweetheart bodice. The entire dress has the same lace all over. However, the neckline has impressive allure since it is completed in illusion finish. With its overlapping lace motifs that create a three dimensional effect, the fine and intricate work on it is bewitching. The sheer layer that supports the neckline also has a slender strand along the center. It adds a hint of sparkle to the neckline.
The fine draped finish of this dress elevates a regular sweetheart neckline to glory in this beautiful Jasmine wedding gown. Scintillating supporting straps further accentuate the effect of the bodice, while adding just enough sparkle to create a bridal effect. The draped effect that begins in the sweetheart neckline of the dress. This continues down into a dropped waist that gathers at one side. A sparkling crystal embellished design defines the culminating point of the draped layers in the skirt of this dress. With a silky satin finish and charming details, this is a dress that looks luxurious and elegant.
Now tell us, which of these wedding dress necklines appeals most to you? Or is there are different style that we missed? Please let us know in the comments below.
Of the different design features of a wedding dress, the neckline is one that can make or break your look. In fact, I would even say that it is the next most important factor after the wedding dress silhouette. Make your wedding dress neckline choice according to how good your neckline area looks. Also look at how well it suits your facial features.
Fortunately, there are options to change modern dress necklines to match your expectations. A talented seamstress will have the tools and ideas to make this work for you. So, don’t dismiss a wedding dress if the neckline alone doesn’t appeal to you. Check with your bridal consultant to see what customization options are possible to make it right for your vision.
To take a closer look at any of the dresses featured here, and also to find more inspiration for your unique bridal look, visit the Best for Bride website. Check out our online bridal collection gallery. This will allow you to shortlist your favorites from there, before you head out for wedding shopping.
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