Inspiration Nation: How to Pull Off a Sexy Wedding Dress Without Offending Grandma

Sunday, August 7, 2016

How to Pull Off a Sexy Wedding Dress Without Offending Grandma

Over the past few seasons, we’ve seen designers bringing sexy back to bridal fashion with plunging necklines, sheer fabrics, strategic appliqués and curve-hugging silhouettes. But, there’s a fine line between looking sexy and revealing a little too much. So to help us navigate the sea of white wedding dresses, we turned to bridal stylist Annie Cavallo, who’s breaking down how to get that sexy look without revealing it all.

Plunging Necklines

This neckline could be quite the show stopper but you shouldn’t sacrifice good bust support for the look. If you are smaller on top, flaunt your bust by trying that deep plunge that ends about 3″ north of your waist line. For larger busts, alt for a halter style neckline. The shape in the front will give you the same depth but tie neckline will camouflage any straps for your halter style bra.

Crop tops and Midriffs

Showing off your stomach on your wedding day is quite the sexy statement to make and maybe you are proud of that six pack! Flaunt it! However if you aren’t that daring but love the concept of a little midriff reveal, than the lace or illusions midriff trend is for you. Based around a bralette or cropped shell bodice, the sheer layers give you that subtle coverage of skin while still revealing your best ab-sets.

Extreme Hemlines

A sexy trend without having to reveal much of anything else, your one leg exposed by a super high slit could be all you need. Designers are giving you options to flaunt, from the high-hip slit to the subtle knee kick-out, you really can reveal from anywhere in between. Another conservative take on the leg reveal is the trendy hi-low hemline that shows of your legs while giving you even coverage.

Nude illusions

The sexiest trend for any size or shape, it’s all about giving the illusion of ‘skin’ by matching linings under embroidery, sequence or lace appliqués to your skin tone. If full illusions are too implying for your future MIL (mother-in-law), opt for gowns that have illusion cut-outs or panels. The key being the color, the closer the mesh illusion is to matching your skin the better.

Bringing Sexy Back

More than just functional, designers are upping the wow factor of gowns with intricate strapping, floating button closures and even just simply with super low waist lines. Whether you choose bare back or feel more comfortable with a sheer mesh layer, there is nothing sexier than the curves of your backside.

Strategic appliqué placement

These gowns are showing off your bod with the help of little of perfectly placed appliqués covering just enough of your basics to take photos with the grandma. To get the same appeal with a lesser reveal, search gowns out that have open weave lace patterns that show off some skin but cover you all the way around.

Thigh Highs

You CAN have your cake and eat it too with a sexy mini short dress and full length fit to flair look all in one. With the help of some sheer mesh or lace, a panel is placed right between your thighs and knees showing off your legs and just enough of your curves.