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Go wns that won't let you down

Shoulder coverage, slim silhouettes and sleeves are among the hottest trends for brides.

BY SANDY DUNHAM

Seattle Times

While a strapless gown is still classic for the stylish bride, this is the year of new up-top options -- from halters and spaghetti straps to short, sassy cap sleeves and even elegant full-length ones. That means support, shoulder coverage and a precious sense of security are suddenly chic.

"A lot of customers say they don't want a strapless gown," said Linda Shaps-Shanin, a vice president at David's Bridal. "Whether it's for religious reasons, or to have their shoulders covered, or they're afraid of lifting it up constantly, they want to feel comfortable that it's not going to fall down."

You may now kiss the bridal industry.

They finally get it -- and now they've got oodles of cool alternative necklines.

Here's how to pull it all together, with the year's hottest wedding-fashion trends:

The mermaid gown

"The slim silhouette is going to be very, very important," Shaps-Shanin said; so important, it's moving in on the traditional billowy ball gown. Wedding gowns are taking on a Hollywood red-carpet attitude, she said -- much more "fashion-forward, trendy, ready-to-wear inspired." And, just like Hollywood, oh-so-skinny.

Dramatic hemlines

Further proof that the ball gown has competition: "From short and flirty cocktail dresses to high-low gowns (short in front and long in back), skirts are getting more creative," said Oscar Hopkins, co-owner of Marcella's La Boutique in downtown Seattle.

Look for gowns with ruffles, tiers, slits, bubble hems and asymmetry.

All-over color

Though brides (and designers) still love colorful accessories with a white gown (black is especially chic), they're taking it even further this year.

"The look is head-to-toe color, with gowns in gorgeous shades of platinum, champagne, blush pink and ice blue," Hopkins said.

Seattle couture designer Luly Yang, who "absolutely loves using color," is especially fond of diamond white. "Off-white is more natural and flattering to anyone's skin than bright paper white," she said.

Softer fabrics

Another bridal bastion takes a hit: the omnipresent satin gown.

"Satin has been the mainstay for years and years and years," Shaps-Shanin said. But now it's making way for softer, less-formal fabrics.

"It's like a goddess look," she said. "Very drapey in the front, very flowy and driven by chiffon or crinkle chiffon -- more fluid fabric."

Fluid, yes -- and easier to haul around, too.

Textures

Embellishment, embroidery and details are popping like champagne corks at an open bar. One of Shaps-Shanin's favorite new textures is a soft floral "burnout pattern." "The fabric is literally burned, so some of it is shiny, some flat."

Other interesting ways to add dimension, Hopkins said: "Swiss-dot, embroidery, striped jacquard, beading, polka dots, velvet, tulle flowers, organza ruffles and even raffia are being used this season."

Still need that "something borrowed"? Hit up that groovy aunt who got married in the '80s. Yes, taffeta is hip again.

"Last year was the first time taffeta dresses started growing in importance," Shaps-Shanin said. "Now it's definitely growing" -- especially when it has some "skirt interest," such as folding or draping. Hopkins said pleats and ruching, too, add great detail to a simpler fabric such as taffeta.

About those sleeves

Mind you, we're not talking polar-fleece intensity, but more "a translucent romantic veil to cover part of the arm, or as a design element," Yang said. "When sleeves are light and sheer, it allows the gown to keep its youthful lines."

Shaps-Shanin is so sold on sleeves, she invented 10 different options that can be attached with a hook and eye to any strapless gown -- and removed at will.