Category Archives: Fashion

A Guide to Bridesmaid Dress Fabrics and Finishes

a guide to bridesmaid dress fabrics and finishesChiffon, charmeuse and shantung have you in a swirl? Navigating bridesmaid dress fabrications can seem daunting, especially your first time. What exactly is peau de soie and for god’s sake what will it feel like? Here I present a tutorial in bridesmaid dress fabrics and finishes—it’s all you need to know to help you choose which finish is right for the styles you like or the type of event you’re planning.

First of all, there’s a difference between a fabric and a finish. Fabrics are cotton, silk, nylon, rayon or polyester, to name a few. Finishes are terms like chiffon, taffeta, and satin. It’s important to know the difference. Most people are more familiar with fabric than finish, so we’ll cover finishes here. If a dress is listed as “satin,” this does not mean it is made of silk. Synthetic fibers like polyester and rayon can easily take on a satin finish, so be sure to check closely before making a decision.

It’s also important to note that while the descriptions below give a general idea of each finish, the characteristics of the fabric can vary greatly based on the quality of fabric the retailer uses. Some satins will feel much smoother than others, just as some taffeta will be stiffer. That’s why it’s important to feel the fabric yourself before committing. Request a swatch to make sure it looks and feels the way you think (and hope) it will.

Chiffon

chiffon watters and jcrew bridesmaid dresses

Chiffon is very lightweight and flowing, meaning that it does not cling to the body and is very good for styles with a lot of draping, like dresses with empire waists. It can be a bit sheer, so you will often find it draped in multiple layers. Chiffon is a nice fabric for muted colors and pastels because it does not have a distinct sheen, allowing delicate colors come through. It can be found in regular or “crinkle” chiffon, meaning that the fabric will have a subtle accordion pleat. Chiffon is ideal for outdoor or daytime weddings, as its light weight will keep girls cool. (Dresses: Watters and J.Crew)

Georgette

georgette ann taylor and dessy bridesmaid dresses

Georgette is quite similar to chiffon in drape and feel. It is only slightly heavier than chiffon and a bit less sheer. It is ideal for outdoor or daytime weddings, as its light weight will keep girls cool. (Dresses: Ann Taylor and Dessy)

Voile

voile dessy and watters bridesmaid dresses

Voile has the draping power of chiffon, but with a subtle sheen and a bit more weight. It is most often applied to cottons or cotton blends, resulting in a lightweight, breathable fabric. It tends to have a sort of luminosity to it and is a bit sheer. It also has quite a bit more structure than a chiffon, making it good for full or A-line skirts. It is ideal for outdoor or daytime weddings and can appear a bit more casual than other fabrications. (Dresses: Dessy and Watters)

Cady

cady jcrew bridesmaid dresses

Cady has a nice balance of stretch and structure. Most often applied to cotton, this finish holds it shape well, but is quite smooth with a hint of stretch. It has a very minimal sheen, almost to the point of being matte. It is ideal for outdoor or daytime weddings and can appear a bit more casual than other fabrications. (Dresses: J.Crew)

Satin

satin after six and watters bridesmaid dresses

When we think of silk, the texture we normally envision is satin. In reality, silk can be rendered in almost any finish, but the adjective “silky” describes it in satin form. It is smooth and soft to the touch, and usually quite lightweight, though the degree of softness will vary across retailers. It tends to drape with the body, meaning it’s good for form-fitting styles, and it has a lot of movement (think twirling on the dance floor). Most satin has a subtle sheen, meaning it will catch the light slightly. Satin is best for formal or nighttime weddings. It should be avoided for events that will be held in high heat, as it shows sweat easily. (Dresses: After Six and Watters)

Charmeuse

charmeuse dessy and bari jay bridesmaid dresses

A cousin to satin, charmeuse has the same sheen and drape as satin, but is lighter and even a bit softer. Its sheen is a bit more muted and its drape a bit more liquid. It is best for formal or nighttime weddings. It should be avoided for events that will be held in high heat, as it shows sweat easily. (Dresses: Dessy and Bari Jay)

Peau De Soie

peau de soie alfred sung bridesmaid dresses

Also known as Duchess Satin. As its second name implies, peau de soie is similar to satin, but more structured. It has the medium weight and smooth feel of satin, but a bit more stiffness, which lends it to being used in a wide variety of styles. It is also much less shiny than satin or charmeuse, bordering on matte. It is best for formal or nighttime weddings. It should be avoided for events that will be held in high heat, as it shows sweat easily. (Dresses: Alfred Sung)

Mikado

Mikado dresses from Alfred Sung and Watters

This stiffer, blended fabric has a heavier weight, making it an ideal choice for structured dresses. It has a slight sheen, similar to peau de soie, but also a subtle texture. Mikado is commonly thought of as a winter fabric. (Dresses: Alfred Sung and Watters)

