Over halfway through the year, can you believe it? I just returned from some Independence Day festivities in Florida where I did lots of people-watching in Miami and West Palm Beach. Super fun!
It just reminded me that there are a lot of hot styles that generated buzz around the first of the year, that I noticed are still super relevant and could be fun to use in your upcoming wedding.
1. Chevrons and Bold Stripes - It seems like we just can't get enough of these bold, preppy patterns. Whether it's a delicate herringbone paired up with lace, or black and white stripes with bright color accents, there's something about chevrons and bold stripes that just makes me go ooh!
Photo: Carla Ten Eyck; Coordination: Jubilee Events; via The White Dress by the Shore
Photo: Avery House; Jesi Haack Design; via 100 Layer Cake
2. Colorblocking - Yes, the 80s trend is back, but this time it's more layered and less Mondrian-esque. Look for styles incorporating similar color families and sherbet brights.
Twobirds Bridesmaid Gowns, photo by Trent Bailey
Chuchu Suarez's street style featured on Chicismo.
3. Envelope clutch purses - I say avoid the giant ones that dwarf your body type, but there are so many sweet styles out there that can go with the wedding gown or bridesmaid's outfit. And of course, there are chevron ones too!
Neutral envelope clutch purse by Harlex on Etsy
BCBG Max Azria "Harlow" envelope clutch
Edie Parker acrylic clutch purses via This Is Glamourous
4. Ombré - varying shades of the same color can make a big impact, whether in a gown, a cake, or somewhere else in the decor scheme.
Christian Dior couture gown via The Simply Luxurious Life Blog
Peach ombré cake via Martha Stewart Weddings
(The ombré cake craze is well documented in this post by Polka Dot Bride.)
5. Maxi dresses - Not every formal, long bridesmaid gown is really what I think of as the hot "maxi dress" of 2012. I'm thinking, the long, flowy, goddess-y dresses that make your bridesmaids look like romantic figures in an 18th-century painting...
Kay Unger gowns on the bridesmaids; Photo by Aaron Delesie via Style Me Pretty
What do you think? Will these styles and trends hold up through the rest of the year and in the years to come, as we look back at the wedding photos? Are you using any of these in your Portland wedding? Or are there any styles or trends that you are (gasp!) getting a little tired of? Please share your comments.
I love the bold stripes and color blocking, great article thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Andre Blais | August 01, 2012 at 11:25 PM
I truly agree with you that 80's trend is back and you can see most of the families wearing the dress of the same color.
Posted by: Wedding Planning | August 13, 2012 at 11:11 PM
Beautiful flowing gown – the bride looks so elegant.
Posted by: mysticalmomentsindia | September 20, 2012 at 09:20 AM
Out of all the things associated on this blog, I liked the wedding outfits and dresses the most.
Posted by: Jenny Richards | January 29, 2013 at 12:39 AM