Page 112 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2023

SHOPPING
FOCUS ON FASHION:
story by Barbara Travis
Did someone say “wedding?” Well,
let’s get busy. We have lots to do! Once the wedding date and venue
are chosen, there’s the color scheme, flowers, style of bridal gown and bridesmaids’ dresses. After that,
the list of details and level of stress grow exponentially, regardless
of the size of the event. It can be overwhelming but doesn’t have to be. My best advice: make the big decisions, then hand off to a trusted wedding planner for follow up. Direct your thoughts, energy, and time to the parts that make you smile – choosing colors, the perfect gown, and flattering attendant dresses.
THE COLOR SCHEME
Once the color scheme is determined, the rest is much easier. Most brides defer to their favorite color as the floral, décor, and fashion focal point, then enhance with coordinating hues. Others prefer to embrace one of the current wedding color trends.
In 2023, green palettes lead the way, especially sage and emerald. Sage is all the rage right now and works well for both indoor and outdoor weddings. It’s soft, beautiful, versatile and pairs well with darker colors. Emerald is gorgeous year-round, exudes energy, and is always elegant and chic.
Dusty rose and blush pink are also high on the color trend list. Both are popular, sophisticated choices. Each stands alone as a primary color or works as a compliment to many other hues. Lavender is also in the trendy pastel line up and symbolizes purity, devotion, serenity, grace, and calmness. Earth tones and deeper colors such as navy, wine, bronze, gold, and terracotta remain classics for fall and winter weddings or as pops of color for other seasons.
THE WEDDING DRESS
Nothing is more important, personal, emotional, time-consuming, or thought- provoking than choosing the perfect wedding dress. It’s truly a labor of love,
so start looking early and enjoy the ride. Fortunately, there are more looks available than ever – both traditional and trendy – that can suit any bride’s fancy and fulfill her dream dress vision. From classic ballgowns with crystal embellishments and seed pearls to contemporary designs such as mini-dresses or separates, the range of bridal styles is wide open and wonderfully diverse.
As to trends, look for unique features
like asymmetrical or mock necklines and feminine details such as bows in every size and shape. Bows are the hottest new bridal wear element in 2023. Whether they be statement-making oversized versions or mini multiples, bows make a commanding
appearance and can be incorporated into the dress design or on removable accessories such as a belt or headpiece. And not to be overlooked is the current popularity and visual impact of feathers, which have now sneaked their way into bridal fashions.
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES
Making sure your bridesmaids are as comfortable and happy as possible in
their dresses is of the utmost importance, but not always easy when ladies come in all shapes and sizes. Color choice is the bride’s prerogative, but it’s smart and kind to consult with the attendants about style preferences before making a final selection. Knowing what they like and dislike goes
a long way in making them feel included and special on your special day.
Pastel colors for bridesmaid dresses such as dusty shades of rose, sage, blue, and peach are perennial wedding favorites because they’re peaceful and don’t upstage the bride. Convertible dresses that can
be worn for other occasions are always appreciated, as is attention to price point and friendly, non-clinging fabric.
Few things get us more excited than a wedding, and this year fashion choices
are so much more than “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” From transparent layers and unique necklines to color coming down the aisle, there’s just so much to love.
112 | February 2023
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