Falling For Your Dress: Autumn’s Signature Styles

by Kerri Cooke

The cooler months of the year are perfect for hosting a wedding, especially an outdoor wedding. Fall temperatures will not only keep your guests comfortable but also open new opportunities for bridal wear.

Dresses with thinner fabrics are typically chosen for spring and summer, while dresses for the fall and winter months allow brides to experiment with heavier fabrics, textures and the addition of sleeves. Strapless gowns are popular, but sleeves add a degree of elegance. Sleeves can be made of tulle or lace and embellished by pearls, crystals or appliques. A specific sleeve style that’s popular is bishop sleeves which provide regal volume. You can also don a cropped bridal jacket if the breeze is colder than expected. At L Bridal Couture, bridal stylist Mary Sickey, says, “Most girls love the idea of sleeves in the fall and winter but a gown with sleeves can be restrictive, especially at a reception. We have the perfect option—gowns with removable sleeves!”

Layering is another option when the mercury starts to decrease. A gown with a sheer tulle layer or two provides the illusion of coverage while your skin and dress details still shine through. Switch things up and wear a cape with your dress instead of having a train. It’s a small but noticeable change.

Halter and high neck dresses are popular this wedding season. The extra fabric might feel suffocating in the summer but it’s the perfect addition to a fall or winter bridal dress. Halter neck dresses are especially elegant in materials such as silk or satin where the fabric has sheen and provides a subtle drape.

Corsetry is at the top of the list of trends due to interest in shows like Bridgerton and Marie Antoinette. Corsets hug the figure, emphasize curves, and act as shapewear. Sickey says, “A corset top is going to give you a snatched waist and put everything where it needs to be, along with giving you that hourglass figure.” This style of dress is perfect if you desire a period wedding. Transport into another time when queens and society ladies mingled in their best outfits.

Peplum styles are back in vogue after enjoying popularity in the ‘80s and early aughts. But make no mistake, when peplum is executed correctly, it looks anything but old fashioned. Designers are extending peplum details, making them longer, and thus achieving an open flower. And peplum added to the bottom of a corset bodice amps up the drama for an edgy spin.

Minimalistic styles contrast with the maximalism often seen in wedding dresses. You can’t beat a sleek, white dress with a fantastic cut. Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn with a simple yet perfectly tailored gown.