Strapless Wedding Gowns: In 2012, Just Say No

When Kate Middleton became the Duchess of Cambridge last summer, I thought, finally!  A break-out wedding gown to bust us out of this endless strapless phase.  Wedding gowns which end above the bosom have ruled for at least ten years which seem more like 20 to me.  You’ve seen one strapless gown, you’ve seen them all.  Where is everyone’s imagination?

Kate’s gorgeous creation, with lace in a plunging “V” neckline and full-length sleeves reminded many fashionistas of Grace Kelly’s 1956 sophisticated treasure, only with a little more sex appeal to reflect modern times.  Even Pippa, the most popular bridesmaid in history, got gigantic reviews for her cowl-necked sculpted column of silk.

Some other famous gowns in history, worn by brides Elizabeth Taylor, Jacqueline Kennedy and Princess Diana, all had distinct necklines but they did not ignite a decades-long march down the aisle of sameness such as we continue to see with strapless gowns.

I just saw the Syracuse Post-Standard’s article on Bridal Gown Trends for 2012.  With the exception of a few examples, every gown lacks an interesting neckline of any sort.  What a missed opportunity.   I think a unique neckline calls attention to the bride’s face, while these gowns show all the interest from the waist down.  Look at the wedding announcements in any newspaper and every bride’s portrait appears the same, because the beauty of her gown is too low to make the picture.

I’m not sure why we’ve held onto this trend for too long, and why there is so little deviation in the stores.   Middle-school girls famously dress alike so as not to stand out too much in “age of conformity”.  If you dress just like your friends, then your enemies will have to tackle the whole lot of you.  But brides should be years out of that phase and instead, seeking individuality.

Isn’t she inviting attention to her unique style with her grand entrance after all the bridesmaids pass by in their identical dresses?  Watch the eyes of all the guests as she passes.  Attendees dutifully take it all in, right to the tip of the train.

At any other event in life it is rude to allow your eyes to wander up and down, head to toe.  But at a wedding it’s encouraged.  You’re only going to wear this thing for five hours.  People had better study every detail.  And doesn’t everyone reward the bride in the receiving line by saying “your gown is amazing!”

Kate Middleton isn’t the only celebrity bride to “just say no” to the common strapless.  Ivanka Trump wore a stunner featuring an elbow-length lace topper over what would have been just another strapless gown.  The delicate lace which hugged the upper arms of youth made all the difference in the look.

Chelsea Clinton, of whom I am a major fan, missed her opportunity for bridal stardom by donning the common strapless,but President Bush’s daughter Jenna struck a gorgeous pose with her body-hugging, V-necked floral applique knock-out.

Note that with Chelsea’s Clinton’s gown, like so many strapless dresses today, the designer is forced to distinguish the piece with something interesting at the waistline.  In Clinton’s case it is a beaded detail at the waist.  But unless you are rail-thin, the waistline is not where most women of any age want people to look.

Elizabeth Taylor's first wedding to Conrad Hilton, 1950

In a chicken-or-the-egg debate, do brides buy strapless because that’s all you can find in the boutiques?  Or do boutiques stock strapless because that is all that brides will buy?

In 2012, fashion-forward brides will have to work a little harder and search a little longer and perhaps farther to break the industry of its strapless spell.

Tagged as: boring wedding gowns, bridal fashion, Bridal gowns, strapless bridal gowns