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Wedding dress Fittings: Do’s and Don’ts

Shopping for your wedding dress is only half the work. Alterations are the next essential step to get your dress ready for your wedding day.

Although wedding dress alterations are not as complicated as wedding dress shopping, they present their own set of challenges. Preparing for the task in advance will help you get the best results. From our experience of many years in providing alteration services to brides, we have compiled this list of the important do’s and don’ts to help you ensure your alteration services progress smoothly. Take a look at what they are.

DO select a service that specializes in wedding dress alterations

It isn’t wise to entrust your wedding dress alteration to anyone other than a professional seamstress who specializes in wedding dress alterations. Unlike regular dresses, wedding gowns are complex garments. Not all tailors are adept at handling the complexity of such garments. They may also not have the tools to handle this task. So, you risk the outcome unless the dress has a simple silhouette and or simple details when you ask a regular tailor to do your alteration.

DON’T forget to check reviews

Wedding dress alterations are expensive. However, if the task is done well, it is worth every penny you spend. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Before you finalize a person for the job, make sure you check their reviews. Experienced and professional alteration services will have happy customers who provide good feedback. Also check around for recommendations from family and friends. Finally, don’t be hesitant to ask for samples of previous work from the alteration service provider, if you are unsure.

DO set aside enough time to complete all the fittings properly

Rush jobs often result in poor results. So, set aside enough time to properly complete your alterations. You will usually need two to three fitting appointments to complete the task. Make your first appointment at least six weeks before your wedding date. Schedule the rest of the appointments after consulting your seamstress. Make sure that your appointments are spaced well, so that your tailor has enough time between sessions to complete the intended tasks on time. Follow this wedding dress shopping timeline on the Knot for best results. 

DON’T forget to factor in the budget for alterations

When you plan your wedding dress budget, don’t forget to include the cost of alterations. The expenses will depend on the size of dress you buy and the changes you desire. Some types of alterations are more expensive than others. For instance, custom changes like extra embroidery, moving of the hemline to another height or adding extra fabric to a dress can amount to a decent amount. Account for alterations into your planned dress budget, and you needn’t worry about your dress costing more than you anticipate.

DO schedule your final fitting closer to the wedding date

Your wedding dress is supposed to be perfectly fitted to your exact measurements. It is highly unlikely that you will retain the same shape or weight throughout your engagement, especially if you intend to lose weight in time for the wedding. Although you should schedule your fitting sessions weeks early, plan the last one just a week or two before your wedding day. This will allow your seamstress to fit the dress to your exact measurements so it drapes perfectly on your special day.

DON’T get the size wrong

If you are on a major weight loss program, it is important that you switch to a maintenance program at least two weeks before your wedding day. Accept how your body is at the time, and have your dress adjusted to the exact measurements. It isn’t likely that you will lose considerable weight during the time left. And if you do, you won’t look great in a dress that just hangs loosely off your frame. So, once your last dress fitting is done, say goodbye to your weight loss plans as well.

TIP: When you go dress shopping, never select a dress that is smaller than your actual size. Although you are sure to lose weight and fit into it in the months that come, it is a risk. If you do, your tailor can take in the extra inches and make it fit you correctly. However, if you don’t lose weight as intended, it is extremely difficult to add extra inches to a gown. This can ruin the finishing of the dress and hence isn’t advisable.

DO take the suggestions of your professional seamstress seriously

Your tailor will have had enough experience in carrying out alterations. So, she ought to give you the best possible advice regarding custom changes and size alterations. Go with her suggestions and don’t compel her to make changes she thinks aren’t possible. Remember that your seamstress can weigh several factors like fabric quality, placement of embellishments, your body type etc to figure out what changes are right and what aren’t. Accept her suggestions and choose to do alterations that she thinks will fit you best.

DON’T rush with custom changes or they can end up as a mess

It is possible that you want to make your dress truly unique through custom changes that alter the appearance of the dress entirely. If you decide to do this, remember that this usually involves more work than regular dress fittings. Discuss the necessary time with your seamstress and schedule your appointments accordingly. Make sure you leave enough buffer time before the wedding day to make sure the dress is ready and complete with all necessary alterations in time for your wedding.

