Many brides go to their first bridal salon with dreams of finding the perfect, fairytale wedding gown and are soon disappointed. They try on gown after gown that are beautiful on the hangers but just don’t have the perfection the bride dreams about when they slip into them. They know something isn’t quite right but they can’t put their finger on it. If this has happened to you, consider that it may not be 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 when you’re wearing unrelieved white. There are, however, many shades of white and cream that are lovely for wedding gowns and are 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, consider talking to a fashion color consultant, who will not only advise you on what shade or shade is appropriate for your gown, but can guide you in all of your fashion choices. If not, take an honest look at skin tone and let that be your guide.
If you have very fair skin, warm shades of white with a touch of yellow in them will add some warmth and glow to the skin. A stark white will only wash you out.
Medium skin tones can go two ways. 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 the next shade off from pure, stark white.
If you have medium skin that is pinker or has blue undertones, try some of the richer, creamier ivories and whites. These will have a rich yellow undertone and keep you from looking too flushed and red and will compliment your complexion.
