The Bridal Cover-Up: What's In A Name?

what do you call the jacket over a wedding dress

When it comes to weddings, the dress code can vary depending on the season, venue, and theme. For guests, it's important to choose an outfit that suits the occasion, and for brides, it's essential to find a dress that reflects their style and personality. In addition to the dress, brides may also need to consider what to wear over their outfit, especially if the wedding is during the colder months. There are various options to choose from, including faux fur jackets, boleros, capes, and blazers. These can add a stylish touch to the bridal look without overshadowing the dress.

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Faux fur jackets

When choosing a faux fur jacket to pair with a wedding dress, it is essential to consider the style and silhouette of the dress. A fitted faux fur jacket can add a touch of glamour to a sleek and simple dress, while a cropped jacket can complement a fuller skirt or ball gown. For those who want to showcase their dress, a faux fur shawl or cape can be a better option, providing warmth without covering too much of the gown.

Color is another important consideration when selecting a faux fur jacket for a wedding. A jacket in a neutral shade, such as cream, beige, or grey, can complement most dress colors and is a safe choice for guests who want to avoid clashing. For a bolder statement, a colored faux fur jacket can be chosen, perhaps in a shade that matches the wedding color palette or the bride's accent color.

Overall, faux fur jackets offer a stylish and ethical alternative to real fur, allowing individuals to look and feel their best on a wedding day, whether as a bride, bridesmaid, or guest. With their versatility and elegance, faux fur jackets are a popular choice for adding warmth and glamour to any wedding outfit.

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Pashminas

A pashmina is a light wrap that can be draped over the shoulders, similar to a scarf. It is a perfect option for spring or summer weddings, especially for beachside bashes and semi-formal affairs. Pashminas are also practical for weddings as they can be put on or taken off easily depending on the temperature.

To make a casual jacket more suitable for a formal wedding, LaVine, a bridal stylist, suggests "colour sandwiching". This involves matching the colour of your jacket to your shoes or accessories, creating a cohesive and intentional look. For example, pairing a black jacket with black shoes or a camel-coloured jacket with a nude heel.

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Blazers

A blazer is a sport coat or suit jacket that is either not accompanied by a pair of matching trousers or is worn without them. Blazers are versatile and can be styled in many ways. They are a good option for weddings with semi-formal dress codes and above. For example, for a casual wedding, a blazer can be worn with jeans and an open-collared oxford or a western shirt. For a semi-formal wedding, a blazer can be worn with chinos or dress pants.

For those wanting to wear a blazer to a wedding, it is important to consider the dress code. While blazers are suitable for semi-formal dress codes and above, they are not appropriate for black-tie or formal weddings. In these cases, a suit or tuxedo is more suitable.

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Capes

There are various ways to incorporate a cape into your wedding look. You can opt for a capelet, a shorter cape that sits on the shoulders, or a full-length cape that adds drama to your ensemble. Capelets can be made from lace or feature sparkly vintage details to complement your gown. Full-length capes can be designed with chapel-length cape trains or detachable trailing capes for added versatility.

When choosing a cape, it's essential to consider the overall style and fit of your wedding dress. Capes can be paired with various gowns, from old Hollywood-inspired dresses to modern and boho-chic styles. If you're looking for a two-in-one look, detachable capes offer the option to transform your wedding dress from a traditional ceremony look to a reception-ready outfit.

Additionally, capes can provide warmth and comfort for weddings during cooler seasons. They can be made from rich and buttery fabrics, adding a luxurious touch to your bridal ensemble. Whether you prefer a minimalist or embellished cape, it can be a stylish way to accessorize your dream dress.

For brides who want to make a statement, capes with intricate details, crystal adornments, or embroidered glass beads can elevate your wedding dress. Capes with oversized bow decals or unique back details, such as a sparkly tulle bow, can create a fairytale-inspired look.

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Shrugs

A wedding shrug is a type of bridal cover-up, often made from luxurious fabrics such as silk, cashmere, or faux fur. They are typically long-sleeved and can be crafted from lace, chiffon, or wool, depending on the season and style of the wedding.

When choosing a shrug, the fabric is crucial. Ivory silk is a popular choice for its luxurious texture, subtle sheen, and versatility. Silk shrugs drape beautifully over the shoulders, enhancing the bridal ensemble with a touch of opulence and elegance. For a bohemian-inspired wedding, a free-flowing silk shrug with delicate lace accents can add a whimsical and romantic touch to the overall bridal look.

For fall and winter weddings, a faux fur shrug can be an elegant and practical choice, keeping the bride cozy while adding a stylish touch. Bridal shrugs can also be made from lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, lace, or cashmere, perfect for layering during the warmer months. These shrugs often feature intricate details, such as floral appliqués or sheer lace, adding a romantic and delicate feel to the bridal attire.

Whether it's a faux fur shrug for a winter wonderland wedding or a silk lace shrug for a bohemian summer celebration, bridal shrugs are a sophisticated and purposeful choice for brides seeking both comfort and style on their special day.

Frequently asked questions

The jacket over a wedding dress can be called a bolero, shrug, or lace jacket.

Some jackets that can be worn over a wedding dress include a faux fur jacket, blazer, denim jacket, leather jacket, and a cardigan.

It is recommended to style the jacket so that it appears intentional and not like an afterthought. One way to achieve this is by "colour sandwiching", where you match the colour of your jacket to your shoes or purse.

Yes, some alternatives to a jacket include a pashmina, shawl, or cape.

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