DO remember to wear your wedding shoes to your alteration session

One of the things you should get right at your wedding dress fitting is the hemline of the dress. A hemline that is too long is an invitation for disaster. It can cause you to trip and fall, apart from making your dress look less than perfect. On the other hand, a dress that is too high ruins the entire bridal look. A floor-length gown should simply graze the ground as you walk. The height of your heels affects this greatly. Your dress can end up being too short or too long depending on the heel height. So, wear them to your dress alteration session.

Make sure you go shopping for your shoes soon after you complete dress shopping, so they are ready to try on by the time of your alterations. If the original shoes aren’t available, at least wear a pair with the same heel height that you intend to wear on your wedding day.

DON’T take too many people with you when you attend your fitting session

You may be tempted to invite your friends, bridesmaids and family to your fitting session. However, this isn’t a great idea. Not only can this be a distraction, it will also spoil the surprise of how you will look as a bride. Ask just a bridesmaid or your mother to come along to your alteration. Entrust the task of learning how to bustle your dress to this person. You can communicate what you want with your tailor on your own, and leave the rest of the work to her to handle.

DON’T hesitate to speak up your mind

Although you may not know much about wedding dress alterations and the details it involves, you should openly discuss your ideas with the tailor. Be flexible with your ideas and let her make suggestions that you may not have thought of. If you aren’t happy with the suggestions your seamstress makes, discuss this with her. This will allow her to make other suggestions that appeal better to you. In either case, open communication will allow you to clarify your doubts and find a dress that fits your vision perfect.

DO make sure you can comfortably move in your dress after it fits correctly

Alterations are intended to make sure the dress fits you closely. It should match your exact measurements, so the dress drapes on your figure without any bits hanging loose or bulging anywhere. While the dress ought to fit you like a glove, it is nonetheless necessary that you be able to move around in it. It shouldn’t be too tight that it stifles your movement. You should be able to walk, turn around and dance in it. Make sure this is possible at each of your dress alteration sessions. This is very important especially if your dress silhouette is a snug-fitting one like the mermaid, that tapers towards the feet and constricts free movement.

DON’T forget to check how the overall look comes together at the final session

Make sure that the big reveal on your wedding day is perfect, by checking it out for yourself at your fitting session. Book your hair and makeup trial on this day. Head to your bridal boutique after getting your hairstyle and makeup done as you would on your wedding day. When you try your dress on, you can see how the overall look comes together. This gives you the opportunity to tweak or change your style if you deem it necessary.

DO learn how to bustle your dress during the fitting

Bustling your wedding dress is a complex, but essential part of your wedding day. Ask your maid of honor or another bridesmaid to understand how to do it correctly after the wedding ceremony. For this, ask her to accompany you to one of your fitting sessions. Your seamstress can demonstrate the process and teach her how to do it correctly. If there are any questions or concerns, this opportunity will also allow you to clarify it and get it done without issues on your wedding day.

DON’T forget to wear the right undergarments to your fitting session

If your wedding gown must fit you exactly, it is important that you wear the same undergarments to the fitting sessions as you would on your wedding. Find perfectly fitting, functional undergarments that create the right silhouette, for this purpose. Make sure that it doesn’t show from beneath the white color of your wedding dress. It is advisable to pick nude colors for this. Wear it to your fitting sessions, so your seamstress can alter the measurements correctly based on this factor.

DO find a reliable pressing and steaming service for your destination wedding

If your wedding is at a faraway destination, you will have to travel with your gown. Handling the gown during the journey can cause wrinkles, especially if the fabric is stiff and structured. Locate a reliable steaming and pressing service at your destination. They can get the wrinkles out and refresh your dress after the long journey. If you are lucky and the wrinkles are minimum, you can get them out by hanging it in a steamy bathroom.

TIP: If you must travel with your wedding dress, choose one with lightweight, breathable fabric that does not wrinkle easily. Also keep the embellishments to a minimum to avoid the chances of damage to it. For more ideas on how to pick the right dress for your destination wedding, take a look at this article on the Brides website. 

