Every bride has a unique vision and preferences regarding finding the perfect wedding dress. I knew I wanted something classic and timeless but had a modern twist. And that’s when I discovered the beauty of sleeved wedding dresses.
When I tried on my first-sleeved gown, I knew it was the one. The sleeves added a touch of elegance and sophistication, while the modern cut and fabric made it feel fresh and on-trend. And as I continued my search, I realized that sleeved wedding dresses offered the perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
Glamour has different interpretations, as it means other things to different people. However, there is always one thing common to all that is glamorous; this style is distinctively evident, loud and impressive.
Not every bride wants a traditional wedding dress on her wedding day. More than a handful of women with a bold streak would love to show off their best features in a dress that does most of the talking. Then, there are also those brides who love the sophistication of subtle glamour. These women see a memorable wedding day look that is glitzy and stunning effect at the same time. These brides do not need hundreds of details in their wedding dresses to achieve their intended result. Just a few exciting dress features chosen carefully can render this glamorous look.
So, whether you want outright drama or prefer a refined touch of splendour, here are some exciting wedding dress features that instantly enhance your glamour quotient.
Scintillating shoe-string straps
Even if strapless gowns are your thing, you should consider dresses with scintillating shoe-string straps to look extra glamorous on your wedding day. The gorgeous sprinkling of glitter on these thin straps makes it mesmerizing and attractive. Also, the sparkling effect draws attention to your shoulders and arms, making it sexier than a strapless neckline. The effect is very impressive when these straps are attached to a dress with a dipped neckline, like a sweetheart or a V-neckline. The best part is that these slender straps will give your dress added support, but their slenderness makes them very stylish.
The Mori Lee 2807 is featured here, with embellished shoestring straps that lead to a soft scalloped sweetheart neckline. This Alencon lace gown would look like just another wedding dress, hadn’t it been for the extra touch of the sparkling shoe-string straps.
Sheath silhouette with V-neckline
The sheath is a simple silhouette, but one that is very powerful in creating a sexy effect. With the column design and fabric draping along your natural curves, the sheath draws attention to the natural figure and the beautiful curves a bride has. When combined with a modest V-neckline, the effect is further enhanced. V-necklines are traditional favourites, but are very stylish and look good on most body types. While it goes well with almost all wedding dress silhouettes, the combination with the sheath is worth special attention. This instantly draws attention to sensual curves and emphasizes femininity. It is naturally slimming, and the bride in this silhouette looks confident and modern.
In this Mori Lee 6811, the bodice with the V-neckline is adorned with clusters of embellished floral twirl designs. This is a dress that looks charming without being overbearing. It is very glamorous and a perfect choice for a confident young bride.
Stylish in satin
The best fabric is satin for sophisticated glamour that is evident but not over-the-top. The silky finish of this fabric has a distinct quality, and it also has a good drape. When satin is used in a fit-and-flare silhouette that snugly fits the natural curves of a bride, it emphasizes her well-toned figure beautifully. So, this is a great option to look glamorous in a red-carpet style on your big day.
Here is an example of how this look comes together. The Mori Lee 2722 in Larissa Satin features a pleated sweetheart bodice with an ornate embellished waistband. While the tiered skirt is flirty and fun, the fitted silhouette is elegant and just perfect for showing off your well-toned natural shape. The luscious satin finish looks sophisticated yet sexy, perfect for a classy look that will not be easily forgotten.
Layers of ruffles in a trumpet skirt
Ruffles are a very feminine feature, however they can be glamorous too, especially when focused in the skirt to create a thick frothy finish. Unlike when they are in the bodice or strewn throughout the skirt, focusing ruffles in a single space make the effect pronounced and the impact is very high.
The Mori Lee 2685 gown creates glamour with this single element—ruffles! Here, the rest of the fit and flare silhouette is simple, with lace in the snug shape all the way down to the hips. However, the laser cut ruffles have a stunning signature, and the differentiation in the skirt with the edge of silver beading makes it very pronounced. The sweetheart neckline also has a matching band of silver beading, and together, they emphasize the contrast of the rich, blooming skirt.
Sparkling cap sleeves
Sometimes, all it takes is one element to make a gown stand out with striking beauty. This can be a motif on the bodice, a different sleeve style or an exquisitely decorated skirt. Sleeves can transform a plain dress into one that dazzles when it is executed with perfection and has a luxurious dose of bling.
