Choosing The Right Wedding White

courtesy of DivineCaroline.com

Many brides go to their first bridal salon with dreams of finding their fairytale wedding gown—and are soon disappointed. They try on gown after gown that looks beautiful on the hanger, but when they slip into them they just don’t live up to the dream. They know something isn’t quite right but they can’t put their finger on it. If this has happened to you, then perhaps the problem isn’t the style or cut of the gown but the color.

Although the traditional choice is a pure white wedding gown, the reality is that few women can wear pure white successfully. Many skin tones look either washed out or sallow next to unrelieved white. There are, however, numerous shades of white and cream that are ideal for wedding gowns and are still quite traditional. Choosing one of these shades can make your skin come alive and your eyes sparkle, where stark white may have given you a tired or sickly appearance.

How do you choose the right shade of white or cream for you? If you can afford it, talk to a fashion color consultant, who will not only advise you on what shade is appropriate for your gown, but can guide you in all of your fashion choices. If not, take an honest look at your skin tone and let it be your guide.

If you have very fair skin, a warm shade of white with a touch of yellow in it will add some warmth and a glow to your skin. A stark white will only wash you out.

If you have sallow or olive skin, whites with a pink undertone (sometimes called cool whites) will balance things and give you a fresh, dewy look. Shades to consider might be champagne or rum white. You can also wear silk white, which is slightly less stark than pure white.

If you have medium skin that is pinker or has blue undertones, try some of the creamier ivories and whites. These have a rich yellow undertone that will keep you from looking too flushed and red, and will complement your complexion.

If you’re a dark-skinned bride, almost any shade of white will look lovely against your skin. The only exception may be if you are dark-skinned with olive undertones—in that case, try to steer clear of yellow-ivory shades.

Filed under Fashion, Wedding Dresses

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