DON’T forget to check your dress for any signs of damage that need to be addressed

Take a close look at your wedding dress before the conclusion of every session to make sure it is free from damage. If you find any stains, tears, frayed threads or embellishments that come off, have the damage rectified at your fitting session. Don’t overlook this step at this stage. It will not be easy to have it fixed if you discover such damages later, if you find it on your wedding day.

Tailors specializing in wedding dress alterations have the expertise to do dress alterations. Stores like Best for Bride that offer custom wedding dress designs will have seamstresses with experience in custom stitching of wedding dresses. This will help greatly in ensuring a better finish for your completed wedding dress. Check out our alteration service at Best for Bride and the price rate for each change at this link to our website. 

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Fashion Advice: Most Flattering Necklines For Your Bridesmaids Dresses

Fashion Advice: Most Flattering Necklines For Your Bridesmaids Dresses

One of the primary focal points of every dress is the neckline. Choosing the right neckline will draw focus to the beauty of the natural facial features of the wearer and enhance the overall appearance of the dress style selected. In addition, it will draw attention to the most attractive features or camouflage the less desirable traits when chosen appropriately.

When choosing bridesmaids’ dresses, choosing a single dress is no longer stylish for your entire bridal party. This is because your girls won’t be the same size or have the same body shape. So instead, we suggest you consider a range of options and mix and match dresses to suit the individual traits of each of the girls in your bridal party.

One good mix and match option is to vary the dress’s neckline while keeping the colours or silhouette constant for the entire group. This gives the group a super-stylish and modern look. It is easy, as most collections offer the same shade for several dresses. So you can find suitable silhouettes and necklines for each of your bridesmaids while keeping the colour uniform.

This guide looks at the most flattering neckline styles for different body types. Use this advice to choose the best neckline styles for your bridesmaid’s dresses. We are sure it will help you come one step closer to making your bridesmaids happy with your dress choices.

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Mistakes to avoid when you choose your bridesmaids dresses

If there is a task that levels up to the challenges of choosing your wedding dress, it has to be selecting your bridesmaids dresses. And if you have many bridesmaids, it is even more difficult to choose dresses that suit all of them, go well together and satisfy the women who are to wear them.

The current trend of mixing and matching bridesmaids dresses is a good one on many accounts. Not only can you choose different dresses to suit each bridesmaid, it looks splendid when done properly. This article on the Huff Post proves our point. Take a look at it for some flawlessly executed mix ‘n’ match bridal parties.

The mix ‘n’ match trend also gives you the opportunity to experiment with options till you find one that you like most. Having said this, we cannot overlook the fact that it can be just as daunting, when you have to ensure that all the dresses come together in a cohesive manner.

Whether you go with this trend, or choose the exact same dress for all your bridesmaids, you should avoid certain common mistakes that brides make when they choose bridesmaids outfits. Let us take a look at the list of these likely issues and how you can avoid them.

1.Not clearly communicating the budget

Your bridesmaids know that they have to pay for a new dress when they sign up for the role. However, this doesn’t mean that you can pick an expensive dress and expect them to happily bear the bill. Be considerate of individual circumstances when making a decision. Check with each of them in advance on what they can afford to spend. Do this before you start your research, so you can plan the shopping accordingly. If one of them is in a tight spot, you can think of footing the extra amount on her behalf, but only if you want to. However, if most of them think your budget is on the higher side, it may be better for you to rethink your decision and pick other dresses that fit their budget.

2.Not consulting your bridesmaids about their preferences

It is impossible to make everyone happy when choosing your bridesmaids dresses. However this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask. Rather than focus on the features that each of them would like to have in their dresses, pay attention to the factors that they would rather not have. Certain colors can make certain women to look pale or sickly. Or there may be unflattering dress silhouettes that some of your bridesmaids dread wearing. It could also be that at least some of your girls wouldn’t be comfortable in dresses that are too short or those that expose too much skin. Check with your bridesmaids to find out what they would not like to wear, instead of what they would like to wear. This will help you eliminate dresses with any of these factors and narrow down your choices.

