White Wedding Dresses
A white dress connotes simplicity and purity. Worn as a day dress or for formal occasions, it connotes simple elegance that other colors just can’t seem to compare. A white dress or gown spells femininity in all sense of the word but it takes a certain confidence…and precaution in wearing such a delicate color successfully.
Admit it or not, not all women look good in a white dress. Fair-skinned women are lucky enough to look heavenly in a white dress, but darker toned women need careful attention and precaution in choosing the kind of white dress that best suits her and her skin. Thankfully, white dresses or gowns come in different tones to suit every woman’s skin. If you’re a white or fair-skinned woman, a pure white dress or gown will suit you perfectly. The white dress will complement your fair skin and you will standout in a subtle, elegant way. If your skin is brown or darker, go for the other shades of white like ivory, cream, chiffon, off-white or silver. These colors are more subtle than white and will complement your darker skin tone more appropriately. You will achieve that pure, feminine look without contradicting or fighting with your skin color. White dresses tend to be see-through so choose solid and quality fabrics that will let you wear a white dress comfortably without having to worry of a possible embarrassing moment. Wearing a slip underneath is also a smart option so you will be completely worry-free and enjoy the refreshing feeling of your white dress. Cotton and linen are some of the fabrics that avoid embarrassing slips and see-throughs. White dresses tend to cling to the body, so choose flowing fabrics to avoid showing those “unwanted curves.” A flowing white dress or gown also looks more appropriate to get that summery and refreshing look that a white dress connotes.
Since white dresses tend to cling and show, wear skin-toned underwear. Nothing spells bad taste more than your panties or brassieres sticking out and showing more than your actual dress. So choose underwear that is the same color as your skin to complement, not contradict the color of your dress. Choose simple accessories. When wearing a sun or summer dress, it’s best to accessorize it with shades, flip flops, wooden or metallic jewelry, oversized bag and hat. In choosing your sandals by the way, neutral colors like beige, tan, brown, camel and cream will bring out the color of white more beautifully. Wearing a white sandal will tend to overwhelm the dress and create “too much white.” But when you’re wearing a white gown, white shoes will go well with it. But silver shoes will bring more character and glamour to the otherwise “plain” color. Adding a little silver beadwork or metallic jewelry is also perfect to create more “color” to your prom or evening dress.
A white dress is perfect for all occasions. In the day, it’s summery and refreshing. In the evening, whether it’s a cocktail party, prom, graduation or beach wedding, it’s simple elegance. Long or short, solid or printed, beaded, bowed or belted, lace, cotton or satin, off-shoulder, strapless, classic or modern design, the white dress comes in all forms to make a woman look innocent yet confident, elegant yet sexy…a true image of heavenly white.
Formal Dresses: The Iconic Little Black Dress
No other formal dresses are as important as the little black dress. Prior to 1920, black was primarily used for mourning when women were expected to wear black for expended periods of time. During the Victorian and Edward ages, women wore black for two years. Only during the later part of her mourning was she allowed to introduce neutral colors in the form of accessories. Even in todays age, black is still the preferred mourning color.
It wasn’t until 1926 that a French designer by the name of Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel introduced black formal dresses. It was a short black dress, calf-length, straight with only few diagonal lines. A picture of the dress was published in Vogue and the magazine heralded that it would become a dress to transgress all boundaries. It would become the must have dress of all women of all shapes and sizes. The one formal dress you must have in your closet.
The little black dress continued to gain in popularity as Hollywood relied on using the formal dresses because other colors appeared distorted in Technicolor. During the 1950s the dangerous women of Hollywood were seen wearing the little black dress. They appeared risqué, sexy and scandalous when compared to the more vibrant wholesome colors worn by less scandalous characters. With the availability of synthetic fibers the little black dress became more affordable. One could even say it’s a cheap formal dress.
Formal dresses certainly changed as women’s views of themselves shifted. The little black dress became longer or shorter or took a back step to more skirts and pants. Despite fashion’s many changes, the black dress continues to be considered a very important part of a women’s closet. It is considered by many as the only formal dress to have, the only dress that can be used day or night. It is meant to be the dress that will never appear dated, the formal dresses that will always maintain its elegance.