| Down the Isle in style Fashion trends can change in the blink of an eye. Today, wedding attire is
as susceptible to those changing as anything else. And now, couples are likely to be
wearing anything as they say, ''I do.''
''The neatest thing about weddings now is that each one is
unique,'' said Joyce Woody, a wedding consultant. ''A few years ago they were all similar.
Now every one is different and I think couples really take more time to plan something
special.''
While ceremonies and receptions can influence the feel and
individuality of a wedding, the attire is what can really make a wedding stand out and set
the tone for everything else.
Bridal gowns and bridesmaids' dresses are becoming simpler
and more sophisticated, said Sallie Lester, owner of Mor Le'.
''We're seeing a lot cleaner, a lot more sophisticated
look,'' she said. ''The lines are smooth, from the body-shaping sheath to the softer
A-line.''
Jamie Dillard, owner of Jolee's Bridal Boutique, said
another trend they are seeing a demand for is a two-piece look.
''It's the period piece,'' she said. ''It's two pieces and
everybody can look good in it. It makes the waist look really skinny, no matter what size
you are.''
Many brides also like the mock two-piece look, with the
dress being one piece but the design resembles two, she said.
Fabrics also are changing, Lester said. Rather than wearing
dresses made from traditional bridal satin with a high sheen, many brides are choosing
dresses of matte and Italian silks.
''There's less shine,'' Lester said. ''The dresses are not
glowing, but it's a finished sheen. It's more sophisticated and elegant.''
Other popular fabrics are organza and tulle, which can
often be seen in the fuller, ball gown-style skirts, Dillard said.
''Organza is in again,'' she said. ''It used to be a real
popular look about 10 years ago and it's back. It goes back to making the bride look like
a princess. Italian satin is also popular because it doesn't wrinkle as much and it flows
pretty and look prettier.''
The detailing of the dresses also has changed dramatically,
Lester said.
''We're seeing a lot more detail on specific beading,'' she
said. ''There's a lot of hand beading and patterns. We're seeing less lace encrusted with
beads.''
When it comes to trains and veils, both store owners said
they see women wanting everything available. The only exception, Dillard said, is
blushers, or short, above-the-shoulder-length veils.
''We don't see many blushers anymore,'' she said. ''People
that do wear them have wanted one forever or their parents want it.''
Dillard said her store has seen an increased demand for
cathedral-length veils.
''We see it a lot with simpler dresses with shorter
trains,'' she said.
To select dresses, women are placing more emphasis on
wedding themes or locations, she said.
''We see more women looking at formal dresses for their
wedding gowns,'' she said. ''There are a lot more people going to resorts to get married
and they want a simpler dress that they can carry with them on a plane.''
Lester said she has seen an increased demand for dresses
inspired by the fashions in the movie, ''Titanic.'' However, most of that demand has been
in bridesmaids dresses.
For bridesmaids, both Dillard and Lester said the trends
are similar to those for brides.
Popular colors this year include icy pastels, such as
cornflower blue and periwinkle, and jewel tones, such as Burgundy and hunter green. Black
and ivory also are popular choices.
''Brides are looking for smooth, clean lines in their
attendants' dresses, too,'' Lester said. ''Bridesmaids' dresses can either complement the
bride's dress or contrast it.''
While the women's attire receives the most attention at the
wedding, the men are seeing more options in tuxedos, too.
''The trend over the last 10 years is the black tuxedo,''
said David Thompson, owner of First Class Tuxedos. ''As far as the jacket goes, the most
popular style is the single-breasted jacket with multi-buttons.''
Jackets can now be found with two, three and four buttons,
he said. There also are jackets with up to six buttons that have a retro style and feel.
''We have the Nehru-look jacket,'' he said. ''It's cycling
back from the 1960s. It's a European, Beatles-type look.''
The biggest change in tuxedos has been the accessories to
wear with the standard jacket and pants. Cummerbunds are out, vests are in, he said.
''The trend is moving toward full-back vests,'' he said.
''We're seeing vests in a multitude of colors and patterns.''
The full-back vests are higher cut, allowing more vest to
show under the jacket.
''All full-back vests are six-button,'' he said. ''More
buttons on the vest will complement more buttons on the coat. It also helps accentuate the
upper torso.''
Gingiss Formalwear also offers another unconventional way
to bring color to tuxedos.
''We have the Rainbow Collection,'' said David Powell,
owner. ''It coordinates a color trim around the lapel of the jacket with the vest. The
lapel zips into the jacket, making it easy to change.''
Bow ties are still worn, but they now have competition,
too, Thompson said. Also available are the four-in-hand tie, or standard tie, and the Euro
tie, which is similar to the four-in-hand. A mandarin collar shirt, which has a banded
collar and eliminates the need for a tie, also is becoming popular.
''We're seeing the banded collar get more popular,''
Thompson said. ''It's commonly worn with a button cover to dress it up.''
Thompson said they are seeing many of the same colors
become popular in tuxedo accessories.
''We're seeing the pastels like blush, platinum and
amethyst,'' he said. ''In everything, we're seeing the turnover of time. Men's fashion is
cycling just like women's.'' |