The Low Back Wedding Dress: A Guide To Styling

how to wear a low back wedding dress

A low-back wedding dress is a bold choice for brides who want to make a statement as they walk down the aisle. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when opting for this style. Firstly, consider the level of support you'll need. Low-back dresses often have thin straps or no straps at all, so you may want to choose a dress with a band or tie across the back for added support. You'll also want to pay attention to the underwear you select. Opt for underwear that dips low enough to be invisible, and consider adhesive bras or cups sewn into the chest area for added support. When trying on dresses, be sure to move around and check for any gaping to ensure the dress moulds to your body shape. Finally, don't forget to accessorize! A veil or silk scarf can add a touch of elegance without covering up your back.

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Choose an illusion back dress for a supported, sexy look

If you're looking for a supported yet sexy look for your wedding dress, an illusion back dress is a great option. Illusion back wedding dresses offer the visual appeal of a backless dress while providing more support and structure. This style of dress typically features a thin mesh material or illusion tulle that gives the effect of an open back while providing a layer of fabric to hold the dress in place.

One of the benefits of choosing an illusion back dress is the added support it provides. Backless dresses often offer less support, and while some brides are comfortable with that, others may prefer the feeling of being held in that an illusion back dress provides. The mesh or tulle backing can also help define your waist and give your gown a seamless look.

Illusion back dresses offer a lot of versatility in terms of design. You can find styles with intricate floral lace details, sparkly embellishments, or even a scattering of tiny sparkles or sequins. You can also choose how much of the back is covered, from a full illusion back to a partial covering. This allows you to showcase the natural curves and movements of your back while still feeling secure.

When choosing an illusion back dress, consider the level of coverage you want. If you're set on having an uninterrupted low back, you can opt for a partial illusion back that still provides some support. If you're looking for more coverage and structure, a full illusion back may be a better option. Remember to try on different styles and pay attention to how the dress moulds to your body shape when sitting, bending over, or leaning forward and backward.

With an illusion back dress, you can also have fun with your hairstyle and accessories. Since the focus is often on the back of the dress, an updo or ballerina bun can elongate your neck and showcase the intricate details of the dress. You can also add a veil that complements the style of your dress, such as a raw edge veil or a two-layer drop cathedral veil, to add a touch of bridal femininity without covering up the back.

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Select the right bra for added support

If you're wearing a low-back wedding dress, you'll need to choose your bra carefully to ensure you get the right level of support. Many brides choose to forgo a bra altogether, but if you do want to wear one, there are several options available.

One option is to have cups sewn into your dress, which can provide support and enhance your cleavage. This option is especially suitable if your dress has some structure or boning in the bodice. Another option is to wear a stick-on bra, which can work well for smaller bust sizes, although they may not provide enough support for fuller busts. These bras typically come in a variety of colours and sizes, so you can find one that matches your skin tone and provides the necessary support.

If you have a larger bust and need more support, consider a structured undergarment such as a low-back and plunge-front bodysuit. These provide support for a range of dress styles that are low-cut in the front and back, while also enhancing your silhouette. You could also opt for a longline low-back bra, which provides more coverage than a stick-on bra.

For plus-size brides, a bra with a low back and a wide, corset-like silhouette can provide both support and shapewear. These bras feature side boning, underwire cups, and a hook-and-eye closure for superior structure and support.

When selecting a bra, consider your gown's silhouette and any stylistic details that may affect your choice. For example, a dress with a keyhole design may require a low-back bra, while a plunging neckline may call for a plunge bra. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to wear a bra is a personal one, and you should choose what makes you feel comfortable and confident on your special day.

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Accessorise with a veil, scarf, or statement necklace

When accessorising a low-back wedding dress with a veil, opt for a thin, see-through veil with lace detailing around the edges. This will add a touch of embellishment without covering up the back of your dress. If your wedding is in a traditional church, you may want to opt for a more opaque veil, like an English net veil, for more coverage. You can also consider a drop cathedral-length two-layer veil, which will allow you to show off the elegance of your bridal veil without covering up the back of your dress.

If you're looking for something a little different, a silk scarf is a versatile accessory that can complement your bridal look. Drape it elegantly over your shoulders, tie it around your waist to accentuate your figure, or use it as a unique headpiece.

For those who want to make a statement with their jewellery, a back necklace is a perfect choice. Consider the style and neckline of your dress when choosing a back necklace. A delicate chain with a small pendant can complement a simple, elegant dress, while a bold, statement piece can add drama to a more elaborate gown. If you want to draw attention to a low back, opt for a longer back necklace.