3.Giving your girls free rein

With the mix and match trend continuing to be a hit, many brides allow their bridesmaids to pick out their dresses themselves. However, do this wisely. Unless you provide at least few guidelines to abide by, it is possible that you will end up with bridesmaids looking entirely different and with no cohesion whatsoever. The issue arises when the parameters you set are vague. If you were to ask your ladies to pick green dresses, you could end up with a set of dresses varying from mint green to turquoise, and entirely different in finishes. The result would be disastrous. So, be very specific with the guiding factors. Try to fix at least two or three focal aspects of the dress such as the color, neckline and hemline that will make the group look cohesive. If you fix a color palette, allot specific shades to each of the girls and make sure they stick to the same color.

4.Not considering each woman separately

Every woman in your bridal party will be different in her own way. There will be differences in build, complexion and style. So a dress that looks good on one of your bridesmaids may be a terrible choice for another. Although you cannot perfectly match dresses to each lady, it is best if you consider their individuality when choosing dresses. Find dresses that they can connect to and they will appreciate your consideration. Be flexible with options and creative with your choices to pick dresses that will satisfy all your girls. If you decide to go with very similar dresses for all the ladies, zero in on a neutral that suits most complexions and a silhouette that will flatter almost any body type. Colors to consider include navy, brown and black, while the modified A-line silhouette looks good on most women.

5.Not doing your research first

Just like with your wedding dress, you have hundreds of options in bridesmaids dresses. While this is a good thing as it gives you enough variety to choose from, it can also make the whole process very tedious. So arm yourself with a general idea of what you want, before you go shopping. Look online and in bridal magazines to identify pictures that you like. Explore your options and make note of your specific requirements. Create a list of dress features and ideas that would be right for your wedding. Use this as your starting point when you actually go shopping.

6.Not giving due thought to length

Very short and too long bridesmaids dresses are simply not practical. On your wedding day, expect your bridesmaids to be very busy as they handle a range of tasks. Small dresses can make it uncomfortable for them to move around, and also make them very conscious when they have to pose for pictures. Long dresses are accident-prone, and if your venue involves a staircase, it is an invitation for trouble. Another problem with really short dresses is that they look quite cheap, and rarely flatter anyone unless they have an amazing body structure. Go with dresses that hit between knee-length and ankle-length and there shouldn’t be any issues. Also go for well-structured dresses and longer hemlines when the wedding is held outdoors in windy weather, to avoid embarrassments.

7.Choosing the wrong fabric

The fabric for your bridesmaids dresses should not only have the right texture, it should also be practical. The fabric choice should depend on the look you wish to achieve. While fabrics like silk and chiffon have a formal look, others like crepe are casual. If your wedding is held outdoors, the fabric shouldn’t show sweat. Choose light fabrics and cotton blends for warm weather, while opting for heavier fabric for the cooler months. It is also a good idea to choose similar fabric for the bridesmaids dress as for your wedding dress, as this will create a delightfully cohesive effect.

8.Shopping at the wrong time

As with everything wedding-related, don’t wait till the last minute to do your wedding shopping. It can take time to find the perfect dress and few more weeks to have them delivered and altered to the right sizes. So, factor this in when you start your bridesmaid dress shopping. You may come across attractive discounts in certain seasons. Make the most of these when available and your bridesmaids will appreciate your thoughtfulness. However, don’t shop too early either. Many things can change over time especially if you have a long engagement. You may find your girls grow in size, lose pounds or even announce they are pregnant. All these factors will affect your dress choices. So, don’t go shopping earlier than 6 months before the wedding.

9.Making just one appointment

It is a big mistake to go for your bridesmaids dress appointment with all the girls at once. This can cause chaos and confusion. The chances of making the wrong decision are very high when this happens. The better approach is to first go shopping with just one or two bridesmaids. Look at your options and narrow down the dress choices to a select few. Bring your bridal party in for another appointment and have them choose their dresses from the ones you had previously short-listed. This will make the entire task a lot easier and get rid of any possible confusion in the process.