Dupioni

dupioni watters and alfred sung bridesmaid dresses

Dupioni tends to be stiff and hold its shape, making it good for dresses with a bit of volume or with structural pleats. However, this means that it’s difficult to alter the shape of the dress, even with ironing, so if it poofs in places you don’t want it to poof, it’s going to stay that way. It is made from raw fibers, which results in a bit of a grain in the fabric that looks like tiny textural horizontal lines. It also feels a bit rough to the touch because of the raw fibers, but it holds vibrant colors very well. Dupioni has a strong sheen, which can really make a color pop. In my opinion this fabric tends to look better in photographs than it does in real life. It is versatile enough to work for day or night weddings, but does tend to look more formal. (Dresses: Watters and Alfred Sung)

Taffeta

taffeta watters and jcrew bridesmaid dressesTaffeta is very similar to dupioni in weight and structure. The fabric is crisp and a bit weighty and holds its shape very well. However, the major difference between these two finishes is in the appearance and feel of the fabric. While dupioni appears textured, taffeta is very smooth and more tightly woven. Taffeta’s sheen will depend very much on the lighting. In dim or natural lighting, the material can appear almost matte, but in bright or studio lighting (like your photographer may use) the fabric can come off quite shiny. It is versatile enough to work for day or night weddings, but does tend to look more formal. (Dresses: Watters and J.Crew)

Faille

Faille fabric: J.Crew and Weddington Way

Like dupioni and taffeta, faille holds its shape well, making it good for dresses with a bit of volume or with structural pleats. However, this means that it’s difficult to alter the shape of the dress, even with ironing, so if it poofs in places you don’t want it to poof, it’s going to stay that way. It has a much subtler sheen than both dupioni and taffeta, but still has texture—in this case, a subtle ribbed quality. This finish can be applied to many fabrics, from  silk and cotton to rayon and viscose, so it’s a good idea to request a swatch to get the exact feeling of the dress. It is versatile enough to work for day or night weddings, and its subtle sheen makes it almost seasonless. (Dresses: J.Crew and Weddington Way)

Shantung

shantung wtoo and jenny yoo bridesmaid dresses

I think of shantung as kind of a midway between dupioni and taffeta. It has the same crisp, structured feeling and heft as both fabrics. It is not as finely woven as taffeta, but has less texture than dupioni. It is versatile enough to work for day or night weddings, but does tend to look more formal. (Dresses: Wtoo and Jenny Yoo)

Jersey

jersey two birds and jcrew bridesmaid dresses

A stretchy fabric with an easy drape, jersey is most often seen in casual clothing like T-shirts, but can occasionally be seen in bridesmaid dresses. It has a matte finish, but a very soft feel and a lot of bounce and swing. Best for casual weddings and perfect for the outdoors. (Dresses: Two Birds and J.Crew)

Curious about fabrications not listed here? Please leave questions in the comments and I’ll try my best to answer! What did you think of bridesmaid dress finishes you’ve worn? Which would you recommend and which do you never (ever) want to wear again?

a guide to bridesmaid dress fabrics and finishes

Featured image via: Style Me Pretty. Dress retailers listed in image names.

Fashion Friday

Confession: When it comes to lace, I can’t resist. So I was super excited to see this new collection of lacy little numbers from Watters. From the slim and sexy one-shoulder to the sweetheart neckline with a flowing A-line skirt, there’s a silhouette for every body shape in your bridal party. There are even separates! The best part? The colors, including the lining, lace and ribbons, are completely customizable. Pick and play on Watter’s website. Perfection.
watter lace collectionwatters lace colletion A-line navywatter lace collection v-neck 1. Camilla and Gardenia 2. Hydrangea 3. Iris

Gift Guide: Fashionistas and World Travelers

fashion and travel ultimate bridesmaid gift guide Fashionistas: 1 Liberty Crystal Braid Bracelet | 2 Embroidered Clutch | 3 Flocked Penguins Cardigan | 4 Happy Socks | 5 Hepcat Shades | 6 Fair Isle Leggings | 7 Printed Briefcase

World Travelers: 1 Backup Battery for iPhone | 2 Scratch Off World Map | 3 I Was Here: A Travel Journal for the Curious Minded

Fashion Friday

This week’s Fashion Friday brings you one dress…sort of. We’re all familiar with the concept of the wrap dress—a one-size-fits-most style that can be tucked and tied to create unique silhouettes for each bridesmaid. Generally quite flattering on any body type, the wrap dress is versatile and a dress you’re likely to get a bit of use out of since it can styled to fit your occasion. But not all wrap dresses are equal. I was struck by the gorgeous color palette and added textures and patterns in these “octopus” dresses from Coralie Beatrix. She knows just when to sneak in some ruffles or flounces and lots of the dresses come in two-tone options that make them feel special and singular. The lovely photo shoot didn’t hurt, I admit. The dresses start at $79 and run to about $100, with some exceptions.


Save Our Heels!

We’ve all had the experience of sinking heel-deep in the grass at an outdoor wedding. You want to rock your cherry-red heels, but you don’t want to lose a shoe while walking down the aisle or spend the entire ceremony balanced lightly on your toes. Well, problem solved!

