Enhance Your Wedding Dress: Simple Styling Tips

how to dress up plain wedding dress

A simple wedding dress is a timeless choice, but some brides may worry that their chosen gown is too plain. The good news is that there are endless ways to dress up a simple wedding dress and make it your own. From veils and capes to statement jewellery and bold shoes, you can create multiple looks from just one dress. So, if you've fallen for a sleek, minimalist wedding dress, here are some tips to help you glam it up and make it special.

Characteristics Values
Accessories Statement jewellery, necklaces, chokers, bracelets, earrings, tiaras, hats, veils, gloves, hair accessories
Hair Soft curls, romantic updo, modern sleek bun or ponytail, wet hair look, sea salt-sprayed waves, soft updo with face-framing pieces
Makeup Bold lip, sultry, smoky eye
Shoes White shoes, bright-coloured statement heels, luxe fabrics, glitzy embellishments, floral-accented white heels
Dress Add-ons Shimmery beading, lace, dramatic train, embellished sleeves, veil, cape, overskirt, detachable sleeves, bows
Bouquet Small, delicate bouquet, bold and dramatic floral creation, asymmetrical bouquet, cascading greenery

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Add a cape, jacket, or veil

Capes are a fun alternative to the traditional veil. They can be worn as a fashion statement to elevate your simple wedding dress or as a cover-up to create a more modest look. Capes come in a variety of lengths, styles, and materials, so you can easily find one that fits your vision. For instance, a plain cape can complement a detailed dress, giving you that glamorous silhouette while still allowing your dress to shine. Wedding dresses with capes were all over the runways at this year's New York Bridal Fashion Week, making them one of the biggest wedding dress trends for 2024.

Jackets can also add coverage and playful style to a simple dress. They allow you to create two looks in one: wear the jacket for the ceremony and take it off to dance the night away at your reception. A jacket can also be a good choice for brides who need a more conservative, modest look for their ceremony or a bit of warmth throughout the night. A swing-style silk jacket, for example, is dressy and comes in every color. It can go with anything, especially tailored dresses.

Veils come in many lengths, widths, styles, and embellishments. A plain tulle veil will allow the details of your dress to shine without competing for attention. A blusher, or short veil, that falls over the face can be pulled back during the ceremony to reveal the bride, creating a moving moment. Elbow-length veils are an elegant way to cover up without wearing a bulky bolero or shrug. Fingertip veils are a popular choice because they allow any design on the back of a bride's gown to be seen through the sheer fabric.

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Wear statement jewellery

Wearing statement jewellery is a great way to dress up a plain wedding dress. It is one of the easiest ways to complete your wedding look and make it more personal and unique. When choosing your statement jewellery, consider the neckline and general aesthetic of your dress.

If your dress has a high neckline, skip the necklace and opt for a pair of statement earrings instead. You can also wear a statement bracelet to add nice detail without detracting from the overall effect of the dress. If you're wearing your hair up, a pair of statement earrings is a must. For a high-neck dress, consider a soft updo with face-framing pieces and a dangly pair of statement earrings.

If your dress has a simple neckline, a bold statement necklace will accentuate it. A classic, clean square or sweetheart neckline would be beautifully complemented by long drop earrings or a delicate diamond necklace. A plunging neckline calls for something bolder, like a chunky choker or chain. A sweetheart neckline can also be accentuated by a simple pendant with a classic gemstone like a pearl or diamond.

If your dress has an open back, choose earrings that dangle down for added drama. Statement chandelier earrings are a great option for drawing attention to your smile.

Remember, you don't want to overwhelm your overall look with too many bold elements. It's best to stick to one statement piece.

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Choose a bold bouquet

A wedding bouquet is a reflection of your personal style and can add a lot of personality to your bridal look. If you're looking to dress up a plain wedding dress, choosing a bold bouquet is a great way to make a statement. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect bouquet:

Firstly, consider the style and silhouette of your dress. If you have a ball gown or a dress with a voluminous skirt, balance out the look with an interesting but not-too-overwhelming bouquet. On the other hand, if your dress has a shorter hemline, a playful bouquet with pastel and bolder colours can be a great choice. For a translucent dress, a small but solid and sophisticated bouquet with dark, bold colours can enhance the dreamy effect. Mermaid gowns pair well with cascade bouquets, hand-tied bouquets, or those with modern, bold accessories.

