When Barbara Terry married her husband, Viv, she went to her local department store and bought a little white dress with a snug skirt that came down just to the knee. She threw on a simple veil and called it a day. Barbara is my grandmother and the year was 1945. Yep, sixty-five years ago, ladies. As my grandmother says, “I had nice legs, why not show them off?”
If Barbara could rock a short dress on her big day all those years ago, there’s no reason any bride should fear the disappearing hemline.
Personally, I think short dresses add a welcome whimsy and carefree quality to the festivities, and I can’t imagine a better set-up for getting down on the dance floor. In honor of Barbara, who is 88 years young next week, let’s celebrate the short wedding dress.
If your gams are game, check out these sassy styles from some of our favorite designers:
Calvin Klein Petal Appliqué Dress -Scattered petals and pearly beads grace a lustrous satin dress with a pleated, figure defining Empire waist. Subtle ruching details the back of the wide straps.
Adrianna Papell One Shoulder Ruched Rosette Dress – Ruffled rosettes edge the one-shoulder neckline of a slender sheath dress, richly textured with ruching all over.
BCBGMAXAZRIA Strapless Appliqué Dress – Raw-edged fabric and tulle flowers embellish a divine dress, boned for a shapely fit. Netting gives the skirt volume.
Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Chiffon & Satin Sheath Dress – Charmeuse petals lushly texture the neckline of an elegant dress with a chiffon bodice and satin skirt. Ruching throughout helps to flatter the figure.
Eliza J Rosette Trim Shantung Dress – A trio of rhinestone-studded rosettes details the ruched Empire waist on a sweet fit-and-flare dress, lined with tulle under the pleated skirt for extra volume.
Maggy London Tie Waist Metallic Sheath Dress – A gorgeous silk charmeuse sash accentuates the waist of a V-neck dress fashioned from floral lace with an iridescent sheen.
Sue Wong Embellished Strapless Sheath Dress – A stunning sheath is embellished with rhinestones, sequins, faux pearls, soutache and ribbon, providing elegant texture to the look.
Taking a cue from Barbara and consider a sassy short dress! Many local bridal boutiques have some fab short dresses — be sure to check them out!
All these dresses in this blog post are available at Nordstrom. 1651 Arden Way in the Arden Fair Mall. 916-646-2400, www.shop.nordstrom.com
Blog post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.
Photos courtesy of Nordstrom