This Arizona couple set out stepping stones for each member of the bridal party. Brides take note! This is a fantastic idea—and it looks pretty cute too! You can check out their full wedding shoot here, complete with some darling personalized bridesmaid champagne flutes.

Photography: Danielle Daigle Photography

Bridesmaid Gifts from Lydali

I’m super excited to bring you a roundup of bridesmaid gifts from Lydali, a line of global handmade goods that connects you with artistans in developing countries around the globe. Oh, and it just so happens to be cofounded by my freshmen-year roommate, Ali Price! I’m so happy to see Ali’s business taking off and super impressed with the gorgeous collection she and her business partner (and fellow Wake Forest grad) Lydia Harter have curated. Here are a few of my favorite items, which would all be beautiful (and socially conscious) gifts for brides to give their maids. Ali was also nice enough to share a little about how her business got started, her tips for others hoping to do the same, and even a few special memories from her own wedding. Check out her interview below!

These banana bark and fabric bangles are absolutely stunning and highly stackable. Each bangle is handmade in Tanzania, where women peel the bark from the trees, treat it, then turn it into bangles with the help of colorful locally produced fabrics. $35 for a set of three

These soft cotton clutches handmade in Guatemala make perfect makeup bags or pouches for bridesmaid emergency kits. I particularly love the coral diamond print and the two-tone tassels. $24

I couldn’t resist adding a second set of clutches because they made me think about needlepoint in a new way. I’ve always associated this craft with bygone eras, but seeing it here in modern colors and striking florals (gotta love the pomegranate flower!) made me swoon. The bags come straight to you from a folk art fair in Uzbekistan. $25

I’ve always been a sucker for a leather-bound book and this one is no exception. These 40-page honey-colored journals are made by women in Northern India and the proceeds go to funding literacy in the region. $15

UB: So tell me about starting Lydali! How did you get the idea?

Ali: I was in Bali last year and I started talking to one of my friends who lived in Bali and was working with artisans there. She was employing talented people to make really beautiful jewelry and accessories, but she was having trouble finding a market for their products outside of friends and family. I had experience working with artisans in Kenya, and I knew that my friend’s issue was common—small groups of artisans were making really unique products with great stories behind them, but no one knew about it. I puzzled over that problem for the rest of my time in Indonesia, and then when I was on the 16-hour flight back to San Francisco, I came up with the idea for a store that housed a well-curated collection of artisan-made products from all over the world. Back in San Francisco, I talked to my buyer friend Lydia Harter about it, and she immediately signed on. A few months later, we launched Lydali.

UB: Can you tell me about how you track down these amazing artisans?

Ali: We have a couple of different ways of connecting with artisans, but most of the connections happen through friends and friends of friends. One of my favorite connections came from having my family friend, Jay, and his wife, Diana, who had just moved to the Bay Area over for brunch. They had been living in Haiti for the past few years, and Diana had been working with women who were amputees as a result of the 2010 earthquake. She helped to train the women to sew and make bags and hair accessories, and I loved the story and the products. A few weeks after the brunch, we had their products up on Lydali! (Here they are, if you want to see.)

UB: Do you have any advice for young women trying to set up an online business?

Ali: I was a little bit intimidated by the prospect of setting up an online business. Don’t be afraid to go for it, and once you start taking steps to make it happen, things start feeling easier. I reached out to anyone and everyone who was doing something even vaguely related and had conversations with them. So many great learnings came out of talking to others who had started businesses themselves or worked in similar fields. We also were really lucky to have lots of talented friends who wanted to help, so we had friends styling our products, taking photos, writing copy for our website, and helping us find more artisans to work with. Think about the talent you have around you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

UB: Since this is a bridesmaid blog, I have to throw in a wedding question! Can you share a special memory from your own wedding?

Ali: So, I mentioned that I worked with artisan women in Kenya when I was in college. Well, for my wedding, they sent me this hilariously awful pink plastic ring box that played music for our rings to be carried in for the ceremony. It clashed completely with my style and the style of the wedding, but it was such a sweet thing for them to think to send. We didn’t use it for the actual wedding, but we did bring it out beforehand for pictures so that I could thank the women for the thoughtful gift. (I attached the only picture of it I could find, which doesn’t really capture the true ugliness of this thing!)

Real Bridesmaid Reviews

Dress: David’s Bridal Style 83707

What she thought: This bridesmaid has had a history of trouble with strapless dresses, as you’ll see in her previous review. Luckily, this dress didn’t let her down (literally). “Though this dress didn’t stay up as well as the Alfred Angelo dress, it was much better than some other strapless dresses that I have worn. I was able to get away with not altering it, although maybe a few alterations would have made it fit a tiny bit tighter in the chest.” Overall, Claire enjoyed wearing this sleek charmeuse dress and David Bridal’s low prices didn’t hurt. “The price was great (only $99), the ruching was slimming and the dress had pockets—who doesn’t love that?” In fact, Claire enjoyed wearing this dress so much that she’s worn it to a few other weddings, and it even made her top 3 when she was choosing bridesmaid dresses for her own wedding!