Need Help Restyling Modern Wedding Dress

The Shirt · Jun 22, 2010

Ladies-
Boy do I need some help and some ideas. I recently purchased a modern wedding dress in the hopes that it came close to my vision of inspiration in my head. I unfortunately spent months trying to find the perfect vintage dress - but anything I liked, I certainly could not squeeze into. I decided to bite the bullet and order a new dress as I was running out of time. However I am finding that I am having second thoughts and panic attacks about what this is going to end up like. I'd like to use some vintage inspiration to make the dress my own and address certain issues. I'd love some opinions, some other photo options etc. I imagine a 50s new look. I like the idea of adding sleeves or draping that gets wider in the back or something along that lines.

Issue #1 - Nearly everything I tried on was strapless. I have terrible skin and would prefer not to be entirely exposed during the wedding.
Issue #2 - I dislike boleros. I really imagined I would have a "complete" dress. One that I didn't have to coverup and somehow what I keep finding online for options often seem matronly. I want to feel elegant not dowdy. I don't want to look old, too young, or matronly.

First I'll post my dress and then my inspiration dresses.

BTW - he doesn't belong to the forum - so I doubt he'll ever see me in it.

The Shirt · Jun 22, 2010

Inspirations - Love this on the right and the pink.

I love this as an option - to side drape chiffon from one side to the other and then tack into place on the back and drape down.

Or the picture on the bottom - to do a pleated type strap that will widen into a v in the back.

Any other ideas?

ZombieGirl · Jun 22, 2010

Maybe some soft sheer, gathered cap sleeves. I'm not sure how much of your arm/shoulder area you want to be covered. You can get a great vintage look by focusing on details... Your veil, maybe some little white gloves, pearls, hair... that kind of stuff.

Miss Peach · Jun 22, 2010

This may be an easy out or at least just a starting point for ideas...but I know that places like David's bridal offer some beautiful cap sleeves that really add to a strapless dress (LOVE the one you have chosen, it looks so different than all of the other modern ones out there, great choice!!!!):

http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product...ersonalize-Your-Look-Sleeves-Coverage-Options

There are more on the site, this is just an idea of what I was talking about, I can't wait to see what wonders you work with it all!

ZombieGirl · Jun 22, 2010

Miss Peach said:
This may be an easy out or at least just a starting point for ideas...but I know that places like David's bridal offer some beautiful cap sleeves that really add to a strapless dress (LOVE the one you have chosen, it looks so different than all of the other modern ones out there, great choice!!!!):

http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product...ersonalize-Your-Look-Sleeves-Coverage-Options

There are more on the site, this is just an idea of what I was talking about, I can't wait to see what wonders you work with it all!

Yes! Something like that.... That's what I was envisioning.

Lottie · Jun 23, 2010

Maybe you could try to match the cap sleeve's colour with the colour of your "waistband"? I wouldn't opt for something too detailed (i.e. no lace..), because it would just draw the attention away from the wonderful beaded detail on the bust part.

Plus- have you thought about shortening the dress to cocktail length? maybe with a fluffy petticoat underneath?

ZombieGirl · Jun 23, 2010

My wedding dress...

http://www.billlevkoff.com/flash/print_product.php?productid=1190

Here's the dress I wore on my wedding except it was ivory. The sleeves have a nice vintage feel to them. And I don't they they'd compete with the beauty of the dress you've picked out. I think something like that would really complement your dress.

crwritt · Jun 23, 2010

I was thinking you could add these sleeves?

BoPeep · Jun 23, 2010

I think the above suggestions are good ones . . . cap sleeves, pearls, wrist length gloves and a vintage headpiece/veil. Go very classic. Personally, I would also opt to shorten the dress a bit to let your feet show and make the skirt as big as possible! Crinoline, crinoline, crinoline! Also, don't forget to do your bouquet in a vintage too. Afterall, it's as much an accessory to your dress as your jewelry.

clubwitsend · Jun 23, 2010

This might also be a draping idea...Grace Kelly's gown in 'To Catch a Thief' has a beautiful chiffon drape over the shoulder...

deadpandiva · Jun 23, 2010

That is a lovely dress and you look beautiful in it.

GoddessMama · Jun 23, 2010

I really love the side drape chiffon. It would be simple to do with out altering the dress, just make the rosette like a broach and have the chiffon attached to it. You woudln't have to even tack it in the back, just let it fall. ;0) Very lovey indeed!

miss_elise · Jun 23, 2010

i would try the chiffon drape as that seems to be the most simple to "add" on.... and the easiest to remove if it doesn't suit.

plus i think it's very elegant

Puzzicato · Jun 23, 2010

Lottie said:
Plus- have you thought about shortening the dress to cocktail length? maybe with a fluffy petticoat underneath?

Or get the skirt altered like this:

The Shirt · Jun 23, 2010

You ladies are wonderful. I hadn't thought of shortening the dress - but that may be a good option. It is actually pretty huge on the bottom with a crinoline in place and has a nice chapel length train. I do like the idea of cap sleeves. Or I played around with the idea of adding a chiffon type cap sleeve/portrait collar. I still love the chiffon angled drape - and it would be easy to take back off if it looks dumb. Luckily I ordered some extra fabric to play around with.

Thanks so much for the ideas - It is putting my mind at ease that I didn't make a mistake and I can make it mine.

The Shirt · Jun 23, 2010

I adore that bill levkoff dress and was actually trying to convince the Maid of honor to wear it!

KittyT · Jun 23, 2010

Lottie said:
Plus- have you thought about shortening the dress to cocktail length? maybe with a fluffy petticoat underneath?

I would avoid chiffon drape, personally. The dress you posted with the drape also has a chiffon skirt. I think adding chiffon to the dress you have would look out of place, as there's nothing else in the dress to tie it in and make it look like part of a cohesive ensemble.

Personally, what i would do is shorten the dress and then you'll have a bunch of 100% matching fabric to do with as you wish. You could make matching add in sleeves like the ones from David's, or a wrap. You could use the fabric to wrap the stems in your bouquets, or any other number of things.

Gingerella72 · Jun 23, 2010

I agree with other posters that its going to be the details and accessories that's going to give you more of a classic vintage look than altering the dress too much (especially if you're running out of time, is it wise to do these kinds of alterations?)

That said though, I like the side-draped chiffon, or you could even just use matching tulle. It wouldn't even have to be side draped, you could wear it across your shoulders like a stole.

In the photo of your dress, is it just the lighting or is it really a pale green color? Either way I really like the beading details on the bodice and the skirt!

The Shirt · Jun 23, 2010

I should have a month by the time it comes in. I have extra fabric already to do with what I want so I don't need ot rely on whatever/if some comes of fthe length. Having just a wrap is cumbersome as I would be tugging and pulling at it constantly to keep in place as I really don't want my back showing. (Skin cancer biopsy scarring, etc). If attached I suppose it could be more like a stole that attaches at the arms somehow.

It is actually listed as a gold and is more champagne than ivory in color. A little harder to match but it will be fine.

I plan on a birdcage veil for the ceremony and simplifing to a small feather or flower fascinator for the reception. I have a lovely 1940s rhinstone cuff and earrings to incorporate. Makeup and hair will be vintage inspired. Depending on the neckline- I will decide about a necklace. I'm not fond of gloves for myself - but I understand the reasoning. I'm sure I can find a great vintage handbag.

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