by: Strapless continue to reign as the preferred wedding dress but what are the options for brides who want to have a little more reserve at the ceremony or even keep the chill at bay as we head into the cooler months? Of course there are cute cardigans and stylish wraps ...
And then there are wedding boleros. From delicate shrugs to a long-sleeved jacket-style, they certainly add an element of style to a dress. I asked cutting-edge dress designer, Amy-Jo Tatum of Bride Chic, to tell us a little bit about boleros and why a bride might want to consider wearing one.
What types of dresses are best to wear with a wedding bolero?
In my good opinion sheath silhouettes work best but then think about how grand and great A-lines and Ballgowns pair up with boleros. Also, the more minimalist the dress, generally the more ornate the bolero can be. Example: An allover lace bolero with a simple satin sheath. Likewise, the simpler the bolero, the more intricate the dress can be . . .
{above: Carolina Herrera with long sleeves and another with ostrich feathers source {right} Oscar de la Renta}
What types of dresses will never work?
Obviously ones with humongous or puffed sleeves. Wearing any sleeves with a bolero kinda defeats the whole idea.
Do you match material for material?
Sometimes. Other times a bolero is worn to add some texture or interest to the dress
Is the point to keep warm {even a little?} or are they a complete fashion statement?
Both. Boleros certainly can pull your whole look together. On the other hand, boleros are worn more and more this time of year and into the coming months to winterize a dress. They are also a great way for brides to go both sleeveless and with sleeves all in one day as, despite Kate Middleton's defining dress, it is still hard to find a sleeved gown . . . And then, some brides feel they need to be covered up in church but want to go bare armed and party hearty at the reception.
Amy Jo's bolero designer pick ...
"One of my favorite bolero designers on earth at this time is Yvonne Crotty who goes under the label of Bonzie. She has perfected the bolero to go with just about any wedding dress or ensemble. From her barely there little shrugs to bolero jackets, her Victoriana meets Steampunk look lends itself well to the high-waisted jacket as you'll see."
Thanks Amy! Great info for anyone considering wearing a wedding bolero! Personally, I LOVE them! Be sure to check out Amy Jo's couture dresses--totally gorgeous, totally unique!!
Thoughts on wedding boleros ... Why would you wear a wedding bolero? Make a fashion statement? Keep warm? Keep it modest for the ceremony?