The shape of your bouquet is also important. If you have a classic A-line dress, a V-shaped bouquet is a good choice. Column dresses go well with smaller bouquet shapes. If you want to add a unique touch, consider an asymmetrical bouquet or one with cascading greenery. You can also opt for a crescent bouquet or one with unexpected elements if you want to push the boundaries.

Don't forget to consider your wedding theme and colour palette when choosing your bouquet. Matching your bouquet to your wedding colours can add a nice touch of cohesion. You can also use flowers that are in your centrepieces and floral decor to tie everything together. If your dress has back details in lace, traditional and classic bouquet designs can work well. However, if your dress has a modern style, like a low-cut or cut-out design, pair it with a modern bouquet.

Lastly, don't be afraid to get creative and choose a bouquet that reflects your individual style. Whether you pick a small, delicate bouquet or a bold and dramatic arrangement, your choice of florals can enhance the beauty of your plain dress and make a lasting impression.

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Wear colourful shoes

If you're looking to dress up a plain wedding dress, one idea is to wear colourful shoes. This can add a unique twist to your bridal look and elevate your ensemble to another level. There are several ways to go about this:

Firstly, consider the height of your gown. If you're wearing a short wedding dress, opt for taller shoes to elongate your legs and achieve a sleek silhouette. Conversely, if you're going for a longer gown, choose a lower heel or even ballerina flats for comfort. You can also opt for colourful shoes that match your ceremony's theme or your wedding colours for a picture-perfect opportunity.

For a playful and romantic touch, consider adding some sparkle to your colourful shoes. Rhinestones, glitter, or even a sparkly bow can make your shoes stand out and add a whimsical element to your overall bridal look. If you're looking for a more subtle approach, opt for shoes with delicate lace detailing or silver trims on the instep and sole for a modern twist.

When choosing colourful shoes, don't be afraid to think outside the box. Pastel or dusty pink, marigold, blue, and even burgundy are all unique colours that can beautifully contrast your white gown. If you're feeling especially bold, go for black suede heels or hot pink platforms, adding a vibrant pop of colour to your wedding ensemble.

Remember, your shoes don't have to match your dress perfectly, and choosing a colourful option can be a fun way to express your personality and make your look truly yours.

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Add a slit or train

Adding a slit to a wedding dress can be a great way to add a touch of modern glamour and drama to a classic silhouette. A slit in the skirt can also add movement and fluidity, allowing the bride to move with ease and grace throughout the day. It can be a subtle or dramatic feature, showing a little leg and adding a sensuous element to the bridal look.

However, it is important to consider the style of the dress before adding a slit. Some believe that a slit may not work well with a plunging neckline, a trumpet, or a train. It could ruin the lines of the dress and the shape of the skirt, especially if the dress already has a lot of layers. A skilled seamstress who exclusively deals with wedding gowns can advise on the possibility of adding a slit and execute the alteration.

If a bride wishes to add a slit to her wedding dress, the A-line silhouette is a versatile option that complements a wide range of body types. The fitted bodice and flared skirt create a feminine and elegant look that can be styled in various ways. Adding a slit to this classic silhouette can take the look to a whole new level, adding a touch of sexiness and drama.

Some specific A-line wedding dress styles that feature a slit include the Lafayette by Sottero and Midgley, which has a statement silhouette reminiscent of the layers of a tulip or peony. The Logan by Sottero and Midgley is another option, featuring 3D floral lace and an ethereal skirt with a thigh-high slit, perfect for a summer or tropical wedding. The Wicklow by Sottero and Midgley is a flirty and feminine choice, with a lush skirt, thigh-high slit, and 3D floral lace details.

In conclusion, adding a slit to a wedding dress can be a stylish way to elevate a classic silhouette, adding movement, fluidity, and a touch of drama. The A-line silhouette, in particular, lends itself well to this alteration, providing a versatile and elegant option for brides who want to show a little leg. However, it is important to carefully consider the style of the dress and consult a skilled seamstress to ensure the alteration is executed flawlessly.

Frequently asked questions

Accessories are a great way to dress up a plain wedding dress. You can add a veil, cape, or statement jewellery, such as earrings or necklaces. If you're looking for something more classic, you could opt for a tiara.

You can add a touch of shimmery beading, romantic lace, a dramatic train, or delicately embellished sleeves. You could also add a slit to the dress to add detail and functionality.

You can personalise your bridal look with your hairstyle, makeup, and bouquet. Loose curls or a soft updo can create a romantic look, while a sleek bun or ponytail is more modern. A bold and dramatic bouquet will make a statement, or you could opt for a delicate bouquet to keep the attention on the bride and the dress.

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