In order to stay comfortable and fashionable throughout the sunny days of summer, a fabulous white dress is a must-have. Whether you prefer romantic prairie styles, casual options, or a timeless slip dress – white dresses for women are perfect for every summer occasion. You can find easy and stylish options for your new favorite summer wardrobe essentials.
Mant believes that white clothing is only appropriate on some days, but there is still something incredibly festive about wearing white during the summer months. Whether it is a stylish pair of white jeans or an effortless white dress, they are just some perfect white dresses for women.
The ease and elegance of a white outfit make it a summer essential for any occasion. From an all-white party to a casual beach barbecue – any white dress is just good to go. Furthermore, the simplicity of a white dress serves as the perfect canvas for accessorizing. You can pair it with colorful jewelry or a chic square-toe heel, allowing endless styling possibilities. Keep reading to discover why white dresses for women have become a common practice.
White Dress is the Centerpiece of any Wardrobe
The white dress is a staple piece that represents purity, goodness, and innocence. It has a calming and angelic effect, making it a popular choice for Western wear and interior design. Many people are drawn to the simplicity and elegance of white in their everyday lives.
If you’re one of these people, you will be happy to know that there are many options for white dresses for women available. These dresses can elevate your wardrobe and complement your personal style. Whether you prefer a casual or formal look, the white dress is a versatile piece that will never go out of style.
Why Do Brides Wear White?
Although many people associate white dresses with weddings, this is not always the case. Brides from non-Western cultures often choose to wear different colors for their ceremonies – in China and India, for instance, red is considered the most auspicious shade. Additionally, the tradition of wearing a white dress for weddings is relatively recent in Western culture.
Cornelia Powell, a fashion historian, explains that the current practice of brides wearing white dresses is actually a relatively recent development. You may think it has been around forever. But that is not the case. Like many things in history, it became popular due to fortuitous timing.
If you are starting to look for your wedding outfit – it can be useful to understand the origins of the popular but optional tradition of brides wearing white.
Contrary to popular belief, the tradition of wearing a white wedding dress is a relatively recent phenomenon. Yes, that is less than two centuries old. Its origin is rooted in a variety of factors, including symbolism, economics, cultural norms, mythology, and of course, fashion.
The History and Meaning of the White Wedding Dress
For the majority of history, the primary purpose of marriage was not based on romantic love. But instead, marriage was based on factors such as family connections, business arrangements, and political alliances.
As a result, extravagant wedding celebrations were usually reserved for nobility. It offered a glimpse into the past and potentially influenced the wider society. According to Powell, it is true that many bridal gowns can be traced back to royalty.
While some ancient rulers in Egypt, Rome, and Greece did wear white pleated linens for weddings. For centuries, such attire was typical for brides to wear their best dress for the occasion. Philippa of England, in 1406, was the first recorded bride to wear a white wedding dress. However, after that, it was not until Queen Victoria’s wedding to Prince Albert in 1840 that this trend indeed caught on.
It was indeed true that Victoria is primarily credited with bringing the white wedding dress into fashion. It became a full-fledged Western tradition then. During the most conservative period, wedding dresses had the same cut and style as everyday clothes.
But with time, as fashion grew more casual and gender-fluid in the 60s and 70s, a white dress represented an indication of the older eras and customs. By then, so much was changing in street fashion – women were wearing pants. So came the gown, which did not represent your day-to-day wardrobe. So slowly, the white gown came to stand alone as a dress of ritual and ceremony, not as a dress of fashion.
White Dresses For Women – Today
In modern times, white wedding dresses are a fusion of both contemporary fashion and traditional customs. Their designs often reflect and draw inspiration from what is seen on red carpets and runways.
Nevertheless, the long-standing practice of wearing the dress only once and keeping it distinct from a bride’s everyday wardrobe remains prevalent. As a result, many brides opt to preserve their wedding gowns as precious family heirlooms for generations to come.
Wedding Gown As a Fashion
Wedding dresses in the 19th century were not exactly what we consider “white” today. Due to the lack of bleaching agents for fabrics at the time. The color was more of a creamy shade.
Nowadays, dressmakers use dyes to create a variety of shades, such as buttercream, French vanilla, oyster, champagne, and alabaster. However, different dressmakers may use other names for the same color. Interestingly, one woman’s champagne-colored dress may appear light gold to someone else.
When choosing the color of your wedding dress, it is vital to take into account your hair and skin tones. For example, stark white can sometimes appear bluish. Yes, spark white is most flattering on brides with dark hair, eyes, and skin.
On the other hand, ivory complements redheads and fair-skinned brides. So, choosing a color that flatters your natural features is best.
In the United States, white is the most common color for wedding dresses. With few brides opting for alternative colors. However, in China, red wedding dresses are quite popular as the color is believed to bring wealth. Those who do choose to go for non-white dresses like pink, red, or black are often expressing their unique personality. Such brides want to stand out and make a statement on their special day by wearing a dress that may feature pink or red hues.
Do Wedding Dresses Have to be White?
Modern couples have been personalizing some aspects of their Western weddings. The traditional white wedding dress remains a popular choice. According to a 2018 survey, 83 percent of brides still chose a white wedding gown. In contrast, the figure was 92 percent in the previous year.
Many brides still honor the tradition of wearing a white wedding dress. However, only a few understand the history behind why it is synonymous with exchanging vows.
It is important to note that white wedding dresses are primarily a Western tradition. However, brides from other cultures often wear various vibrant colors. Surprisingly, the white wedding dress is a relatively recent trend when considering the timeline of fashion throughout history.
The white wedding dress has indeed been popular for some time. Fashion is constantly evolving. While white and its variations may still be in vogue, color is gradually making a comeback in mainstream bridal fashion. Perhaps one day, white will be the last color a bride chooses. But it is worth exploring why white has remained so enduring for now.
Alternatives to a White Wedding Dress
While full white, floor-length dresses are the typical choice for Western weddings. However, it is essential to note that various other options are available. Below are a few alternative approaches to consider:
1 A blush gown. A blush gown is an excellent alternative to the traditional white dress. Over the past decade, pink hues have become increasingly popular in bridal attire, offering a more feminine option for those looking for something different.
2 A champagne gown. By making this subtle tweak, you can opt for a darker shade of cream that still exudes a formal and celebratory vibe. This alternative can add a touch of uniqueness while still maintaining a traditional feel.
3 A suit or tuxedo. As you know, something is compelling – and very cool about this twist on formal wedding wear.
4 A jumpsuit. It is the perfect choice for the bride who likes to have fun with fashion.
5 A short wedding dress. Consider a short wedding dress for those playful and flirty brides out there. Opting for a midi or above-the-knee length dress is a fun way to showcase your personality and provide ample opportunity to show off your beautiful shoes.
Read similar articles on black dress, long dresses for women, cotton dress, white dress, ladies dress, velvet fabric, bridal dresses, maxi dresses, bridal lehenga, knitted dress, georgette fabric, lehenga designs, Arabic dress, Arabic gown, long sleeve maxi dress, ruffle dress, seasonal dress, satin fabric, womens clothing, maternity dress, and more.
Leave a Reply