In this Mori Lee 5270, the draped dropped waist design, fit, and flare silhouette are attractive. But what makes this gown spectacular is the dazzling cap sleeves that elevate the gown to the next level. The combination with a sweetheart neckline emphasizes the bust and neck area. This is a gown that achieves a glamorous finish without working too hard. Not only does it look charming, it is done tastefully.
Empire waistline with layers of fabric
The empire waistline is one dress feature that instantly draws attention to the upper body. Combined with a sexy neckline, the result is a very attractive gown. While the typical empire waistline gives rise to a billowing skirt that hides the mid-section and waist, it can be exquisite and very stunning if this waistline were combined with a fitted silhouette.
The dress here demonstrates what we mean. The draped empire waistline ends just above the natural waistline. However, the skirt is designed to flow along the body’s natural curves closely. As a result, the dress is very glamorous. Additionally, the layers of fluttering chiffon that fall into ruffles at the center add extra drama. The low-cut neckline decorated with ample crystal beading also makes this dress very alluring, but very classy at the same time.
Fitted princess seams define your shape
There is great finesse associated with princess seams, when it defines the contours of a gown. The simple addition of these seams along the bodice and skirt immediately draw attention to where they are tastefully placed. This is like the easiest way to define your beautiful curves and emphasize your well-toned figure that you achieved with great care.
The dress shows us how this wedding gown feature instantly makes a gown more attractive. Here, the beautiful bodice has elaborate lace, embroidery and beaded details. Additionally, the illusion neckline is impressive. However, our attention is instantly shifted to the neat princess lines defining a soft, almost silky skirt. This single factor makes this dress special and noticeable.
Open cut-out back
You can look and feel glamorous in different ways, and an exposed back is one of the easiest ways to grab such attention. While illusion backs are attractive and dainty, they are not always as glamorous as a cut-out back. This unexpected surprise can make even the traditional silhouette and dress design instantly fashion-forward. It is a perfect choice for the bold bride who is proud of her body.
Take a look at this dress, for example. Here, the dress is simple and even modest from the front, while all the drama lies in the back. The unexpected effect of the cap sleeves closing in to reveal a beautiful cutout that exposes the entire back is all that it takes to make this gown stunning. It is a treat for the onlookers who will spend quite some time staring at you from the back, during the wedding ceremony, and not to mention an excellent choice to show your bold streak without offending the older generation.
Overlay skirt over slim silhouette
Two-in-one wedding dresses have been in the limelight for a while now, allowing the bride to transition from the ceremony look to another one for the reception without much ado. However, these dresses usually featured an overlay skirt that entirely hid the inner silhouette. Now, if it were done differently so that the inner slim silhouette were seen through, wouldn’t it be sexy?
This dress from the Sophia Tolli collection exemplifies what we just discussed. The richly layered overlay skirt gives the dress a ball gown effect, revealing a stunning fit and flare silhouette beneath it. So, the bride can expose her sexy side while being mysteriously modest. How flirty and fun is that? The encrusted waistband further accentuates the natural figure by drawing focus to a slim waistline, while the sweetheart neckline perfectly completes the romantic effect.
Off-the-shoulder straps with fit and flare silhouette
There is a sexy sophistication to exposing your shoulders while leaving traces of a sleeve that could be used to cover it if you choose! This is what an off-the-shoulder neckline achieves. The bold display of your shoulders while adding those straps that barely skim your shoulders makes this design very interesting and fashionable. Add this design factor to a snug-fitting silhouette, like a fit-and-flare design, and the drama is even greater.
The Loraina Y11634 from the Sophia Tolli collection shows us why this design works so well. Try to imagine this dress with a plain strapless neckline or with cap sleeves. You will realize how it wouldn’t work the same way with any of these. It is the simple addition of the off-the-shoulder neckline that makes it chic. The fit and flare silhouette in lace contributes to it even more, making it a masterpiece.
Plunging back
If the back of your dress is done artistically, it is sure to ensure you look glamorous on your wedding day. From beautiful illusion details to cut-outs and daring deep necklines, there are many ways to make the back of your dress stand out. While a fully exposed or daring dip in the back will look too sexy to be considered glamorous, it will be very stylish when you sport a dress with a plunging back that is done just right.