  • The Deco Back Necklace by Hermione Harbutt features large round pearls with a central pearl and a Swarovski crystal droplet detail.
  • The Charlotte Back Necklace from Britten is a simple pearl drop back necklace that's perfect for minimalist brides.
  • The Kisses Back Necklace by Kelly Spence features three strands of sterling silver chain with freshwater pearl kisses.
  • The Ariana Hermia Back Necklace from Lace & Favour is a hand-strung pearl and crystal multi-strand necklace that can be customised with different stones and colours.

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Ensure the fit is right with boning, straps, or tape

When it comes to wearing a low-back wedding dress, ensuring that the fit is right is crucial. Boning, straps, and tape can all help with this.

Boning is a thin piece of flexible plastic that reinforces the structure of the garment. It can be added to a wedding dress to provide extra support and enhance the overall fit, particularly around the back area. When choosing boning, consider the weight of the fabric. For example, if you're using a heavy satin fabric, opt for heavier boning. Boning can be a great solution for brides who want to avoid the look of straps while still ensuring their dress stays up.

However, some brides may prefer to avoid boning altogether. In this case, straps can be a good alternative. If you opt for a low-back dress, straps are essential to ensure the dress stays up correctly. For brides who prefer the look of a strapless dress, double-sided fashion tape can be used to prevent slipping or gaping. This tape is applied to the inside of the dress, especially around the neckline or where the dress meets the skin.

Ultimately, the most important aspect of a bride's gown is the fit. Great alterations can make an inexpensive gown look luxurious, so it's worth enlisting the help of a skilled wedding dress seamstress to ensure your dress fits like a glove. They can add extra support through boning, straps, or tape, and ensure that your dress flatters your body shape.

In summary, ensuring the right fit for a low-back wedding dress is key. Boning, straps, and tape are all tools that can be utilised to achieve this, with the guidance of a professional seamstress.

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Pick the right underwear and shapewear

When it comes to picking the right underwear and shapewear for a low-back wedding dress, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to choose something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. While some brides prefer a standard set of underwear or bridal lingerie, others may opt for the extra support and structure that shapewear provides. Ultimately, it's about selecting what feels best for you.

If you decide to wear shapewear under your low-back wedding dress, there are a few options to consider. One option is to choose a shapewear bodysuit that provides compression and shaping to the tummy, waist, hips, and thighs while also lifting the chest and butt. Bodysuits like the SPANX Suit Your Fancy Strapless Cupped Mid-Thigh Bodysuit or the SKIMS Seamless Sculpt High-Waisted Above-the-Knee Shorts offer seamless support and are designed to stay put throughout the day. For a high-cut leg, the SKIMS Sculpting Bodysuit with Snaps is a seamless and soft option with snaps at the crotch for convenience.

If you're specifically looking for support and shaping for your bottom half, shapewear shorts or thongs can be a great choice. The SKIMS Sheer Sculpt Low Back Short offers light support and smoothing for the hips and thighs, while the SKIMS Core Sculpt High Waisted Thong and Brief can help contour the waist and tummy area. For a thong option that targets the tummy area, the bridal shapewear thong from Wezoree provides a seamless design and compression around the belly while remaining invisible under the dress.

For brides who want to enhance their curves, the Butt Enhancing Open Bust Padded Bodysuit features built-in butt pads that add volume and create a lifted, rounded shape. Additionally, for those seeking a full-body contouring effect, the Pinsy shaping bodysuit provides medium-firm support with a built-in power-mesh bra.

When selecting shapewear for your low-back wedding dress, it's important to consider the fabric and fit. Opt for soft, flexible, and breathable fabrics, especially if your wedding is in a hot climate or if you tend to sweat. Seamless shapewear can help prevent visible lines or lumps under your dress. Choose shapewear with a similar neckline to your dress, and for backless or low-back dresses, select designs with a low back or adhesive pieces that provide support without being visible. It's also crucial to follow the brand's sizing guide and try on various sizes to ensure comfort and a smooth appearance.

Frequently asked questions

If you need extra support, opt for a low-back bustier-style corset or a bodysuit with a plunging back and neckline. Adhesive bras, such as Perkies or NuBra, are also a good option for low back dresses.

Accessories such as a veil, silk scarf, or a single gemstone back necklace can complement a low back wedding dress without covering up the back of the dress.

When trying on a low back wedding dress, pay attention to any gaping. Sit down, bend over, and lean forward and backward to see how the dress moulds to your body shape. Also, consider the seam to ensure that it doesn't ride up when you bend over.

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