Unsure about thousands of sparkles, puff sleeves and a skirt so voluminous you disappear into it the second you sit down? Never fear – if you’re a bride who prefers the simpler things in life, there are gorgeous gown options aplenty. And to help you make your selection, for this look book we’ve rounded up a collection of our very favourite
pared back & pretty
designs.Main post images by Watters.
First stop, and setting the styling bar high, is the fabulous Amanda Wakeley whose gowns are all about the elegance and glamour. The Amber is beautifully graceful dress in luxe silk jersey and showcases a pretty Swarovski-encrusted belt fir just the right amount of sparkle. The Antonella is a panelled silk Mikado dress with a full skirt and cathedral train – simple in style but luxurious in quality! We also love the Olivia – minimalist from the front but dramatic at the back, with rows of delicate beading and a draped train giving the best of both worlds!
Another brand to explore is Watters. The silk Hymn gown has the most exquisite illusion back, dotted with buttons, yet gives the impression of a clean, simple sheath from the front. Then there’s the Geneva – a dream for brides who want simple and elegant with a sexy edge. The Leona is chic and beautifully minimal, while the Mabel has a lovely satin bow detail on the back and a simple and sophisticated air. If you fancy a very plain bodice but a bit of oomph in the skirt department, try the Cassia skirt, made from soft netting. It’s playful and full but looks divine with a classic bodice for a more minimalist look.
Next up, Enzoani. See the Lindsey for a timeless gown with a gorgeously full A-line skirt. The detail comes in the form of a pretty, glimmering beaded waistband. The Lenore is an inner dress with a bateau illusion neckline over a sweetheart neckline that you can wear underneath your chosen gown for a unique look. Choose a simple dress to wear it with for maximum impact. The Justice has a sleek bodice down to the knee, before flaring into a tulle skirt accentuated with embroidered stones, while the Lacy is simple and chic at the front with a glamorous illusion back for an old-Hollywood feel. Or rock the Grecian goddess look in the Harmony, a full-length mermaid gown with beaded straps and subtle ruching.
Finally, we look to the fabulous Jesus Peiro – a designer that gets the pared back and pretty brief down to a tee. We love how gorgeous textured fabrics are used to create structured dresses with impact but that still have a calm and clear overall appearance, such as design 8000 and 8027, the latter finished with a simple yet highly satisfying bow. More slim-line gowns are in the offering too; some in sumptuous silk fabrics and others in matt. For just a touch of detailing we adore the cowl back and jewel embellishment of 8017, and also the simple sheer linear panels of 8002. However, if it’s a truly pure creation you crave, there can be no better choice than the amazingly-cut 8062.
So, as you can see, if you see yourself gliding down the aisle in a dress that you wear – rather than one that wears you – there’s an exquisite array of chic and minimalist gowns out there to get trying on. High time for some boutique bookings we feel!