Take a look at this 1347 Angelina Faccenda wedding dress. The back is kept simple with just a deep dip framed by beautiful lace appliques. Although it exposes the entire back, it does so with elegance, making this dress dazzling from all angles. Also, the cap sleeves frame the ornate back most impressively. Not only does it support the bust area, it is sensational in the most classic way.
Your wedding day is a celebration like no other. So, this is the day you should make sure you look as special as you feel. Choosing a glamorous dress will help you stand out from the rest of the crowd and be a bride that everyone will remember long after your wedding. Additionally, with a glamorous dress, you do not have to worry much about choosing accessories that add to your look, as your dress will be attractive enough to make a mark. So, tell us, which of the features we mentioned above would you like to try on your wedding day?
At Best for Bride, our wedding dress collection includes all the dazzling beauties featured here and many more. So, visit our online gallery today and see what is available. For all your wedding day needs, including your bridesmaids dresses, wedding accessories, jewelry and all the services you need, check out our website.
We have often talked about the importance of choosing a wedding dress that flatters your body shape. While you should make this a priority for an amazing bridal look, there are more dress aspects that you should pay attention to.
After the silhouette, the next most important factor that can make or break your wedding day look is the neckline. Since the neckline sits so close to the face, you should get it right. The right neckline will enhance your facial features and balance out the proportions of your neck and shoulders.
The dress neckline is a major style factor that determines the overall impact of a dress. Thus, you can easily tie your look to the wedding theme by choosing the right wedding dress neckline that complements it.
Join me as I take a look at the all-time favorites in bridal gown necklines for different body types, in the dresses from our collection at Best for Bride. As we explore this dress feature in detail in various dress styles, don’t forget to make a note of your favorites for when you go wedding dress shopping!
Trending and glamorous off-the-shoulder neckline
Immortalized in classic fairy tales like Beauty and the Beast, this timeless favorite has been an ongoing hit in the wedding world. It has a playful vibe, even while it is feminine and classic. This neckline bares the shoulders, as it extends across the bust and fits along the arms. The best thing about the off-the-shoulder neckline is that it looks good with sleeves of any length. Additionally, it looks amazing on most types of fabric including lace. Take a look at this article on the Brides website for more insight into this wedding dress feature.
The off-the-shoulder neckline suits most body types, except the inverted triangle. The pear-shaped body has a heavy and broad upper torso, that is best camouflaged for a balanced look. Unfortunately, the off-the-shoulder neckline draws attention to this very area. Hence it is best avoided by brides with this body type. Similarly it doesn’t flatter women with thick and short necks, as it draws attention to this part of their body.
The dress seen here is from the Sans Pareil collection. The pairing of its off-the-shoulder neckline with cap sleeves and a thick ball gown skirt creates a silhouette that has signature fairytale charm.
Glamorous and stylish single shoulder strap
The one-shoulder neckline is an asymmetrical dress element that instantly enhances the glamour quotient of the dress. It features just one shoulder strap, while the other side has a strapless neckline detail. It reminds us of Grecian goddesses and it is a statement element in a bridal look. Dresses with single-shoulder draping or straps are widely favored for destination weddings, as the impact of this element is just right for a beach wedding.
One-shoulder wedding gowns can have a draped single-shoulder detail, or it may present as a simple shoulder strap that extends the strapless style. The asymmetrical nature of this style element doesn’t suit the inverted body type as it draws focus to the chest and decolletage. Since it highlights the neck, it is also best avoided by brides with thick necks and no distinct collar bones.
The dress in the image above is from the Sophia Tolli collection. Paired with a mermaid silhouette, this dress brings together many elements that look great in a beach ambiance. It is also glamorous, with its lush scattering of embellishments. This renders it ideal for an opulent theme as well.
Classic scoop for all body types
Simple but universally flattering, the scoop or round neckline suits almost every body type. The depth of this neckline can range from high to low, and its effect varies accordingly. The scoop is a naturally rounded shape, and according to the dimensions, it takes can enhance the body features of the bride. While a low-cut scoop draws attention to shapely collar bones and the neck, a high scoop conceals this area. When cut low, the scoop will reveal a hint of cleavage and accentuate the sex appeal of the dress.
