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Going with prints for bridesmaids' dresses

By Julie Gordon, Special Sections Editor | Julie.gordon@am-ny.com

June 19, 2007

Prints have been covering everything from skirts to jackets to shoes lately. So why not bring the trend to bridesmaids' dresses?

Sure, the classic arguments exist: Patterns can be overwhelming, prints may grab attention away from the bride, the photos may look too busy. But there are ways to avoid these issues and bring a modern twist to the often tired look of bridesmaids' dresses.

The key to creating coordination among several women is choosing the right print, which should be simple and relatively understated.

"I have a picture of my aunt's wedding from 1987 with crazy floral dresses. It's so dated," said Coren Moore, president of Coren Moore Inc., which makes bridesmaids' dresses. "[Today] it has to be a subtle print."

This season, florals and '60s-inspired geometric shapes are huge. A dress with an all-over pattern should have an ivory or white base, which can bring out the main color in the print without overwhelming a bridesmaid.

For florals, the best silhouettes are '50s-style dresses with full skirts (3/4 length), chemise A-lines and pieces that drape and have soft layers, said bridal gown designer Giovanni Ravello. He added that patterns usually look best on cotton, sateen and chiffon.

A subtler option is a tone-on-tone color palette with a simple damask or floral pattern. Try copper on gold, navy on midnight blue, dark gray on silver or burgundy on deep red.

Or, try a pop of print. An accent -- such as a sash, belt or design under the bustline or at the hemline -- allows for louder, brighter colors and a busier pattern.

"A sash is great. You can go crazy and do whatever you want," Moore said.

Just don't try hot pink hearts. We got over that design in 1987.