10.Forgetting the accessories

Don’t be so caught up with dress research and shopping, that you forget all about your bridesmaids accessories. The jewelry and footwear they wear on your wedding day will have an impact on the overall look. So, give due thought to these aspects before you make a final decision. Instead of just planning the dress, think of the overall picture and plan from there. Also think of how practical a choice will be for the venue and weather, when selecting footwear. Aim for a balance between the dress choice and the accessories, so the overall look is neither too cluttered nor too simple.

11.Not prioritizing comfort

Even the most stylish dress will not look good if the woman wearing it finds it uncomfortable. So, make comfort a priority when choosing your bridesmaids dresses. Avoid patterns that are too tight, too revealing or short. When the dress fits correctly and doesn’t make them overly conscious, your bridesmaids will be able to focus their attention on you and their wedding-related duties. There are also better chances for them to reuse a dress that they are comfortable in. So, focus on this factor and you will help them get more value for the money they spend.

12.Not thinking of how it will photograph

Certain dress colors, details and designs don’t look as good in photos as they do in person. Bright shades of pink and orange look entirely different on camera, and can take on an entirely different appearance from what you planned. Embellishments may look cheap or may not be noticeable at all, in certain combinations and colors. Consider these factors when you choose your bridesmaids dresses. Think of how the colors will go with the bridesmaids bouquets and rest of the accessories like shoes and jewelry. Take sample photos to make sure it doesn’t clash with the complexion or hair colors of the girls. This will save you from being disappointed when the colors in your wedding album don’t match the ideas in your mind.

13.Compromising on your vision

It is important to give due thought to your bridesmaids opinions when choosing their dress However, this shouldn’t be at the expense of compromising on your wedding vision. Always keep your ideas and priorities in mind when planning their look. Be flexible, open to suggestions and listen to your bridesmaids suggestions. Nevertheless, the dresses you choose should match your wedding theme and colors, and be appropriate for the type of wedding you have in mind. It should be a reflection of your personal style and taste. As your bridesmaids will feature with you in many photographs and will be a big part of the overall wedding scenery, you shouldn’t take this decision too lightly. Don’t give in to any amount of coaxing, or sway too much from your personal vision. After all, it is your special day.

At Best for Bride, we have an impressive collection of bridesmaids dresses in all sizes, styles and designs. Whether your wedding is held indoors or outdoors, is in summer or winter and whether your bridesmaids are all the same height or look totally different from each other, we have the solution for all your needs. Take a look at our online bridesmaids gallery to view our collection. You can also find attractive discounts and the current deals in bridesmaids dresses in our special offers and clearance sections. For more details about the rest of our services and the stock we carry, visit our Best for Bride website.

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Seasonal Elegance: A Guide to Selecting Evening Dresses for Every Time of Year!

One of the things we look at when choosing an evening dress is whether it flatters our natural figure. Apart from finding a dress that flatters your figure, it is also essential to choose one appropriate for the weather when you are wearing it.

Social events happen all around the year. So, the perfect dress for one season may not be the right one for another. Having said this, we must tell you that there are no hard and fast rules on what should or shouldn’t be worn during a particular season. Nonetheless, choosing a suitable dress for the season will ensure more comfort and colours that look right at the time.

Here are some style tips to help you choose the best dress, depending on the weather at the time.

SPRING

Spring is one of the best times of the year, weather-wise. The days are pleasant after a cold winter. The natural landscape takes on bright colours, and you can draw inspiration from this when choosing your dress. This is also when many events are held outdoors, making the most of the pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. So, your dress for such events should preferably be lightweight.

Here are some points to consider when choosing a dress for a spring-time event.

A cover from the cold: While a warm wool coat may look out-of-place at a spring-time event, the weather can still be windy this time of year. So, we suggest that you choose a dress with short sleeves to keep your shoulders covered and warm. Cap-sleeve dresses or three-fourth sleeves are great to cover up your arms, while allowing you to look smart and stylish too. The other option is to choose sleeveless or strapless dresses, and carry an accessory like a stole or shrug that you can wear it if gets chilly.

