Left: The Duchess of Cambridge by Hugo Burnand / Right: Olivia Palermo — Oliviapalermo.com
by Karen Whybro
One of the most common things we are asked for at the boutique is a dress with sleeves. Thank goodness for Kate Middleton who brought sleeves back in a big way! And since Olivia Palermo showed us that covering up doesn’t have to mean dressing down, wedding dresses with sleeves have been a huge hit. With so much choice out there right now, how do you choose a sleeve which will suit you and your wedding?
Think fabric and vary length
There’s more than one type of sleeve and the choice of length and fabric can change the look entirely. From half cap to full length, the length of sleeve can change the feel and appearance of a gown and the bride within. If, like a great deal of women, your arms aren’t the favourite part of your body, where a sleeve ends will affect how you look and feel on the day.
Monique Lhuillier dress by The Chriselle Factor via Bridal Musings
All things lacy
Lace sleeves are hugely popular right now but consider the type of lace and the length of the sleeve to vary the look. A heavy lace down to your wrist may not be the best option for a hot summer wedding, whereas a floaty cap sleeve could work perfectly. A scalloped edge is always a winner with a half cap sleeve (as shown here on the pretty Claire dress from Mooshki). Button details on a full length sleeve is classic and so beautiful.
Claire dress from Mooshki available to buy from Rock The Frock (image by Kerrie Mitchell Photography)
Short and Sassy
Rock The Frock brides mostly don’t want a strapless dress and prefer to feel elegant and modest for their wedding. There’s never been a better time to opt for sleeves and the difference between sleeveless and having some fabric on your shoulders is critical to feeling comfortable and confident on the day. A sleeve doesn’t have to be tight or stifling. Temperley’s Twinkle dress (below) is effortlessly beautiful and the sleeve detail is both unique and elegant.
Temperley’s Twinkle dress
Mid length
Following the rules of dressing for body shape, a cap sleeve will cut your arm off at its widest part. This might not be the most flattering for all body shapes so consider taking that sleeve down to the elbow for a more sophisticated look. It will also draw attention to your waist area which is great with a cinched in waisted dress. The delightful Darla from Mooshki shows just how beautiful a half sleeve can look.
Darla dress from Mooshki available to buy from Rock The Frock (image by Kerrie Mitchell Photography)
Long and lovely
Three quarter sleeves are generally the most flattering and look super glamorous. The 8695 by Justin Alexander is a great example of a classic gown with that elegant three quarter sleeve. The perfect way to stay warm and cosy for a winter wedding without having to worry about a cover-up or bolero.
8695 by Justin Alexander
Full length
The epitome of chic, Olivia Palermo showed us all how a full length sleeve is sensationally elegant and classically sophisticated. Caroline Herrera continues to present long sleeves in her 2015 collection but paired with a lower neckline to show how you don’t have to be neck to wrist in fabric to maintain the modesty.
Claudette by Caroline Herrera
Thank you Karen from Rock The Frock – some great ideas here! Are you planning on incorporating sleeves into your wedding day look? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below.
If you want to pick Karen Whybro’s brain on more ideas for wedding dresses, visit her at:
Rock The Frock bridal boutique
First Floor, Cromwell House
Battlesbridge Antique Centre
Battlesbridge, Essex SS11 7RF
+44 (0)1268 661982
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