Bridal Skirts?

When I was searching for photos for the Plaid Trilogy posts this week, I found this really cool bridal look:

Photo Credit: Ciara Richardson

I cannot stop drooling over this idea of wearing a more common shirt with a fabulous full skirt on the bottom. For the bride that doesn’t want to be too stuffy or traditional on her wedding day, this is a great idea. It doesn’t necessarily need to be plaid, but could be denim, a blouse, a sweater, a vest, or even a t-shirt. It’s the perfect way for the non-traditional bride to show who she is and be comfortable and still classy on her wedding day.

When I first saw a picture of the dress on the left, I fell in love. I am neither Southern nor outdoorsy, but this look really speaks to me. The denim with the full billion layers of tulle accented by a burlap belt and cowboy boots made me want to go ride a rodeo. I absolutely love this look. For a good country girl, this is perfect for that ranch/barn wedding. No fuss, no muss. And you can always get the same skirt shorter so you can still have a day and evening look on your wedding day.

The dress on the right reminds me of some fun foreign film. The horizontal stripes and the yellow gloves give it a fun flair and really compliments the bride’s style with the pop of color added to the layered peasant skirt. The sensible black boot and clutch are just icing on the cake. I also love the idea of newspaper hats for a fun photo booth idea. If you’re this bride, I applaud your bold choices. This outfit is a winner for me.

What if you’re that simple bride who is most comfortable in a t-shit and isn’t into all things frilly? Try just a straight floor length skirt paired with a crisp white tee. Add a colored belt for a pop of color like the dress on the left and you are all set. With the simplicity of your get-up, people will be looking at you and not all the details of your ensemble. Wearing your hair up or down with a little bit of jewelry is sure you make you pop and still keep you cool and comfortable.

Bohemian chic is everywhere you look here in NYC. If you head down to the Village, you are sure to similar outfits to the one on the right. Bohemian brides are the symbol of light and air. If you’re a bohemian bride, why not try pairing a flowing gypsy skirt in white with crochet details like above with a simple and colorful blouse. It not only says true to your own style, but it leaves you feeling relaxed and open on your big day. (P.S. I am just loving the sunglasses. What a great accessory when walking through the Village to take some great shots of you and your groom!)

I mentioned the Bohemians in the Village, so I can’t leave out the hipsters in Brooklyn. The ballerina skirt/backwards cardigan with the gladiator sandals and thick rimmed glasses are the perfect ensemble for a hipster bride. This outfit can be year round with a change of the shoe and can be worn to a wedding from Prospect Park to Coney Island. I love the lightness of the whole look. I know my roommate who is an honorary hipster would wear this not just on her wedding day, but every day of the week. It has a ballerina look to it that doesn’t say froufrou, but still ahead of the trend.

Honestly, if I were to choose a look that would be one that I would wear, I would have to go with the black and white lace ensemble on the right. It is classic, timeless, effortless, chic, everything. The smooth lines and delicate lace on the white pencil skirt makes me want to kiss Romona Kaveza for creating this outfit. The simple top knot chignon and minimal jewelry paired with a classic black pump pair perfectly. If you’re this kind of bride like me, can I get a “What what!”?

Wearing a non-traditional ensemble for your wedding is a personal call. How you want to express yourself though clothing is the best part. Feeling good and expressing your personal style is sure to make you feel amazing and true to yourself on the big day. So take a risk and go for a look that feels more like you and less like a cake topper if that’s what you want. This is just an outline for alternative bridal looks. Step outside the box. What are some other pairings that you would do?

-Hilary