 

Smart necklines: Spring in general has a casual, fun feel. So, instead of looking overly dressed up and sophisticated, the better option would be to look smart. Off-the-shoulder necklines, halter necks and slits in skirts add thrill to a dress. So, explore these options.

 

Simple silhouettes are best: Simplicity is stylish, and minimal no-fuss dress silhouettes pack an instant impact. The sheath and A-line are better than ball gown and fishtail styles, when you choose a floor length gown. For more impact, add sparkling accessories. If you choose shimmery fabric in your dress, avoid bling elsewhere, so your look isn’t too cluttered.

Stylish skirts with interesting hemlines: Soft, breezy skirts in chiffon, voile and organza with a lot of liquidity are ideal for spring. Asymmetrical hemlines make a skirt casual, yet stylish in an instant. Cocktail and tea length dresses would normally be better choices than full-length gowns.

 

Flower power: Flowers are synonymous with spring, and they are the perfect print for spring dresses. Choose dresses with soft floral designs on them as an ode to nature, and look fresh and feminine.

Soft and neutral palettes:In spring, soft muted colors are a great choice. Take inspiration from the colors of the natural scenery, and choose hues with touches of blue and green in them. Soft pastels, pinks, yellows and greens are suitable for this weather. You can also consider intense floral and nature prints on light backgrounds, if patterns are your thing.

SUMMER

Summer starts with warm weather, and then goes on to become hot and humid. Base your dress choice on the intensity of heat you expect at the time of the event you will be attending. During the first half of summer, choose heavier and elaborate fabric, but transition to light, breathable and airy fabric as the weather becomes hotter.

Here are some tips to help you choose your summer event outfit.

Relaxed dress code: Summer is the time to dress down, get rid of layers and stick with minimalist dress patterns. Focus on colors instead of design details. Look to bright flora and fauna for inspiration. Even at an evening party, it is best to choose an outfit that is more informal than strictly formal. It will not only feel comfortable but will look good too.

Strapless and sleeveless for indoors, but full-sleeves for outdoors: As the temperatures rise, we wold all prefer to shed layers and stick to the bare minimum pieces of clothing. However, if the event you attend is outdoors fully covered tops are recommended to stay sun-safe. You can still choose fabulous designs that don’t look frumpy, by keeping colors light and the design balanced in the silhouette.

Time to play with pattern: Polka dots, chevron, stripes, floral prints; any pattern looks great in summer and is apt for the season. This is the time to pick vibrant colors and rich prints that look cheerful when the sun shines on them.

Short hemlines are in: Short hemlines are best in summer, for obvious reasons. Experiment with different lengths, varying from above the knee to ankle length. However, avoid full length gowns as they look out-of-place in this weather.

Simple silhouettes: A-line skirts and column style dresses are great in this weather. Sheer and illusion necklines and sleeves feel great and refreshing. Avoid layering unless it is in fabric with a smooth drape, or you can end up looking bulky.

Make sensible fabric choices: Cotton, satin, tulle and organza are ideal for summer events. It may be a good idea to avoid satin finishes and silk as these stain with sweat and can look terrible when it does.

Light and bright colors look good: Stay away from intense dark colors, as they are overly warm for the hot weather. Instead stick with light, pleasant colors or tropical colors that pop. Oranges, yellows and reds are all great for this time of year.

AUTUMN

The weather becomes cooler, as winter is near. Warm and cozy outfits look good in autumn, and you don’t need really warm accessories as you can still walk around without feeling too chilly. Here are some fashion tips to consider when choosing your autumn evening dress.

Jewel tones and prints are a hit: As the weather becomes cooler, increase the intensity of color in your chosen outfit. Deep jewel tones are wonderful and can be paired with metallic accents for a sophisticated and stylish effect.

Aim for style and elegance: Just like outdoorsy looks are great at summer and spring events, style and elegance are statement signs for autumn and winter. Formal gowns in earthy or intense colors are perfect for formal events, and they can either be cocktail-length or full-length. Accent colors like orange, brown and red work well with most neutrals.