Featured in this picture is a Sans Pareil wedding gown with wide scoop neckline, that frames a sweetheart bodice. The rounded nature of the neckline creates a balanced look and draws attention to the collar bones, neck and chin. This type of neckline when combined with sleeves is naturally slimming. It diverts attention upwards from the waist and hips, hence making it a good choice for apple and pear-shaped brides. Scoop necklines with half-length sleeves can make a thin bride look very slim, and are best avoided by rectangle-shaped body types.
Never-fail V-neckline
The V-neckline may have risen and fallen in terms of depth over the years. However it is still going strong in the wedding fashion scene. There is a subtle sexy element attached to this neckline, whether it is kept high or low. This is probably why it is a favorite choice for many brides.
In recent years, the V-neckline has plunged low to reveal more than what can is a modest dose of cleavage. Many bold brides who want to show off their bold and confident style in their wedding dress choice have embraced this trend. Whether paired with long sleeves, straps or barely-there sleeves, the V-neckline is a romantic and feminine style element with few contenders.
Here is a Mori lee wedding dress with cap sleeves that continue into a splendid V-neckline. The textured bodice with heavily embellished lace extends into a V-neckline that is both charming and sexy.
Bateau neckline that works for all
Shaped like a boat, the bateau neckline is a universal favorite that flatters all body types. This style extends from one shoulder to the other, barely revealing the collar bones. Although the neckline is modest, it is elegant and sophisticated. The only issue with this dress feature is that it draws attention to the neck. So, it is best avoided if you have a thick neck area and your collar bones aren’t visible. Also the raised nature of this neckline enhances the bust area. Hence, you may wish to avoid this neckline if you have a large bust and do not wish to draw attention to this part of your body. On the contrary, this neckline is well-suited for brides with small or average busts as it emphasizes these proportions.
This Sans Pareil dress features a bateau neckline over a sweetheart bodice with T-shirt sleeves. The neckline adds a demure, feminine touch to the classic wedding gown and draws attention to the facial features. This neckline is also a good option to consider if you want to avoid a necklace but draw focus to a pair of stunning earrings in your outfit.
All-time favorite—the sweetheart
The sweetheart neckline is feminine and romantic. It closely follows the contours of the bust and resembles the upper half of a heart shape. There is a dip in the center, and the depth of it determines the amount of cleavage that it reveals. Sweetheart necklines are a bridal favorite, and are popular in many bridal collections. This neckline detail may come with straps or hold up on its own. The final look is very different in either case. This style looks best on women with average bust sizes, as it is revealing on women with heavy tops. It doesn’t always sit well on women with small busts. Since this type of neckline reveals the neck and decolletage, it draws attention to the upper torso. However, the extent of embellishments will also determine the overall impact of this neckline.
Here is a Sans Pareil wedding dress which features a classic sweetheart neckline. You can see how the embellishments on it add to the texture and beautifully complement the fitted waistband. The upper half of the dress is just as appealing as the elaborate peplum lace details and the heavily layered skirt that it continues into.
Retro-inspired halter neckline
Although the halter doesn’t work well for all body types, it is a style element with no parallel. This dress style exudes confidence and is youthful and exciting. The factor that it offers modest coverage in the front, only to reveal an open back makes it unusually charming. In the absence of sleeves and shoulder straps, the top is held up by straps that fasten at the back of the neck.
This dress feature works wonders for hourglass and straight body types. However it is best avoided by pear-shaped women. This is because the neckline doesn’t look good on narrow shoulders. It further accentuates the effect of the hips and makes the rounded nature of this area very obvious. It is difficult to pair this neckline with a bra. Hence, you should consider this factor when choosing this dress style.
The beautiful Mori Lee dress in the image here has pretty illusion details on a halter neckline. The embellishments are very bridal and add a feminine touch to the dress style.
The elusive illusion neckline
There is an unbeatable charm for a sheer neckline embellished with scintillating embroidery and lace effects. Illusion necklines are very popular in the bridal world, for they have a soft charm and the embellishments add sparkle to the bridal look. Illusion necklines are often seen over a sweetheart or strapless bodice, and draw attention to the neck and decolletage area. Although they offer coverage, they are distinctly sexy and feminine. This type of neckline is universally flattering and is suitable for women of all shapes and sizes. It can also come with or without sleeves, and the effect is dramatically different in each case.
