Sunday, June 11, 2000
Summer Maids Bloom in Style
by Brook Kropf (Easton)
Freelance Writer, Cedar Rapids Gazette
Summertime, a perfect time for a wedding. With
the bride as its classic centerpiece in white and her bridesmaids
at her side, a summer wedding
can be a vision of sunlit loveliness.
But, while being a bridesmaid
is an honor, we all know it has the potential to be a fashion nightmare.
Visions of hideous dresses in
tulle, satin and chiffon swim in your head.
Well, fear no more because
this millennium introduces elegant innovations in bridesmaids’ gowns.
One
of the most eye-catching trends is color. Popular colors include
platinum, slate, taupe, aquamarine, lilac, and a buttery yellow.
“
Designers are turning toward warmer tones” said Bobbie Dennison
of Weddings Etc. in Marion.
Dennison says black is still very
popular, but adds that some brides are replacing it with platinum,
which has the same neutral
effect
as black, but isn’t as foreboding.
Combining colors is also
becoming very popular. Certain designers like Jordan, available
at shops such as Heart to Heart in North
Liberty, are pairing colors by taking a simple sheath style dress
with spaghetti
straps and making the bodice one color, like cream and skirt
another like taupe. The dress is offered in many different color
combinations.
Another unique use of color is the Allure style
also found at Heart to Heart. It incorporates a simple sleeveless,
square-neck
bodice
with an A-line skirt. The unique touch of a thin black thread
interwoven throughout the solid color dress adds depth and
accent color to
the gown.
Other dresses incorporate color in a more subtle
way. One example at Weddings, Etc. combines a sleeveless brocade
bodice
with
an empire-waist skirt. The striking detail is in the brocade,
which
is in a contrasting
color to the dress.
Gowns are also adopting the latest trends
in fashion. Backless, sleeveless, strapless and spaghetti straps
are all making
an appearance this
year.
“
We’ve seen things that have never been used before,” said
Mary Schlotterback from Hope’s Bridal in Atkins.
“These
aren’t the old-maid dresses sold in the past.”
The
general style is an “After-Six” or “Couture” look.
“
Brides and bridesmaids are looking for simple yet elegant looks,” Dennison
said. Certain styles like A-line skirts and empire waists are still
hot this season. Dennison says this is because the styles flatter
all body types. The introduction of separates also solves the dilemma
of the hard-to-fit bridesmaid.
“
Separates are ideal for the girl who is a size 7 on top, but a
size 9 on the bottom,” says Bill Rackle, owner of Heart
to Heart in North Liberty.
Another benefit of separates is the
versatility of style.
Designs by Bill Levkoff offer a multitude of selections
in tops and
bottoms. Bodices can feature sequins and square neck, be
strapless or
with sleeves paired with an A-line skirt, sheath skirt,
or even a skirt
featuring a mini-train or “godet.” Separates
can also help solve the “Can I wear this again?” dilemma.
Schlotterback
says she has seen girls pair the tops of separates with
a different skirt and add a blazer creating
a more casual
look. With all these options separates can accentuate all
your bridesmaids’ assets.
An exciting accessory this year is the shawl or scar. Worn
during the wedding or after, it adds a unique touch to
every gown.
“
With such skin-baring styles shawls and scarves are not only stylish,
but functional as well,” Dennison said.
She warns
brides to check with clergy about how much skin to bear
in the church. Some have strict rules on what’s appropriate.
Now
you might be wondering how much one of these gowns costs.
High-end gowns by Jordan and Bill Levkoff can run
between
$140-$200. However,
many designers also offer more budget-conscious lines
ranging from $120-$150.
Bill Rackle of Heart to Heart warns that while
the budget lines of dresses can save money, manufacturers may be
able to offer
gowns more cheaply because they cut corners: not lining
the gown or using
a lighter material that is see-through. So, while cost
is an issue, Bobbi Dennison of Weddings, Etc. advises
brides to think
of it
as
their special day and make the most of it.
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