Choose longer sleeves: As the days grow shorter, let the sleeves grow longer, for both practical and style reasons. High necklines like bateau, scoop or half-collar styles with a V-dip in the center are refined and sophisticated.

Elaborate silhouettes work well: This is the time when both long and short dress styles work well. You can either choose bold and elaborate embellishments with short hemlines, or long gowns with plenty of details. Layer up with a gown that adds volume to your frame and it will look just right in this weather.

Luxe embellishments: Hand embroidery, elaborate crystal work, sparkles and gems are all appropriate in autumn, especially when they are paired with deep, intense colors. Other accents that look good in this weather include ruffles and feathers. Animal prints, Aztec prints and leafy prints are other prints to choose from.

Experiment with necklines: With the weather relatively pleasant, you can consider all types of necklines for this season. While off-the-shoulder necklines and strapless styles are fun and flirty, fully covered high necklines, cowl necklines or those that skim the collarbones and expose no more look polished and perfect. In case it gets too windy, you may like to carry a stylish accessory like a pashmina wrap, that will not only look stylish but will also be a practical solution to stay warm when outdoors. Similarly, add style to your outfit with interesting footwear like knee-high boots that are in-keeping with the weather at the time.

WINTER

Winter is the holiday season, and there will be many functions to attend. This is the time when you should go shopping, so you have a great dress for every occasion that comes up. Refined elegance and bright colors should be the highlight of your look, so you look festive and blend in with the colorful extravaganza that is typical of winter partying. Here are the dress ideas that are good for winter.

Bring on the sleeves: Winter is the season when long sleeves are a good option. However, you can also choose shorter sleeves or sleeveless styles, as long as you have an accessory like a bolero or sash to cover up your shoulders and arms when you step outdoors. Illusion necklines and sleeves are dramatic and chic, perfect for the ambiance at a winter party.

Bold and modern accessories: Dress up a simple silhouette with big and bold accessories. Winter is the time to choose dramatic jewelry and makeup. Think in terms of gold, sparkles, pearls and colored gemstones which are big enough for a statement effect. For a modern look, it may also be fun to add an accessory like a belt or sash that adds greater impact to a simple color and design. Finally don’t forget a shawl, cape or jacket to stay cozy in, when traveling to and from your event venue.

Unexpected elements are fun: There are simple ways to add more oomph to an outfit. This includes ruffles, scalloped lace lines where you least expect it and powerful motifs as embellishments. A short skirt with abundant ruffles is youthful and interesting, while a two-piece dress with ruffles at the waist renders an informal touch to a formal dress.

Prints in one color tone: Although monochromatic color schemes are popular in winter attire, you can experiment with prints, as long as they don’t look like they belong to the summer. Prints in intense colors and with smaller motifs spanning over the entire length are the ideal choice. Don’t forget to mix it with plenty of plain colors for more drama. Alternately, look to shimmering fabric for an overall effect that isn’t cluttered. Color blocking with autumnal colors like browns and red are also a good idea.

Thick and flowing fabric: Layered dresses and thicker fabric are perfect for winter. Not only does this keep the cold at bay, it also helps you look dressed up. Voluminous skirts, embellished sleeves and decorated necklines are best sported in winter. Fabrics that work in this weather include velvet, velveteen and silk. The smooth finish of silk makes it ideal for night-time affairs.

Dressy silhouettes: The trick is to balance your overall look with a silhouette that complements the color of the dress and the embellishments on it. For a simple silhouette like the A-line or sheath, make sure you look good with the right choice of bold accessories to go with it or with a dress that is embellished aplenty. However, this is the time to sport modern silhouettes like the mermaid, as it is appropriate for the weather and looks glamorous. Ball gowns are good on women who want more impact with the dress and not bother too much about accessories.

At Best for Bride, apart from wedding dress collections, we have a wide variety of designer evening dress collections to satisfy all your expectations. Take a look today and you are bound to find many that will catch your eye. Dressing up for any event, be it in any season, has never been easier!