This neckline can take on any shape, including the bateau and scoop. The best thing about this style is that the simple presence of a layer or sheer renders a strapless dress suitable for a traditional wedding setting. Hence, church wedding brides often prefer this neckline over a strapless gown. Take a look at this article on the Bridal Extravaganza Show to understand why this style is huge in wedding fashion.
Notice how the ethereal illusion neckline layer adds sophistication and charm to this beautiful Sans Pareil dress seen here! What could look like another sweetheart ball gown receives a dose of modesty as well as sparkle with the simple addition of an illusion layer that extends into soft cap sleeves.
While the previous dress had simple illusion details, here is one that stands out. This dress from the Mori Lee collection features an illusion layer over a sweetheart bodice. The sheer fabric is richly embellished with a fine scattering of jewels. You can also see how the strategic placement of the details in the neckline eliminates the need for a necklace.
While there are more necklines like the portrait, Queen Anne, strapless and square styles, the ones we discussed here have been quite popular on the wedding fashion scene over the last couple of years. As the modern bride’s interests change over time, so does her choices in various dress features. Nonetheless, some trends stand the test of time, and the necklines we discussed fit the bill.
It is your turn now, so tell us which of these necklines is your favorite in the comments section below.
To learn more about the dresses featured in this post and check out more available options, visit our bridal dress gallery on the Best for Bride website. With a variety of designer collections that cater to the preferences of every type of bride, this is the perfect destination for you to shortlist your bridal dress choices. So, whether you prefer a sweetheart gown, an off-the-shoulder beauty or a destination wedding dress with asymmetrical neckline details, find your dream dress here in the Best for Bride wedding collection.
Every young girl dreams of being a princess, and this dream often influences how she sees herself as a bride. There is no denying the fact that a beautiful ball gown helps you look spectacular on your wedding day. This time-tested bridal design continues to inspire designers, and ball gowns are a continuing favorite, even with today’s brides.
Here, we bring you five of the most beautiful gowns from our collection. If you are a bride who always dreamed of being a beautiful princess on your wedding day, take a look at these. You are bound to fall in love with them.
Jasmine F171003 Bridal Spring 2015 collection
Softly scintillating sweetheart bodice with a dropped waist that gives rise to the frothy waves of a layered full-ball gown skirt, this dress is simply splendid. The intricate details on the bodice are charming, with exquisite floral motifs fanning all over the torso. At the natural waist is a thin strand of embellishments, distinguishing it into a narrow waistband that is barely there. A magnificent train completes this gorgeous ball gown.
Mori Lee 5376 Blue Fall 2015 collection
A superb ball gown that twinkles all the way from the neckline to the skirt, this Mori Lee gown is an exquisite masterpiece in tulle. The classic V-neckline is framed by sheer straps that scintillate all the way to the glamorous low-cut V back. Highlighting the waistline is a slender band of silver, defined with beautiful crystal beading, while the skirt is formed of generous layers that cascade into a waterfall of white. This is a dress that is subtly sophisticated, with all the charm that is characteristic of a ball gown.
Alfred Angelo 2508 Bridal collection 2015
Alluring lace details define this beautiful ball gown from the Alfred Angelo collection. The sheer lace yoke plays magic all over a soft sweetheart bodice, to form a modest scoop neckline. This dress is perfect for a traditional wedding, given the decent neckline and sleeveless fashion. Floral motifs cascade down the skirt in thin vertical clusters, that becoming sparse towards the hemline. At the waist, a decorated bow detail gathers the skirt in a contrast waistband, while the pretty back is a low-cut V.
Y21506 Cassidy from Sophia Tolli
An ethereal gown with fabulous detailing, Cassidy from Sophia Tolli is a gown fit for a queen. The details on the bodice are fashioned to represent a heart motif, bordered with beautiful scintillating lines and delicate beading. An elaborate pleated snowy white skirt spreads out from the basque waistline, and it gently flows into a misty chapel length train.
Madison 1442 Couture Spring 2015 collection
Amazing in its details, this Madison couture ball gown is a dream dress for every princess. A sheer yoke with glittering details along the neckline, that ripple along the cloudy white torso and thin at the skirt, this beautiful gown has a chevron band with crystal details at the waistline. The illusion neckline and sleeves make the gown sexy, while supporting the bust and not compromising on style.
